Catch the Elf 5k & 10k
- Date
- December 19, 2026
- Location
- 4000 W 155th St, Markham, IL
- Distance
- Catch the Elf 5k · Catch the Elf 10k
From the Organizer
Join us for the Inaugural Catch the Elf race on December 20th. This Christmas themed race benefits the Toy Box Connection Children's Charity.
Date and Location: December 19, 202 at NEW LOCATION IN 2026- TBA
Race Format: Each race (the 5k and the 10k) will have its own race elf. The elf will get a one minute thirty second head start. If you finish before the elf, you will win a special prize!
Awards: Each chip timed race will have awards for the Top 3 overall as well as the top 3 males and females in various age groups.
Santa's Presence: Santa will be on site to hear Children's Christmas Wishes.
Secret Santa: Drop off a $15 or less running related gift to choose a secret Santa gift after your race.
Secret Santa Participation
Anyone interested in participating in our secret Santa can bring a small (value of $10-$15) running related gift. Turn it in, wrapped, at packet pickup, and you will get a special sticker on your bib to allow you to pick from the secret Santa pile after the race. First come, first serve. No exchanging of gifts after you have chosen one.
Race Start Time: Both races will start at 9:00 AM
Packet Pickup: Packet pickup will be held on Friday, December 18th as well as race morning starting at 7:30 AM.
Friday packet pickup will be at Running for Kicks, 7158 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights from Noon to 6pm.
Gear Check: We will have a gear check. We request that you keep all valuables in a safe location.
Awards Pickup: There will not be an awards ceremony. If you finish in the top 3 in your age group, please pick up your award before leaving the race site.
Results and Shirts
Live Results: Live results will be available online at www.ilpreptoptiming.com.
Shirts: A long sleeve shirt is included with your registration fee.
For the Kids
Santa's Visit: Santa will make a special visit to hear kids Christmas wishes.
Kids Race: There will be a kids race for those 8 and younger.
About Toy Box Connection
How Toy Box Connection Works: www.toyboxconnection.com
Mission: Our mission is to connect children in need with toys and books.
Operation: We accept new and used toy/book donations and redistribute them to children through other non-profits.
Community Engagement: We conduct fundraising events to support our mission and improve literacy scores in schools.
Future Programs: We hope to initiate an Athletes Work Program for high school students.
Contributions on Race Day
While Toy Box Connection will never turn down donated gifts, they request gift cards from Amazon or Target to help them purchase gifts that match their demand. If you wish to donate, Legos are a great gift, as they are neither age nor gender restricted.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
35°
Typical Low
21°
Chance of Rain
34%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Park Forest, 7 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Markham, IL
Population
11,434
as of 2023
Elevation
613 ft
Nearest Airport
MDW
Chicago Midway International Airport · 13 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Catch the Elf 5k & 10k, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near Markham, IL
BEAT THE BRIDGE 5K CHALLENGE - 1911 Initiative Scholarship run/walk
5K
7 miles away
Tails on the Trail 5K & 1-Mile Wag & Walk
5K
7 miles away
Blue Bridges 5K
5K
4 miles away
St. Veronica 6k Run/Walk for Scholarships
6 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The 10K is the distance where running stops feeling like a starting point and starts feeling like a sport. Long enough to require a real training block. Short enough that race day is fully manageable for a first-timer who's put in the work.
Race day energy at a 10K is community at its best — strangers cheering you by name, people moving toward the same goal, an atmosphere that solo training can't replicate. It's fast enough that you'll spend the whole race pushing rather than managing your effort.
This is also the distance that builds the base for everything else. Most athletes who go on to run half marathons, do triathlons, or compete in HYROX started here. What you need: running shoes fitted to your stride, a training plan, and the race on your calendar. The registration is what makes the deadline real.
How long to train: 4–8 weeks for most fitness levels.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Catch the Elf 5k & 10k?
- Catch the Elf 5k & 10k is a running race held in Markham, Illinois on December 19, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Catch the Elf 5k & 10k?
- Saturday, December 19, 2026 in Markham, Illinois at 4000 W 155th St, Markham, IL. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Catch the Elf 5k & 10k?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Catch the Elf 5k & 10k
Dec 19, 2026