Run Elf Run!
Run Elf Run! is a running race on December 5, 2026 in Pontiac, MI, with entry fees from $10 to $30.
- Date
- December 5, 2026 (135 days to go)
- Location
- 1 S. Saginaw St., Pontiac, MI
- Price
- $10–$30
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
RUN ELF RUN!
Run/walk begins at 8:00 am, prior to the 45th annual Holiday Extravaganza Parade!
Downtown Pontiac
START LINE located at the corner of Saginaw and Pike in downtown Pontiac
PACKET PICK UP will be inside the 7 North building (7 N. Saginaw St.), located between The Fillmore 13 Brewery and Kegger Burger.
Pre-Race: Friday December 4th, 3 pm - 7 pm. Race Morning: December 5th 6:30 am - 8:00 am.
Join in the holiday spirit and be part of a 45 year tradition in downtown Pontiac--the heart of Oakland County--prior to the annual Holiday Extravaganza parade, a collaboration with the communities of Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Waterford, and White Lake.
All participants for the 5K race will receive a...
- Finisher's medal
- Run Elf Run long sleeve T-shirt
- Race bib
- Finish line refreshments
- +21 - Beer and Pretzel*
The overall male and female 5K winners will receive a certificate for a FREE pair of running shoes ($180 maximum value) from Runnin' Gear in Waterford! 1st, 2nd & 3rd overall males and females get a unique Run Elf Run candy cane trophy. All age group winners (10 year increments) will also take home a candy cane trophy!! *candy cane trophies are replicas, not for human (or elf) consumption!*
Kids, help Santa and The Grinch catch the Gingerbread Man in the Santa Kids' Run! This 0.25 mile event will follow the 5K and begin at 9:00 am. All registered children will earn a medal, a Scholastic book and an ice cream treat courtesy of Mikey's Ice Cream and Candy. Be sure to stick around with the kids because we've moved the WinterFUN Festival earlier this year. The WinterFUN Festival will commence at 10:00 am with many activities for the kids to enjoy before the real excitement starts with the parade!
* Post-race beer and pretzel will be available at The Fillmore 13 Brewery until 10:00am. The Fillmore 13 is located at 7 N. Saginaw, in sight of the finish line. To claim your beer and pretzel you must present your ID to the brewery staff. A soft drink can be claimed in lieu of the beer.
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
40°
Typical Low
27°
Chance of Rain
38%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Pontiac Wwtp, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Pontiac, MI
Population
61,914
as of 2023
City Elevation
957 ft
Nearest Airport
DTW
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport · 30 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Run Elf Run!, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
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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.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
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Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Pontiac than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to PontiacFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Run Elf Run!
Dec 5, 2026