In 65 days · Sat, Dec 5, 2026
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Saturday, December 5th, 2026
1 S. Saginaw St., Pontiac MI
5K
28–39°F · low rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 1 of the last 10 years
2025
7–25°F
dry
2024
20–31°F
dry
2023
29–37°F
dry
2022
26–41°F
dry
2021
32–43°F
rain
2020
28–37°F
dry
2019
30–37°F
dry
2018
24–33°F
dry
2017
30–56°F
dry
2016
29–42°F
dry
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About this race
Race Overview
RUN ELF RUN!
Run/walk begins at 8:00 am, prior to the 45th annual Holiday Extravaganza Parade!
Location Details
- Start Line: Located at the corner of Saginaw and Pike in downtown Pontiac
- Packet Pick Up: Inside the 7 North building (7 N. Saginaw St.), 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
Event Information
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.
Participant Perks
- Finisher's Medal: All participants for the 5K race will receive a finisher's medal.
- Run Elf Run T-shirt: Long sleeve T-shirt for participants.
- Race Bib: Official race identification.
- Finish Line Refreshments: Enjoy refreshments after the race, along with beer and pretzel options.*
Awards
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' Event
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. As soon as the kids are done you can walk down the street to the WinterFUN Festival, which commences at 9:00 am with many activities for the kids to enjoy before the real excitement starts with the parade!
Post-Race Celebration
* Post-race beer and pretzel will be available at The Fillmore 13 Brewery until 10:00 am. 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.
Event Registration
For more details and registration, please visit the official race website: Run Elf Run!
Course map
Train with a club
Run clubs near Pontiac to train with before race day.
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