Saturday, December 5th, 2026
1 S. Saginaw St., Pontiac MI
5K
About this race
RUN ELF RUN!
Run/walk begins at 8:00 am, prior to the 45th annual Holiday Extravaganza Parade!
Event Location
- 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.)
- Nearby: Between The Fillmore 13 Brewery and Kegger Burger.
Pre-Race Schedule
- Friday: December 4th, 3 pm - 7 pm
- Race Morning: December 5th, 6:30 am - 8:00 am
Race Details
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 Benefits
- Finisher's Medal: All participants will receive a finisher's medal
- T-Shirt: Run Elf Run long sleeve T-shirt
- Race Bib: Each participant will get their race bib
- Finish Line Refreshments: Enjoy finish line refreshments plus a beer and pretzel*
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 courtesy of Mikey's Ice Cream and Candy.
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.
Race Information
Date: December 5, 2026
Location: 1 S. Saginaw St., Pontiac, MI
More info: Run Elf Run!
Course map
Train with a club
Run clubs near Pontiac to train with before race day.
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