Catch the Elf 5K & 10K starts at 9:00 AM on December 19, 2026, in Markham, Illinois, giving traveling runners a reasonable morning window to arrive. The race is held at 4000 W 155th Street and offers two distance options: a 1-mile run and a 6.2-mile run. Entry fees range from $35 to $55 depending on your selected distance and registration timing. This late-December holiday-themed race works well for runners looking to cap off their year with a festive event. If you're traveling from out of town, plan accommodations with easy access to the Markham venue and factor in standard winter driving conditions for the Chicago area.
From the Race 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.
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Markham, IL. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.
Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for December 19.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Markham, IL.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Catch the Elf 5k & 10k 2026 — Markham, IL?
Catch the Elf 5k & 10k 2026 — Markham, IL takes place on December 19, 2026. The race is held in Markham, Illinois.
Where is Catch the Elf 5k & 10k 2026 — Markham, IL held?
Catch the Elf 5k & 10k 2026 — Markham, IL is held at 4000 W 155th St in Markham, Illinois.
Where can I find hotels near Catch the Elf 5k & 10k 2026 — Markham, IL?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Markham. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
