Join us for the *Escape the Elves 5K* hosted by South Hall Rotary in Downtown Oakwood, GA! We’ve moved this year’s event to a new location for an even better race day experience, with enhanced safety for all our guests. What to Expect: Meet Buddy the Elf before the race and keep an eye out for some mischievous elves hiding along the course! A Best Dressed Award for the most festive outfit—dress in your holiday best for a chance to win an early gift. The 5K course is USATF Certified and will start at the Oakwood Community Center. Packet Pick-up at 5512 Main St, Flowery Branch 3pm - 7pm Thursday, Dec 11th or 9am - 3pm Friday, Dec 12th Race Day Schedule: Packet Pick-up: 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM at the Oakwood Community Center Race Start: 8:30 AM with Santa sending us off from Oakwood Park (Course closes at 9:45 AM) Fun Run: Starts at 8:45 AM, after the 5K start Course Closes: 9:45 AM Awards Ceremony: 9:30 AM at the park Pancakes with Buddy: After the race, all runners and families are invited to join us at the Community Center for our Pancakes with Buddy breakfast for $10 per plate. To Go Meals will be available. An email will be sent to all who register for a chance to purchase tickets for themselves and their family. Giving Back: Bring a canned food item for the South Hall Food Pantry Supporting Great Causes: Proceeds will benefit the South Hall Food Pantry, Lanier Tech’s Adult Education Scholarships, Hall is Home for Kids, Shelterbox, Alzheimer's research through Rotary’s CART Fund, and the South Hall Rotary's S.H.A.R.E. Fund for local community causes. Sign up today to enjoy a festive morning of fun, fitness, and giving back to the community! Note: Race T-shirts are only guaranteed for those who register by 12/5.
Course & Travel Notes
Sunrise at 7:08 AM arrives about 1.5 hours before the 8:30 AM start, giving you good morning light for the race. Expect typical December conditions in Oakwood with highs around 37°F and lows near 25°F, so dress warmly in layers. The venue sits at 604 feet elevation, which is relatively modest and shouldn't present significant acclimation concerns. Chicago Midway International Airport is located 7.7 miles from the race site, making it a convenient option for travelers flying in for the event.
⛰️ 604 ft elevation☀️ Typically 37°F / 25°F✈️ Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) — 7.7 mi
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for December 12.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Oakwood, GA.
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
Escape the Elves 5K 2026 — Oakwood, GA takes place on December 12, 2026. The race is held in Oakwood, Georgia.
Where is Escape the Elves 5K 2026 — Oakwood, GA held?
Escape the Elves 5K 2026 — Oakwood, GA is held at Oakwood Community Center in Oakwood, Georgia.
Where can I find hotels near Escape the Elves 5K 2026 — Oakwood, GA?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Oakwood. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
