Run Elf Run! 2026 — Pontiac, MI

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.