Run Elf Run!

Race Overview: A race coming up on 12/06/2025 in Pontiac, MI. Get all the nerdy details below or follow the sign up links to secure your spot today!
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Race data last checked: 2026-02-06

Race Overview:

RUN ELF RUN!
Run/walk begins at 8:00 am, prior to the 44th 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 5th, 3 pm – 7 pm.  Race Morning: December 6th 6:30 am – 8:00 am.

Join in the holiday spirit and be part of a 44 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…

  • Medal that may be transformed into a Holiday Ornament
  • 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!* 

For 2025 we are adding a kids' run, the "Santa Kids Run". Help Santa and The Grinch catch the Gingerbread Man! 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 Winter FUN 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. 

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