Running of the Elves 5K

Race Info

Participate in the 14th Annual Running of the Elves. Dressing in your best holiday attire is encouraged. Start your holiday season off with a picturesque run around our quaint city of Central.

Participants registered by November 12th are guaranteed to receive a finishers medal, and a t-shirt.

Package Pickup will be at Central Community Athletics Gym on Friday, November 20th from 10 am - 5 pm. Race day packet pickup will begin at 6:45 am at the race site (Wildcat Stadium).

The Fun Run will begin at 7:45 am with the 5k to follow immediately after.

After the Race

Immediately following the race: FREE pancakes and coffee for EVERYONE 🥞 ☕️ Pictures with Santa Claus 🎅🏼 Giveaways 🏅 Fire truck and Sparky the Dog 🚒 🐶 Kid activities 🤸🏼‍♀️🤸🏼‍♀️

All participants will receive a finisher's medal. Top Runner Awards from Rogers Regional Eye Center. Costume Contest will be awarded too!

This event will be professionally chip timed by Pelican Timing.

Registration Fees

• Registration through September 30th, 2026 - $30
• Registration October 2nd through November 19th, 2026 - $35
• Day of Race Registration Nov. 21st, 2026: $40

ONLINE REGISTRATION ENDS AT 11:59pm ON NOVEMBER 19th, 2026

T-shirts will be provided for registrations by November 12th, 2026

This year we will also be selling our unique Race t-shirt separately. These additional t-shirt sales will end on 11/15/2026.

5K Age Groups

1-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

5K Awards

Top Overall Male, Top Overall Female, 1st and 2nd Male in each age group, 1st and 2nd Female in each age group.

1 Mile Fun Run awarded to Overall Top Male and Female.

The Race Benefits the Central Chamber of Commerce and its Shop Small Business Saturday Campaign.