Running of the Elves
Participants dress up in festive elf gear to run a fast, mostly downhill one-mile chip-timed course through town. The race follows the holiday parade route, allowing runners to speed past thousands of cheering spectators lining the streets. The course takes runners through downtown from Mitchell Street to the finish outside the Historic Courthouse.
What to Expect
Fast one-mile elf-themed run along the holiday parade route.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Hillsborough
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Hillsborough Running Club
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Runners who enjoy festive, crowd-lined races
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Race entry is $20.00 before optional shirt, hat, and bells add-ons. – Get tickets
- Hours: 4.00pm race start.
- Parking: Arrive early because Hillsborough will be busy. Suggested parking is the deck next to Weaver Street Market on Nash and Kollock Street, or River Park Elementary School on St. Marys Road, near the start.
- Accessibility: Strollers are welcome on the course, provided participants keep moving.
- Pets: Pets are welcome; keep moving because the parade will be underway as soon as the last runner turns onto Churton Street.
Tips & Advice
- Pick up your bib, shirt and hat on Saturday at the Farmers Market Pavilion, so you don't have to rush the Sunday pickup before the start.
- Try on your elf shirt and hat ahead of time to make sure they fit, and order replacements from the race Store if you can't find last year's.
- Get to Hillsborough early on race day, because the town fills up fast for the parade and parking gets busy.
- Park at River Park Elementary School on St. Marys Road if you want to be close to the start area on Mitchell Street.
- Register before registration closes on December 5, because spots in the race are limited.
Special Events & Promotions
- The Elf t-shirt, Elf hat and bells are optional add-ons when you register, or you can buy them later from the race Store.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
It's an elf-themed race. Runners are expected to wear the Elf t-shirt and hat, and bells are also offered. If you have a favorite elf costume, you can wear that instead.
Where do I pick up my bib, shirt and hat?
Pick up on Saturday, December 5 at the Farmers Market Pavilion. You can also pick up before the race on Sunday at the corner of Mitchell and Queen Streets, near the start line. If you arrive late in the Sunday window, you may miss the start.
Where should I park?
The main parking areas are the deck next to Weaver Street Market on Nash and Kollock Street, and River Park Elementary School on St. Marys Road, which is close to the start.
Can I bring my dog or a stroller?
Yes, pets and strollers are welcome. Keep moving, though, because the parade starts as soon as the last runner turns onto Churton Street.
How does the race fit in with the holiday parade?
The race starts 10 minutes before the Hillsborough Holiday Parade and runs the same route. You run the mile mostly downhill, past the parade crowds, to the finish outside the Historic Courthouse. The race is chip timed.
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