Running of the Elves
When is Running of the Elves?
Running of the Elves takes place on Sunday, December 6, 2026 in Hillsborough, NC.
What distances does Running of the Elves offer?
Running of the Elves offers 1 event: 1 Mile Race.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Mile Race | 1.0 mi | $20.00 | Register |
How much does Running of the Elves cost?
Registration for Running of the Elves starts at $20.00.
Where is Running of the Elves held?
Running of the Elves is held in Hillsborough, NC at Downtown Hillsborough.
About Running of the Elves
Hillsborough Running Club is proud to present the 8th annual Running of the Elves event.
Run in front of the Hillsborough Holiday Parade crowd. The race starts 10 minutes before the Parade begins, and follows the same route. Experience the joy of running fast downhill in front of thousands of cheering people.
Elf themed. Each participant has the option to select an Elf t-shirt, an Elf hat, and bells.
You are expected to wear these during the run. We want to see a sea of Elves running though town. Please make sure you know where your shirt and hat are and that they fit. If you forgot to order during registration, or you find you cannot locate them from last year, use the Store menu to order what you need.
If you have a favorite Elf costume, feel free to wear that instead.
This is a 1 mile, fast, downhill (mostly) timed and themed race.
Date: 6th December 2026
Time: 4.00pm race start
Start location - on Mitchell Street downtown Hillsborough (between Caine and Queen Streets)
Finish location - Churton Street, outside the Historic Courthouse
Chip timed
Race entry before add ons (shirt, hat, bells) is $20.00
Bib/Shirt/Hat pick up
Saturday 5th December, Farmers Market Pavilion, 1-4pm
Sunday 6th December, 3-3.45pm corner of Mitchell and Queen Streets near the start line, prior to the race [do not wait until after 3.30pm to arrive, or may not make the start in time]
Parking
Hillsborough will be busy, so do not wait too long to arrive. Main parking areas are the parking deck next to Weaver Street Market on Nash and Kollock Street, or River Park Elementary School on St. Marys Road (close to the start area)
Pets and Stollers are welcome, but please keep moving, as the Parade will be underway as soon as the last person makes the turn onto Churton Street.
Packet Pick Up
Bib/Shirt/Bells/Hat Pick up
Two options to pick up your bib, shirt, bells and hat, are as follows:
Saturday 6th December (day before race) in Hillsborough at the Eno River Farmers market (1pm to 4pm)
Sunday 7th December (race day) 3pm to 3.45pm at the start line. Do not show up at 3.40pm and expect there to be no line, arrive as close to 3.00pm as you can, or preferably, pick up on Saturday instead.
PLEASE try and come Saturday to pick up your bib/shirt/hat. This will help ease congestion right before the race. The race has to start on time (to be done before the parade starts).
Race Route and Parking
There are numerous parking options, including the parking deck near Weaver Street market (not the outdoor lot at WSM, that is for WSM customers only), however, the best option is River Park Elementary School (formerly, Cameron Park Elementary School) on St. Mary's Road. This is close to the race start line. There will be signs from the school to the start line.