Run Elf Run!
Updated
Saturday, December 5, 2026, first start 8:00 AM, in Pontiac (1 S. Saginaw St.). Distances: 5K. Entry from $40; the 5K goes from $40 to $45 after November 29.
Course and race notes
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.
In the organizer's words, from the race's own listing.
Race details
Date
Saturday, December 5
2026 · in 28 days
Start time
8:00 AM
Earliest wave
Course
Road or path
Paved course
Distances
5K
Price
$40
Plus the platform's processing fee
5K goes up after Sun Nov 29 (in 22 days)
Registration
Open
Online signup closes Sat Dec 5 (in 28 days)
Opened May 15, 2026
Race day in Pontiac
Weather
40° / 27°F
Typical high and low for December 5, with a 38% chance of rain.
NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Pontiac Wwtp, MI (1.8 mi away). Averages, not a forecast; a forecast appears here a week out.
Daylight
7:47 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunrise and sunset on Saturday. The first start is 13 minutes after sunrise.
Calculated for the race location.
Near the start
Pin from the race's listed address. The start line can differ; check the race website for the course map. Directions
Parking
- Lot 9 · paidunder 0.1 mi
80 public lots and garages within 0.6 mi.
Distances are straight-line from the race address. Check the race website for official parking.
Plan your trip
For the night before, Fri Dec 4
Where to stay
17 within 3 mi27 within 5 mi
Motel
Hotel 1 of 5: Sagano Motel
About 29 min walk1.5 mi from the start
Hotel
Hotel 2 of 5: Hampton Inn & Suites
About 5 min drive1.7 mi from the start
Hotel
Hotel 3 of 5: Cass Lake Hotel
About 5 min drive1.8 mi from the start
Hotel
Hotel 4 of 5: Sonesta ES Suites Auburn Hills Detroit
About 7 min drive2.4 mi from the start
Hotel
Hotel 5 of 5: Staybridge Suites Auburn Hills
About 7 min drive2.4 mi from the start
More places on the map
See all places to stay near Pontiac, MI ↗
Prices checked November 4, 2026 and can change. Confirm on the booking site before you book. We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Places from OpenStreetMap. Straight-line distances, so times are rough.
Trip cost
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Total $0
Race entry starts at the lowest listed price, before the platform's fee.