Running of the Elves 5K
About the race
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Central Wildcat Stadium
13845 Hooper Rd. Central, LA 70818
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.
The race benefits the Central Chamber of Commerce and its Shop Small Business Saturday Campaign.
Post-race activities
Immediately following the race:
- Free pancakes and coffee for everyone
- Pictures with Santa Claus
- Giveaways
- Fire truck and Sparky the Dog
- Kid activities
Courses & distances
1 Mile Fun Run
Distance: 1 Mile
Starts: Sat, Nov 21 · 7:45 AM
Participants registered by November 9th, 2026 will receive a t-shirt.
Early packet Pickup will be at the Central Chamber Office on Friday, November 20th from 10:00am-5:00pm.
Race day packet pickup begins at 6:45am.
5K - Individuals
Distance: 3.47 Miles
Starts: Sat, Nov 21 · 8:00 AM
Participants registered by November 9th, 2026 will receive a t-shirt.
Early packet Pickup will be at the Central Chamber Office on Friday, November 20th from 10:00am-5:00pm.
Race day packet pickup begins at 6:45am.
5K Group Discount for Groups of 5 or More
Distance: 3.47 Miles
Starts: Sat, Nov 21 · 8:00 AM
Participants registered by November 9th, 2026 will receive a t-shirt.
Early packet Pickup will be at the Central Chamber Office on Friday, November 20th from 10:00am-5:00pm.
*IF YOU ARE PICKING UP AS A GROUP PLEASE EMAIL THE CHAMBER AHEAD OF TIME*
Race day packet pickup begins at 6:45am.
Race day schedule
- Package pickup: Friday, November 20th, 10 am - 5 pm, at Central Chamber Office
- Race day packet pickup: from 6:45 am at the race site (Wildcat Stadium)
- Fun Run: 7:45 am
- 5K: starts immediately after the Fun Run
Registration fees and deadlines
- Online registration: October 2nd through November 19th, 2026, $35, ends 11:59 pm on November 19th, 2026
- Day of race registration (November 21st, 2026): $40
Race t-shirts
- T-shirts are provided for registrations received by November 9th, 2026.
- Unique race t-shirts are also sold separately until 11/15/2026.
Awards
- Every participant receives a finisher's medal.
- Top Runner Awards from Rogers Regional Eye Center.
- Costume contest awards.
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 awards
- Overall top male and female
Timing
This event is professionally chip timed by Pelican Timing.
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