10th Annual Lake Forest Chamber Elf Yourself 5K
About the race
The Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce's 9th Annual holiday FUN RUN 5K takes place in the Lake Forest Sports Park on Saturday, November 21, 2026.
This is a fun family event for all, and strollers and pets are welcome. A large post-race expo features local restaurants passing out samples, vendors, and fitness companies, plus games and crafts for kids, photos with Santa, bounce houses, a hot chocolate station, and a pet parade with awards for best dressed pets.
Post-race expo and raffles
Keep your bib number to check whether you won a raffle prize. Raffles run at the DJ station and are posted on a dry erase board, so check back.
The kids' zone, Candy Cane Lane, has photos with Santa, games, activities, and bounce houses. Past vendors offering samples have included Urban Grill, La Casita Olvera, Coffee, Raising Cane's, and A Little Something Sweet.
Packet pick-up
Friday, November 20, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Spectrum Specialties & Awards / The Lake Forest Chamber Office
26239 Enterprise Court, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Next door to South Coast Photography
- You must bring a copy of your signed waiver and an ID.
- To pick up for a friend, you need a picture of their ID and a signed copy of their waiver.
- If you cannot pick up on Friday, packet pick-up is also held the morning of the race. Arrive early.
Parking and access on race day
- Enter the Sports Park from the Portola Parkway entrance, not Lake Forest Drive.
- All park entrances will be closed before the race start for runner safety.
- The park is on lockdown from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM with no exceptions.
- Overflow parking is at Saddleback Church across the street, a short walk away. If you need to arrive late or leave early, park there and not inside the park.
Waves and start line
This is a timed event with 4 waves:
- Wave 1: Fast PR Elves
- Wave 2: Speedy Elves
- Wave 3: Runner/Jogger Elves
- Wave 4: Walkers/Strollers/Pet Elves
Get to the start line early.
The start line is on the large grass area called "the commons" before the soccer fields.
Awards and finisher medals
Awards are given in age groups for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd male and female finishers, plus top overall male and female awards. Every finisher receives a Finishers Medal. Dress up in your best holiday gear and go all out!
Race day schedule
8:00 AM - Runners start to arrive
8:30 AM - Race announcer starts / line up
8:30-8:45 AM - Carolers
8:45 AM - Herbalife warm-up
8:55 AM - National anthem
9:00 AM - Wave 1 release (Fast PR Elves), Wave 2 release (Speedy Elves), Wave 3 release (Runner/Jogger Elves), Wave 4 release (Walker/Strollers/Pet Elves)
9:00 AM - Expo officially opens
9:15 AM - Finish line medals (ongoing)
9:30-11:00 AM - Ongoing raffles and expo activities
10:00-10:15 AM - Podium awards
10:00 AM - Demo(s)
10:30 AM - Pet costume contest
10:45 AM - Pet costume awards
11:00 AM - Start clean-up
Photos and charity
- All photos are free. They are uploaded to the Elf Yourself Facebook photo albums, where you can download them.
- Tag the Chamber's Instagram and Facebook pages in any photos you post.
- The event supports local chamber charities, including past beneficiaries: The Pet Adoption Center of O.C., Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, Dream Animal Rescue, Kiwanis Club of Lake Forest.
- Most of the race is run by volunteers, with professional photographers The Walman Photography.
Introductions and officials
- Herbalife will warm up the runners.
- National anthem
- Jade Tully is your race announcer.
- Caren Ware of Itz About Time is timing the race.
- Mary Visconte of Spectrum Specialties and CEO of the Lake Forest Chamber is the race director.
Cancellation policy
Athletes can cancel their registration, but no refund is given.
Refunds are not allowed for this race.
The course
The course is flat and runs 2 1/2 loops entirely within the Sports Park, on the park's streets. It is clearly marked with colorful arrows, one color per lap. A lead cyclist from Pure Ride Cycles leads the fastest runners, and pacers lead each wave.
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