-->
runsignup.com

Running of the Elves

calendar_today 06 Dec, 2026

directions_run Running

language Official Website

sell $20.00

Running of the Elves

About the Event

Hillsborough Running Club is proud to present the 7th 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.

Races Offered

1 Mile Race

Dec 06, 2026

straighten

Distance — 1.6K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

16:00

sell

$20.00

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for December in Hillsborough.

thermostat Temperature
1.7° / 11.2°
wb_sunny Feels like
-2.8° / 7.7°
light_mode Avg sunshine hours
6h 50m
water_drop Avg rainfall
2.9 mm
ac_unit Avg snowfall
—
air Avg wind speed
11.7 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny Max UV Index
Low (2.0)
humidity_mid Humidity
68.5%
wb_twilight Sunrise
08:19
nightlight Sunset
18:04

About Hillsborough

Learn more about the host city, Hillsborough.

Scenic view of

Hillsborough is an incredibly historic town in North Carolina, important to the history of the state. Easily accessible from nearby Durham and Chapel Hill, it has a cute historic downtown and a "small town" feel.

Read more launch

Hotels & Places to Stay

Things to Do Nearby

Tours and activities near Hillsborough, powered by Viator.

Loading nearby tours and activities…

Runner Reviews

Read what other athletes have to say about their experience at the Running of the Elves.

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience with the community!

Suggest an edit

Spotted an error or missing detail about the Running of the Elves? Help us improve.

Nearby Races

Explore other exciting events happening in this same region.

9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K - 2026

9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon an…

location_on Hillsborough, North Carolina, US

calendar_today Oct 04, 2026

"Sometimes Sunday" Run/Walk Club @ Gizmo Brew Works in Durham

"Sometimes Sunday" Run/Walk Club @ Gizmo Brew Wor…

location_on Durham, North Carolina, US

calendar_today Oct 04, 2026

Carrboro 5K/10K

Carrboro 5K/10K

location_on Chapel Hill, North Carolina, US

calendar_today Oct 03, 2026

2026 UNC SHAC 5K

2026 UNC SHAC 5K

location_on Chapel Hill, North Carolina, US

calendar_today Oct 04, 2026

Recommended for You

Hand-picked events we think you’ll love.

HIKE-a-THON

Oct 01, 2026

HIKE-a-THON

Woodlands Conservancy's 2026 Hike-a-Thon is an effort to raise funds and awareness for local land conservation. FOR THE…

Read more
Nativity Knight Flight

Oct 01, 2026

Nativity Knight Flight

Lace up and get ready for Nativity's Knight Flight, scheduled for Thursday, October 1! This event proudly raises awaren…

Read more
NJ Trail Series One Day

Oct 01, 2026

NJ Trail Series One Day

NJ Trail Series One Day 72 / 48 / 24 / 12 / 6 Hour Races, plus Marathon and 50 KM, at the Sussex County Fairgrounds Cou…

Read more
Try a Virtual Tri

Oct 01, 2026

Try a Virtual Tri

Virtual Multisport Races: Fall/Winter 2026 & Winter/Spring 2027 Keep the multisport momentum going until next summer wi…

Read more

Get race deals & updates

Subscribe to our newsletter for curated race picks and discounts.