Running of the Elves - 1 Mile Race
External Event
Distance
1 mi
Pace
All paces
Terrain
Road
Difficulty
All Levels
About this run
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.
Typical conditions
For events around December 2026 in Hillsborough, NC, United States: Typical mid-winter / cooler season in this region — dress in layers and check the official page for weather-related changes.
How to prepare
Most runners can prepare for a 5K with a few weeks of easy runs and one short faster session per week. Focus on consistency, not volume, and rest the day before race day.
Beginner's guide to your first 5KGetting there
This event is listed in Hillsborough, NC, United States. Confirm the exact start venue, parking, and transit options on the official registration page.
Registration is handled by the official event organizer
Know a local group? Host a community run in Hillsborough





