Running of the Elves 5K 2026

The Running of the Elves is a timed 1-mile race in Hillsborough, beginning 10 minutes prior to the “Light up the Night” Holiday Parade. Participants start ahead of the parade crowd, giving the event the feel of opening the show rather than being part of a standard road race lineup. The course follows the parade route, offering a fast, mostly downhill path designed for a quick run before thousands of spectators. The elf theme adds to the enjoyment: runners may wear an elf T-shirt, an elf hat, and bells as they complete the route just before the holiday parade begins.