Illustration of a felt Santa waving by a sleigh near an elf, snowmen, small cottages, a carousel and lit trees in snow (Run Elf Run!)

Run Elf Run!

Participants can lace up their running shoes for a 5K run/walk or a 0.25-mile Santa Kids' Run through downtown Pontiac. Every registered runner receives a custom race medal, long-sleeve tee-shirt, race bib, and finish line refreshments, including pretzels with beer for adults or soft drinks for runners under 21. Top finishers and age-group winners compete for candy cane trophies and certificates for running shoes.

Map It Details Official site

🎄 If you like this, try:

Illustration of Santa posing with a family on a bench under string lights for a photographer (Holiday Extravaganza Parade and Winter FUN Festival) Holiday Extravaganza Parade and Winter FUN Festival Illustration of Christmas activities in Pontiac 32 Christmas activities in Pontiac
Advertisement

See more other Christmas activities near Pontiac

Illustration of Santa in a knitted red suit in a wooden armchair as two small children show him paper lists by a fireplace (Tree Lighting Ceremony) Tree Lighting Ceremony Auburn Hills · 4 mi Illustration of a cook stirring pudding in an old historic house kitchen with copper pans and garlands (Meadow Brook Hall Candlelight Tours) Meadow Brook Hall Candlelight Tours Rochester · 5 mi Illustration of a cook stirring pudding in an old historic house kitchen with copper pans and garlands (Bus Excursion to Meadow Brook Holiday Walk) Bus Excursion to Meadow Brook Holiday Walk Rochester · 5 mi Illustration of Santa greeting families at long breakfast tables with pancakes and cocoa (Santa Saturdays at Meadow Brook Hall) Santa Saturdays at Meadow Brook Hall Rochester · 5 mi Illustration of Santa and Mrs. Claus handing wrapped gifts to children in a cozy community hall (Holiday Hoopla & Tree Lighting Ceremony) Holiday Hoopla & Tree Lighting Ceremony Waterford · 6 mi

Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

runsignup.com

When

Tickets

5K Run/Walk: $30; price increases after October 22, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT. 0.25 Mile Santa Kids' Run: $10.

Hours

5K Run/Walk: 8:00AM EST–8:59AM EST; 0.25 Mile Santa Kids' Run: 9:00AM EST–9:30AM EST. Packet pickup: Friday, December 4, 3:00–7:00PM; race morning, December 5, 6:30–8:00AM.

Food & Drink

Finish-line refreshments include a pretzel and beer for participants 21 and older, or a pretzel and soft drink for participants under 21.

Going?

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Corner of Saginaw and Pike St., Pontiac, MI 48342 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families with young children and recreational runners

Vibe

Festive and active

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Register for either the 5K or the Santa Kids’ Run, since the two races have separate registration options.
  • Pick up your packet at the 7 North building, either on the Friday before the race or on race morning.
  • Choose the 5K registration before October 22 to avoid the listed later price increase.
  • Plan for the finish-line refreshments: participants under 21 receive a soft drink and pretzel, while participants over 21 receive beer and a pretzel.
  • Use the course map when preparing for the race so you can review the route in advance.

Special Events & Promotions

  • A separately registered Santa Kids’ Run has its own start time.
  • Overall male and female 5K winners receive a certificate for a free pair of running shoes.
  • Overall male and female finishers placing first through third receive candy cane trophies; age-group winners also receive trophies.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What race options are available?

Choose between a 5K Run/Walk and the 0.25-mile Santa Kids’ Run; each has its own registration.

Is there a specific age requirement for either race?

No age eligibility is given for the races. Participants under 21 receive a soft drink and pretzel at the finish, while those over 21 receive beer and a pretzel.

What do participants receive?

All participants receive a custom race medal, long-sleeve T-shirt, race bib and finish-line refreshments.

Where can I pick up my race packet?

Packet pickup is at the 7 North building, 7 N. Saginaw St., with an additional pickup period on race morning.

Are there awards for race finishers?

Overall 5K winners receive candy-cane trophies, and age-group winners in 10-year increments also receive trophies. Overall male and female 5K winners receive a certificate for running shoes.

Browse Christmas in Pontiac

Illustration of felt figures in red hats and sweaters sharing mugs of cocoa at a small table near decorated trees Parties17 events Illustration of a snowman and small decorated trees in a snowy yard beside a red house, all glowing with warm string lights Lights13 events Illustration of a snowy holiday market stall with snowmen in knit hats and scarves, pine trees and glowing string lights Markets22 events Illustration of an audience waiting in an old auditorium with garlands on the balcony Shows11 events Illustration of families strolling past a decorated bandstand on a snowy town green Unique & Unusual32 events MapNearby

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

✏️ Suggest a correction to this listing

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: