Celebrate the holiday season by dusting off your elf costume and joining PRIDE Inc. for their 9th Annual Running of the Elves 5K on December 12, 2026. This festive race begins and ends at PRIDE Inc.’s headquarters in Taunton, Massachusetts, weaving through charming residential neighborhoods adorned with holiday lights. Participants will enjoy a certified, time-chipped course by RaceWire, ensuring accurate results for all runners, walkers, and wheelchair users who opt for the 2-mile route. The event is highly patrolled by local police officers to ensure safety at every intersection along the way. Bib pickup takes place on Friday, December 11th from noon until 5 PM or race day morning starting at 7 AM. The first 100 registrants and those who sign up before November 1st will receive a commemorative t-shirt as part of their registration package. Prizes are awarded to the top male and female runners, along with prizes for children aged 12 and under and wheelchair athletes. The event also celebrates creativity with a Best Costume award. After crossing the finish line, participants can enjoy free hot chocolate and donuts provided by PRIDE Inc., creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages community bonding. Parking is available at PRIDE’s facility or along nearby streets for those who prefer to park off-site. This family-friendly race not only offers runners and walkers a chance to challenge themselves but also supports the important mission of PRIDE Inc., which aims to improve quality of life for adults with disabilities in Taunton and surrounding areas. Join us on December 12th, where every step contributes towards making a positive impact within our community. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, visit the event page at [event website]. Registration fees are $35 until December 11th online registration closes at noon; thereafter, it’s $40 for day-of participants. Note that cash and checks are accepted on race day morning only, with Venmo payments set to $41.
Races Offered
2-mile Roll (wheelchair athlete)
Dec 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
1.6K
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
10:00
2-mile Walker
Dec 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
1.6K
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
10:00
5K Run
Dec 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
10:00
5k Roll (race-chair athlete)
Dec 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
10:00
DONATION $100
Dec 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
DONATION $100
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
10:00
DONATION $1000
Dec 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
DONATION $1000
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
10:00
DONATION $50
Dec 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
DONATION $50
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
10:00
DONATION $500
Dec 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
DONATION $500
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
10:00
DONATION--sponsor a PRIDE walking team member
Dec 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
DONATION--sponsor a PRIDE walking team member
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
10:00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for December in Taunton.
thermostatTemperature
-2.0° / 5.6°
wb_sunnyFeels like
-6.9° / 1.2°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
5h 51m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
4.2 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
0.2 cm
air
Avg wind speed
12.6 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (2.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
72.6%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
08:03
nightlight
Sunset
17:15
About Taunton
Learn more about the host city, Taunton.
Taunton is a city in Massachusetts with a population of 59,000 (2020). It is nicknamed the "Silver City" for its tradition as a center of silversmithing, and the "Christmas City" for its festive Christmas displays on Taunton Green. Taunton is the economic and cultural hub and county seat of Bristol County.
