The Big Elf Run

About the Event

The Big Elf Run in Vancouver, British Columbia on December 12th returns for its 12th year as a beloved holiday tradition.
Starting at Lumberman's Arch within scenic Stanley Park, the run winds through trails surrounded by old oak trees before looping onto the seawall with views of Coal Harbour and Burrard Inlet. The course is firm and slightly soft underfoot, with few inclines that make it suitable for all ages and abilities. Runners can expect a beautiful, stress-free experience among hundreds of elves.
Since its inception in 2015, this event has grown to include families, friends, and community members who come together on race morning to enjoy the DJ, "elfie station," prize giveaways, vendors, and more. This year's Big Elf Run offers a 10km course for adults (two loops), a 5km run, and a 1km Wee Elf Run.
The weather forecast suggests temperatures ranging from 3.6C to 7.4C on race day with a wind chill of just 3.2C, making the conditions feel cooler than they are in reality due to high humidity at 89%. The course offers picturesque views and firm trail surfaces underfoot, though some areas may be slightly soft from early morning dew.

10km Big Elf Run (2 loops)
10km • Start: 13:00:00 • Fee: $51.40

1km Wee Elf Run
1km • Start: 13:00:00 • Fee: $26.25

5km Big Elf Run
5km • Start: 13:00:00 • Fee: $49.22

Charity Entry
Start: 13:00:00

- 10km Big Elf Run (two loops) | 5km Big Elf Run | 1km Wee Elf Run
To register for this magical event, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/112884/the-big-elf-run. Fees are $51.40 for the 10km race and $49.22 for the 5km, with a discounted entry of $26.25 for the 1km Wee Elf Run. Early bird pricing is available until November 16th at 11:59pm to customize your elf name bib.
Bibs can be picked up on race day from 8am-7:40am, with participants bringing their printed confirmation email and a photo ID. For first-timers, the starting address is Lumberman's Arch in Stanley Park, Vancouver BC V6J 1X2. Participants under 18 are welcome to join either of the longer runs.
The Big Elf Run offers not just a race but an entire holiday experience for participants from all walks of life. With hundreds of elves joining together and the scenic park setting, this event is worth attending as it brings joy and community spirit to Vancouver on Christmas Eve weekend.

Races Offered

10km Big Elf Run (2 loops)

Dec 12, 2026

straighten

Distance — 10km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

13:00

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$51.40

1km Wee Elf Run

Dec 12, 2026

straighten

Distance — 1km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

13:00

sell

$26.25

5km Big Elf Run

Dec 12, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

13:00

sell

$49.22

Charity Entry

Dec 12, 2026

straighten

Distance — Charity Entry

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

13:00

Weather History

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

thermostat Temperature

3.6° / 7.4°

wb_sunny Feels like

-0.1° / 4.7°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

2h 21m

water_drop Avg rainfall

10.2 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

0.4 cm

air Avg wind speed

10.1 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Low

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

Low (1.4)

humidity_mid Humidity

89.1%

wb_twilight Sunrise

08:59

nightlight Sunset

17:16

About Vancouver

Learn more about the host city, Vancouver.

Vancouver occupies an enviable spot in the world. Blessed with miles of coastline, lush vegetation and crowned by the North Shore Mountains, it's hard to be there and not stop at some point and be amazed by what you see.

Hotels & Places to Stay

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Registration Discount

Use the promo code below during registration to save on entry fees.

$3 OFF

Promo code RGFUN3

*Promo codes are collected from publicly available sources. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any brand listed. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Offers may expire or change without notice.