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Description
The Big Elf Run is a costumed holiday fun run along the Stanley Park seawall, starting and finishing at Lumberman's Arch. Elf hats, Santa suits and ugly sweaters are encouraged, and the pace is relaxed, so walkers, strollers and first-timers fit right in. Little ones can do the 1 km Wee Elf Run at 1 PM. Everyone else picks the 5 km or the 10 km (two loops) at 2 PM. The event supports the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, and runners are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the toy drive. Prices rise as race day approaches, so register early. Groups of four or more get a discount. Kits are picked up at Kintec stores in the days before the race, and race-day pickup costs extra. Parking in Stanley Park is paid and limited, so carpool or take the bus, and plan for wet weather on the seawall in December.
Big Elf Run: dates and details
- When: Saturday, December 12, 2026: 1 km Wee Elf Run at 1 pm, 5 km and 10 km at 2 pm, from Lumberman's Arch
- Where: Lumberman's Arch, Stanley Park, 3301 Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver
- Cost: Registration from about $23 (1 km) to $42 (10 km) early-bird, plus fees; prices rise closer to race day
- Official site: bigfunrunseries.com
Dates, hours and prices can change, so check the official site before you go. For more festive outings, see our Christmas events in Vancouver guide and the list of Christmas tree lightings.
