Vancouver's Big Elf Run

The Big Elf Run is a fun Christmas-themed running race where runners get to wear elf hats and run around Vancouver’s Stanley Park in December.

The event happens on Saturday, December 14th, 2024. It features runs of various lengths. Participants also have the option of walking if they don’t feel like running. It’s a fun and social event, not a competitive race.

See the Big Elf Run website for full details.

TIP: When you register for the event, use the promo code VBP10 and you’ll save 10%.

Christmas-Themed Big Elf Run in 2024

The Big Elf Run is an annual run that takes place in Stanley Park each year in December a couple of weeks or so before Christmas. The event is one of several in the Big Fun Run Series which hosts runs for different holidays such as Easter.

Each run in the series has its own distinct theme and participants can dress up to spread the fun! Runners also usually get a complimentary elf toque (or bunny ears at the Big Easter Run in the spring)!

Participants in the 2024 Big Elf Run can choose between routes that span 1, 5, 10, and 15 kilometres. Those who place at the top of the leaderboards finish each of the three longer distance runs in about 20, 40, and 56 minutes respectively. That said, the Big Elf Run isn’t a race! The only requirement is to finish the event in a couple of hours.

Big Elf Run

The Big Elf Run

Similar to the event in previous years, the 2024 Big Elf Run has routes that are five, 10, and 15 kilometres long. Kids can also take part in the Wee Elf Run that’s just one kilometre long.

In 2024 the run takes place on Saturday, December 14th, from 11:45 am to 4:00 pm at Lumberman’s Arch in Stanley Park. The kids’ event starts at 1:00 pm while the longer runs start an hour later.

The route for the Big Elf Run begins at Lumberman’s Arch and typically goes on a trail that passes the Vancouver Aquarium. Folks run alongside Highway 99, enter downtown, and circle around Devonian Harbour Park in Coal Harbour before heading back to Stanley Park.

The remainder of the run happens beside Stanley Park Drive before concluding in Lumberman’s Arch. This route is 5 kilometres long, so those running for 10 kilometres and 15 kilometres repeat this once or twice depending on their planned distance.

Elf Run Pricing in 2024

The entry fee for the one kilometre Wee Elf Run is $23 while the other runs are at between $40 and $45 per person. These are early bird rates. Prices tend to go up a little bit closer to the date. If you’re a participant under the age of 18, your entry fee is $26 for both the five-kilometre and 10-kilometre runs.

Everyone who joins gets a Run Kit that includes costume items (like an elf toque). The kits can either be picked up an hour before the race or mailed for an additional $9. Participants also have the option of picking up their kits in advance from noon to 6:00 pm on Thursday, December 12th or Friday, December 13th at Kintec stores either in North Vancouver or on West Broadway in Vancouver.

Proceeds for the Big Elf Run support The Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau which is an organization that supports families and children during the holiday season.

TIP: If you use the promo code VBP10 you’ll save 10% on your registration fees!

Stanley Park Big Elf Run

2024 Big Elf Run Schedule

The following is the schedule of events for the event on December 14th in 2024:

11:45 am – run kit pickup opens
12:45 pm – 1km warm-up
1:00 pm – 1km starts
1:30 pm – 1km route closed
1:40 pm – Awards
1:45 pm – 5km, 10km and 15km warm-ups
2:00 pm – 5km, 10km and 15km starts
4:00 pm – route closed

Big Elf Run Video

The following video should give you a good idea of what to expect at the Big Elf Run. The footage was filmed at the 2021 event. As you can see, there were lots of participants enjoying the run. You can hear bells jingling and you’ll also notice many runners wearing their complimentary elf toques.