11th Annual Big Elf Run 2025

Vancouver’s Most Festive Holiday Fun Run Returns to Stanley Park

The Big Elf Run is back for its 11th annual celebration, transforming Stanley Park into a lively winter wonderland filled with music, costumes, family fun, and hundreds of cheerful elves running through one of Vancouver’s most scenic locations. This beloved holiday tradition blends physical activity with festive entertainment, making it one of the most joyful December events for families, seasoned runners, and newcomers alike.

Presented by the Big Fun Run Series and proudly supporting the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, the Big Elf Run invites participants to dress up, get active, and help bring holiday cheer to children and families across Metro Vancouver.

Event Overview

The 11th Annual Big Elf Run offers multiple distances to suit all ages and abilities, including a 1K Wee Elf Run and 5K, 10K, and 15K options. The event features a measured route, entertainment, an “Elf-ie” photo station, water stations, and festive surprises along the way.

Participants can expect a fun, supportive, and fully costumed atmosphere surrounded by the natural beauty of Stanley Park—one of the most iconic running destinations in Canada.

Event Details

• Date: December 13, 2025

• Location: Lumberman’s Arch, Stanley Park
  3301 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC

• Distances:

  • 1K Wee Elf Run (1:00 PM start)

  • 5K, 10K, 15K (2:00 PM start – 5K loops)

• Pricing (Early Bird):

  • 1K – $23

  • 5K – $40

  • 10K – $42

  • 15K – $45

🎟 Official Website & Registration:
https://www.bigfunrunseries.com/big-elf-run

What’s Included with Registration

Every runner receives a festive bundle designed to enhance the holiday spirit:

• Personalised running bib with a custom “Elf Name”

• Locally crafted wooden ornament medal

• Elf toque costume item

• Access to a measured route

• Entertainment along the course

• Water station

• “Elf-ie” station for fun photos

• Entry into door prize giveaways

Group bundles and youth discounts are also available, making it affordable for families and running clubs to join the celebration.

The Course: A Scenic Holiday Adventure

The Big Elf Run course showcases some of the most picturesque areas of Stanley Park. Beginning at Lumberman’s Arch, runners weave through forested pathways lined with oak trees before looping onto the seawall with sweeping views of Coal Harbour and Burrard Inlet.

With minimal inclines and paved paths, the run is accessible for participants of all ages and fitness levels. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome and encouraged to join—simply start in the final wave to keep the course flowing smoothly.

Timeline for December 13, 2025

• 12:00 PM – Run kit pickup opens

• 12:45 PM – 1K warm-up

• 1:00 PM – 1K Wee Elf Run starts

• 1:30 PM – 1K route closes

• 1:40 PM – Awards

• 1:45 PM – Warm-up for 5K, 10K & 15K

• 2:00 PM – 5K, 10K & 15K start

• 4:00 PM – Route closes

Participants must complete the route within 2 hours (1K within 30 minutes).

Packet Pickup Information

Avoid event-day lines by collecting your run kit early at one of the participating Kintec locations. Special in-store discounts are available during pickup hours.

Pickup Schedule

Wednesday, December 10
12:00 PM–5:45 PM — Kintec Burnaby
3787 #110 Canada Way, Burnaby, V5G 1G5

Thursday, December 11
12:00 PM–5:45 PM — Kintec North Vancouver
975 Marine Dr, North Vancouver, BC

Friday, December 12
12:00 PM–5:45 PM — Kintec Broadway
1201 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC

Event-day kit pickup is available for a convenience fee:

• $3 if prepaid during registration

• $5 cash at the event

Bring ID. You may pick up kits for friends with permission.

Getting to the Event

The run site is accessible through multiple transportation options:

Transit

• Closest bus: Route 19 Stanley Park/Metrotown (stop at the park loop)

• Connect at Georgia & Denman for additional routes

Cycling

Nearby Mobi Bike Share stations:

• Vancouver Aquarium

• Stanley Park Information Booth

• Totem Poles station

Driving

Parking is available throughout Stanley Park with payment by meters or apps. Car sharing is encouraged to reduce congestion and environmental impact.

Prizing & Awards

The Big Elf Run features fun and creative award categories, including:

• Best Elf-it (Costume) – Modo Car Share credit

• Best Elf-ie (Selfie) – Free entry to Big Easter Run 2026

• Best Custom Elf Name – Kintec voucher + Big Easter Run entry

• Best Pet Costume – Dash for Dogs 2026 entry

• Biggest Team – Candy canes, hot chocolate, and bragging rights

• Mr/Mrs Claus Award – Honouring community heroes

Door prizes include race entries, coaching sessions, restaurant certificates, Kintec gift vouchers, and more.

Volunteer Opportunities

Not running this year?
Join the volunteer team and receive a discount on a future Big Fun Run Series event.
Volunteer roles include route marshals, kit distribution, water stations, and event support.

Why You’ll Love the Big Elf Run

The Big Elf Run is more than a race—it’s a community celebration filled with laughter, music, costumes, and breathtaking scenery. It brings families and friends together for an afternoon of festive fun while supporting families in need through the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau.

Whether you jog, walk, skip, or dance through the course, this cheerful holiday run is guaranteed to leave you smiling.