We all need extra holiday cheer this year, and I'm happy to report I found it with the Elf Virtual Run hosted by Ram Races. 

​I appreciate when race management communicates on a regular basis, and Ram Racing certainly did. I received regular emails throughout the event.
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Along the way runners could enter a contest to win energy gels, and download a training plan.

There's a race-specific Elf Virtual Run Instagram account that provides info and updates.

If I seriously counted my miles, I geared-up and ran my Elf race 2 or 3 times. I liked running around the city wearing holiday gear and hiding painted rocks. It was the least I could do to spread Christmas cheer.

For me, having a themed race was a good distraction. We didn't travel or see extended family this year. Covid-19 and the economy provided extra worries. It was fun to focus on a holiday race.

The virtual aspect was the best part — I could share the race with friends and family who live far away. I didn't worry about safety precautions beyond my own mask and route. I could run when and where I wanted.

Plus, it felt good to train for and run extra miles during a season filled with extra carb-loading. 

My red full-zip hoodie, race bib, and green ELF beanie arrived in early December. Race management advised us via email that the medals would follow later. There was a delay in shipping. My medal arrived on December 28.

If you need this great swag in your life, it's not too late to get it. You can register and run The Elf Virtual Run until January 31, 2021.

Sign up now, and you can enjoy the Elf gear for years to come! I know I will.

One of the best parts of a virtual race is that you can make it exactly what you want. I added a Scavenger Hunt because I like silly goals and distractions. Check out how some of my fellow BibRave Pros ran their virtual Elf Run for more ideas.

Barking Mad About Running - Kim
Marathang - Angie
KookyRunner - Kim
The Later Runner - Jonathan
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Post your scavenger hunt results on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #ElfVirtualRun and #RunWithBuddy so we can cheer for each other.

​I can't wait to see what people find on the run! Let me know about your race. You can find me @ThisOldRunner on IG and Twitter.

If you'd like to give (or get) an Elf Virtual Run registration — go for it. Registration is still open. You can run your race and upload your results anywhere and anytime between now and January 31, 2021.

Maybe it's the pandemic. Maybe it's 'cause Elf is my favorite holiday movie... either way, I'm having so much fun prepping for my Elf Run. 

​My daughter made me an Elf Movie mask when she heard I was running. I LOVE IT! 

I scored a pair of ugly sweater sunnies from Knockaround — to spread Christmas cheer, of course! 

PLUS, I received a wonderful surprise from Gatorade Endurance. They sent me their new energy gel flavors (Watermelon, Cherry Lime, and Caramel Candy). What could possibly match an Elf Race better than a caramel candy gel?!?! 

I'm getting ready to run the Elf Virtual Run this December. It's a spirited holiday run that celebrates all things ELF the movie.

That got me to thinking...would I take race fueling advice from #BuddyTheElf? Hmmm. He know's his carbs, and he does move really fast.

While I'm not convinced that Buddy's Breakfast Spaghetti would sustain me for a 10K, it is fun to consider. (Recipe below.)

Run, walk (or skip!) the Elf Virtual Run during the holidays. Race when and where you want! Complete your race by January 31, 2021 to download your finisher's certificate. 

EnMotive will ship your jacket, medal, winter beanie, and personalized bib to you. Race packets begin shipping the week of November 30, 2020. If you register after 11/30, your packet ships within 14-21 business days.

This virtual race is open to US addresses within the contiguous United States only. (They can't ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or anywhere internationally.)

​Sign up now to get your gear early in the season. That way you have plenty of time to spread holiday cheer while wearing your gear. (Buddy would be so proud!)