Race Recap: Elf Virtual Run

12/28/2020

ELF and all related characters and elements copyright and TM New Line Productions, Inc. (s20)

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.

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.

Adding Holiday Cheer to My #RunWithBuddy Race

As soon as I registered I started looking for ways to channel Buddy the Elf. I wanted to embrace and spread holiday cheer. Here's what happened:

My daughter made me an Elf-themed face mask
Gatorade Endurance sent me "Caramel Candy" flavored energy gels
Scored a pair of free Knockaround Ugly Sweater sunnies on Cyber Monday
Painted holiday rocks to hide around town during my race
Received Feetures Run Rudolph running socks as a gift
Created an Elf-inspired Scavenger Hunt to share with friends and family
Started eating Pop Tarts
Watched the ELF movie
Received a Buddy the Elf bobble-head

ELF movie theme face mask and Gatorade Endurance energy gel.

Of course I fueled my training runs and race with "Caramel Candy" flavored gels by Gatorade Endurance. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

ELF movie face mask and Feetures Run Rudolph holiday socks.

These Run Rudolph socks and my Elf mask were the perfect Elf Run accessories! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Disclaimer: I received registration for the Elf Virtual Run as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews.

Flatlay of running gear for The Elf Virtual Run.

My Elf Virtual Run running gear was bright and cheerful. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Why I Loved My Elf Virtual Run

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.

Painted holiday rocks and Ugly Sweater sunglasses.

After eating a Caramel Candy flavored Gatorade Endurance gel, I loaded up my pockets with painted rocks to hide along my route. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

My Ugly Sweater sunnies added a lot of holiday glow to my look! The polarized lenses are great. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

The Results of My Elf Virtual Run Scavenger Hunt

I worked hard to find all the items on my Elf Run Scavenger Hunt list. Overall, I did okay. I found most of the 10 items.

Who knew it would be so hard to find an angry elf? In 2020? I never found the son of a nutcracker, either.

I did enjoy saying hello to a lot of dogs, and eating too many Pop Tarts. (Most often they were S'mores Pop Tarts.)

The Elf Virtual Run brought me lots of Christmas cheer.

Loved wearing my holiday gear.

Labradoodle in front of a house at Christmas.

Such a cutie.

Mmmmm. Coffee!

Does Santa in a space ship = a snow globe?

Breakfast of Elves.

My favorite color is all the Xmas lights!

Inflatable Santa in Hawaiian shirt and flip flops.

Florida Santa waved every time I passed him.

Bib Rave Pro wearing ELF Virtual Run green beanie.

Post race ELFIE in my beanie.

Elf Virtual Run Race SWAG is AWESOME

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.

Red cozy fleece full-zip hoodie and green beanie.

Snow-globe shaped medal with colorful ribbon.

You Can Still Register and Run The Elf Virtual Race. Sign Up Today & Earn Awesome Gear!

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.

Check Out How Other BibRave Pros Personalized Their Elf Virtual Run

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

#ElfRunBR #BuddyTheElf #KeepMoving #HolidayRun #BrighterDaysAhead #RunFlorida #WeRunSocial #RunInTheSun #OptOutside #FLRunner #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning #RunEveryStreet #RunYourTown #EverySinglePerson #Plogging #TeamEarth #AlleyPlogging @BibRave #Virtual #HolidayRace #BibChat #BibRavePro @RamRacing #ElfVirtualRun #RunWithBuddy @RamRacing

This Old Runner Writes