This was my second year coming to this race with my little one. Last year, she did the 5k in the stroller and this year I decided to sign her up to do the 1K kids run.

Getting There
Getting to the race start was easy as it is is locate on the Seawall and near the Vancouver Aquarium. We also did not have too much trouble finding parking despite arriving only 20 minutes before the start of the race.
Parking
My husband was left to deal with the little one while I rushed to get our race package and forgot to pay for parking. It did not take long for us to get a 40 dollar ticket on our windshield. Be sure to pay for your spot quickly!
Package Pickup
There was a separate pickup tables for the 1K kids fun run. This ensured a quick pickup thanks also to the two friendly and well-organized volunteers at the desk. It is especially impressive as the bib had Elf Names instead of numbers.
Swag
I would count the bibs as part of the swag. Participants can create their own Elf name or let the race organizers randomly select one for them. They are cute and make great keepsakes for the kids!
The race package also included an Elf hat with bells! It was a bit big for our toddler, so my husband wore it instead. Each time he shaked his head to make the bells ring, it put a big smile on her face.
Race Expo
The race sponsors had tents setup next to the start/finish line. My favourite tent was the z95.3 FM tent, which included useful goodies such as a hand sanitizer and juice boxes as well as a contest to win concert tickets. A Tim Hortons truck was also setup close to the package pickup area that was giving away free coffee and chocolate. We did not get to try any after the race as the lineup was moving a bit slowly and our little one needed to get home for a nap.
Warmup
As someone who has volunteered as a warmup leader for a few races in the past I really appreciate a fun and engaging warmup leader and Baxter Bayer, the race organizer himself, is a master of this art. His warmup are the most creative out there with poses, moves and move names that match the race’s theme! What side to side stretches? We are doing Candy Canes! No more boring squats! At the Big Elf Run we are picking up gifts, dropping them ( hear the kids say “Awe!”) and picking them up again, and again.
Course
The kids 1K is a simple out and back race along the seawall with a friendly and attentive volunteer at the 500m turnaround point. The race does not pass any intersection and is on a fully pedestrian path, so it is safe for even the smallest kids to do. Because it is by the water, it can get quite windy, so make sure your kids are dressed appropriately.
The Race
Our little one is too young (and shy) to run with the pack, so she stayed in the back and alternated running, walking and being carried. She is obsessed with dogs so the fact that cute dressed up pups were part of the race was a big plus for her. The other kids seemed to really have fun chasing each other, getting cheered on by parents and volunteers and getting a big high five by the Elf at the finish line!
Post-race Activities
With the fun Christmas-themed decorations out there many kids and families used this race as an opportunity to take cute holiday pictures. We tried to as well, but our little one, who has no issues with Halloween decorations a few months ago, seemed scared by big cuddly bears and inflatable snowmen. Let’s see how it will be next year...