Elf Off the Shelf Fun Run

Elf Off the Shelf Fun Run is held in Ripley, West Virginia, on December 5, 2026. One event is on the program, a 2-mile run starting at 5:45 p.m. The route goes through the town's avenues and finishes at the Courthouse Lawn, where Ripley's Christmas celebration is under way; holiday outfits are encouraged and Santa may be the one handing out awards.

Two miles is a forgiving distance: short enough to walk end to end, short enough that a runner in decent shape can go close to all-out without needing a taper. Treat it as a fast, relaxed evening effort rather than a goal race, eat lightly in the afternoon, and give yourself ten minutes of jogging beforehand since an evening start leaves no room to ease into the pace. Finishing in the middle of the town celebration means you will want a warm layer waiting.