About the Elf 'N' Cocoa 8K/5K & 1 Mile Fun Run
The course runs along paved waterfront stretches with views across the river toward Philadelphia. It is a road race, so the footing is straightforward throughout, and the scenery does most of the work. The longer and shorter distances share the same general out-and-feel of the waterfront, making the surroundings the consistent draw regardless of which distance you enter.
Hot cocoa from a local coffee house is waiting at the finish, and a donut truck is set up before and after the race. A DJ runs holiday music through the post-race gathering, and a photographer covers the event with downloadable photos available the following day. The finish area has enough going on that most people hang around after they cross.
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Finish-Time Stats
Going by the 2025 results, this is a small, friendly field, and the spread of finish times is wide, so this is a mostly recreational race rather than one for club runners.
5K · 2025 results
295finishers
18:14winner
35:17median
1:13:47cutoff
Top 3: Matthew Brown (18:14) · Jimmy McKeon (18:31) · Jack Murphy (19:15)
8K · 2025 results
139finishers
29:16winner
48:17median
1:09:28cutoff
Top 3: Jacob Marino (29:16) · Joe Kurth Jr (29:24) · Nelson Rice (29:24)
The Elf 'N' Cocoa 8K/5K & 1 Mile Fun Run has been held every year since at least 2018. That is as far back as RunSignup's records for this race go, so it may well be older.
How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Jul 27, 2026.
Distances & Start Times
8K12/6/2026 09:05$45
5K12/6/2026 09:00$42
1 Mile12/6/2026 08:40$30
Going for a Time?
Set a goal and get a pace band: every mile split on a card sized for your phone lock screen, so race morning needs no math.
Where to Stay
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