Elf 'N' Cocoa 8K/5K & 1 Mile Fun Run

Elf 'N' Cocoa 8K/5K & 1 Mile Fun Run is held in West Deptford Township, New Jersey, on December 6, 2026. The kids' 1-mile fun run opens the morning at 8:40 a.m., the 5K follows at 9:00 a.m. and the 8K (about 5 miles) at 9:05 a.m., all chip-timed. The event supports the Headstrong Foundation and hands out awards to the leading runners, along with personalized cocoa mugs and hot chocolate from a local café. There are waterfront views along the way, a DJ and a food truck, and children in the fun run get a medal and a beanie.

Having the 5K and 8K five minutes apart means you choose by ambition rather than schedule. Newer runners will find the 5K enough; if you already cover 15 to 20 miles a week, the 8K gives a better read on your fitness. Either way, start conservatively, since waterfront wind usually hits hardest in one direction.