Officially, the Jolly Elf is a “virtual” race, offering both a traditional virtual race, which can be ran literally anywhere in the world; and then a “common course" virtual race, where runners must run a specific half-marathon or specific 5K course, which, hence the name of the race, will be on a designated stretch of 30A. Both courses must be run during a specific timeframe, which is explained below.
For the 2024 JOLLY ELF 30A HALF MARATHON + 5K, the start/finish for both the half marathon and 5K ("common course," obviously) will FINALLY be adjacent the fountain (adjacent the entrance) at 30Avenue in Inlet Beach. Both courses proceed northwest bound on the 30A multi-purpose path. Runners will pass through the brand new US-98 underpass TWICE. The 5K course features an out-and-back to Alys Beach. The half marathon course features an out-and-back to Seagrove Beach. The exact start and finish points will be clearly marked with sidewalk chalk (or subtle physical marking in the event of rainy weather) + shared via photo. Rest assured, the turnaround points will be obvious! :) Furthermore, the maps + Garmin Connect data for each course are available at
https://www.runrotorhead30a.com/jolly-elf-30a-half-and-5k.
Runners will officially have a 49-hour window to run their respective course. Specifically, runners may start their respective race any time after 10:00a CST on Thursday, December 12th and MUST BE COMPLETE NO LATER THAN 11:00a CST on Saturday, December 14th. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY. For example, if you finish at 11:01a CST on Saturday your finish will NOT count. Everyone will have the link to upload their results into Its Your Race; so once complete with running, just upload your time. Simple as that. Again, please plan accordingly to ensure that you complete on time.
Just to ensure that there is no confusion, here are a few business rules and some other helpful stuff (and yes, some of these are a repeat from above)...
1. Despite offering a "COMMON COURSE" option, this is still a virtual race...hence no
official group start. In fact, not offering a group start is actually what keeps us legal. That said, you may start your race whenever convenient during the established race window.
2. Runners are 100% self-supported while they run, i.e. there are no aid stations. In otherwords, each runner is responsible for bringing their own water + nutrition to sustain them for the entirety of their race.
3. Simplicity and predictability are definite goals for this event. That said, you should never, ever have to leave the 30A multi-purpose path or designated crosswalk. The only exception is if you need to visit one of the Walton County Beach Access bathrooms while completing your race. If you must depart from the multi-purpose path or a designated crosswalk to use the restroom, please be vigilant! Runners are responsible for their own traffic separation at all times.
4. Everyone should be using a Garmin, Fitbit, RunKeeper app on their Smartphone...
something that tracks their activity. Specifically time + distance + a graphical display of the route completed WITH DATE. You must be able to send me a link or at least a screenshot of your activity, if requested. If you think that you're amongst the leaders, i.e. Winner or Runner Up, please go ahead and just the screenshot or link to your activity to
RunRotorhead30a@gmail.com.
5. Lastly, and this is very important, once you start your run and your run app, you shall NOT hit stop until you're finished with your race. Easy as that. Hit "start" to start your race, hit "stop" to stop when you cross the finish line. If you stop your clock at any other time to use the restroom, tie your shoe, etc., that is considered cheating. Please don't cheat!
A new addition to the JOLLY ELF 30A HALF MARATHON + 5K beginning in 2024, the Clash of the Run Clubs!!! Here are the guidelines...
1. Each team consists of 4-5 runners. Teams are gender-neutral.
2. While the Jolly Elf 30A is technically a "virtual" race with an in-person element, this team competition is 100% in-person with all teams starting from the same place (adjacent the fountain at 30Avenue), and running an identical course (the established Jolly Elf 30A half marathon course). All teams need to complete their team runs on Saturday, December 14th between the hours of 5:00a and 10:59a (with ALL times submitted by 11:00a). Teams do not have to start together.
3. Winning team will be determined by averaging the times of fastest FOUR runners from each team - obviously the team with the fastest average time wins. For teams with 5 runners, the slowest time be dropped. For teams with only 4 runners, all times will be averaged.
4. Each member of the winning team receives the cool hand-painted barrel top (posted on social media). I'll have something less cool made for the runner up team :)
5. Registration will be $35 per runner/$175 per team (+ any applicable registration fees from IYR). That price won't increase. That also includes long-sleeve tech shirt, finisher's award + post-race social at Idyll Hound Proper (located about 100 feet from the start/finish.
6. Lastly, pretty much the same guidelines from the individual events also apply to the "Clash of the Run Clubs," i.e. you must run with a Garmin, Fitbit, RunKeeper, something; once you start your time you cannot stop it until you finish; runners are self-supported, etc.
What do you get for your money? If you’re taking part in the “common course" virtual, rest assured, you’ll be running an incredibly scenic half marathon or 5K race route through multiple picturesque communities along the 30A multi-purpose path. If you’re running a half or 5K course in the “traditional" virtual category, obviously the course will only be as pretty as you make it
ALL registered runners will receive an awesome Christmas-themed long-sleeve race shirt. In terms of awards, runners who successfully complete the race in which they registered will receive a cool finisher’s award. The men’s and women’s winner and runner up from both courses will receive a suitably nifty award.
NOTE: If you’re taking part in the “traditional" virtual race and reside outside of the local area, or you’re just unable to make it to the post-race social, regardless of which race you competed in, your shirt + awards (as applicable) will be mailed to you (if mailing internationally, there may be an additional charge).
