There really have only been two gnomes I have ever played. One was Wobble the Wondrous of Waterdeep - he was a bard/ranger/wizard and was great fun. The other was back in the old 1e days and was named Segojen (after the gnomish god). He was a quiet, introspective sage sort who was a cleric/illusionist. I REALLY liked playing this character.
But Elves have always held the closest place to my heart rpg wise. Then the thri-kreen! (Yes, I have always liked this race and the rp'ing possibilities that come with it.) Then gnomes. 
Dwarves I was never able to get into, nor halflings.
Humans were okay. Half elves ... meh.
I played one half orc. Shagratym. He was a terrible and evil creature who ended his days being assassinated by a fellow party member.
Some day I would like to play an Elan.