The First Howl: Trails & Nog
- Date Thu 1st January 2026
- Time 10:00AM AKST
- Location Palmer, Alaska
- Price $22.20 - $64.60
- Races 3 races
- Distances 10 Mile, 1 Mile
Event summary
Kick off the New Year with a thrilling adventure at The First Howl: Trails & Nog, taking place on January 1, 2026, in the picturesque Palmer, Matanuska-Susitna. This vibrant winter trail party promises snowy loops, an exciting book hunt, and a festive twist with eggnog to enjoy post-race! Participants can take on three different trail distances—5 miles, 3 miles, and 1 mile—on the beautiful Crevasse Moraine trail system. Runners will have 4 hours to complete their loops, with a fun twist where they must find hidden pages that correspond to their bib numbers.
After conquering the trails, join in on the valley's first Nog Mile, an exhilarating challenge where runners will sip eggnog before dashing a quarter mile, aiming to finish four loops without spilling! With bib pick-up starting at 9:00 AM and the trail race kicking off at 10:00 AM, this event is perfect for both avid runners and those looking to embrace the festive spirit. Don’t miss out on the chance to earn awards for the top finishers and receive a custom First Howl gift upon completion. Mark your calendars for a day of fun, fitness
After conquering the trails, join in on the valley's first Nog Mile, an exhilarating challenge where runners will sip eggnog before dashing a quarter mile, aiming to finish four loops without spilling! With bib pick-up starting at 9:00 AM and the trail race kicking off at 10:00 AM, this event is perfect for both avid runners and those looking to embrace the festive spirit. Don’t miss out on the chance to earn awards for the top finishers and receive a custom First Howl gift upon completion. Mark your calendars for a day of fun, fitness
Organiser's Description
THE FIRST HOWL: TRAILS & NOG IS EVERYTHING YOU COULD HOPE FOR IN A WINTER TRAIL PARTY...SNOWY TRAIL LOOPS, A BOOK HUNT, AND A BIT OF EGGNOG TO TOP OFF THE FESTIVITIES!
THE DETAILS
TRAILS: Runners will have 4 hours to complete 3 separate loops on the Crevasse Moraine trail system. There will be a 5 mile, 3 mile, and 1 mile loop. At bib pick up, each runner will spin the wheel to determine the order of their loops. At the halfway point of each loop, runners must find a hidden book and tear out the page that matches their bib number (Barkley style) and return their page to the RD at the completion of that loop. The first M/F runners to complete all 3 loops and turn in their 3 pages will be the winner.
NOG: After runners have finished their trail loops they can participate in the valley's first Nog Mile (like a Beer Mile but more festive). Runners will drink their first glass (8oz) of eggnog at the start line pavilion then run a 1/4 mile before returning to the pavilion for their next glass. Fastest M/F runners to complete 4 loops (1 mile) _without throwing up_ will be the winner. Eggnog will be provided but donations are appreciated. Please email us if you plan to bring some to share.
REGISTRATION
There are three options for registering. Runners can sign up for both the Trails & Nog Mile, Trails ONLY, or Nog Mile ONLY.
START TIME
TRAILS: The trail race will begin at 10:00am from the pavilion at Crevasse Moraine. Runners must complete all loops by 2:00pm.
NOG: The Nog Mile will begin at 2:00pm from the pavilion at Crevasse Moraine.
BIB PICK UP
TRAILS: 9:00-9:30am at the pavilion
NOG: 1:00-1:30pm at the pavilion
SWAG AND AWARDS
Awards will be given to the top M/F winners of each race.
Every runner will receive a custom First Howl gift upon completion of their race.
PARKING
Parking is limited at Crevasse Moraine so please think about carpooling and parking in a manner to fit the most cars in the parking lot. Additional parking can be on the street but please use common sense.
With the race being on the first of the year, a 2026 MatSu Borough parking permit will be required. Please plan ahead to order one online or use the kiosk in the parking lot for a day use permit.
THE DETAILS
TRAILS: Runners will have 4 hours to complete 3 separate loops on the Crevasse Moraine trail system. There will be a 5 mile, 3 mile, and 1 mile loop. At bib pick up, each runner will spin the wheel to determine the order of their loops. At the halfway point of each loop, runners must find a hidden book and tear out the page that matches their bib number (Barkley style) and return their page to the RD at the completion of that loop. The first M/F runners to complete all 3 loops and turn in their 3 pages will be the winner.
NOG: After runners have finished their trail loops they can participate in the valley's first Nog Mile (like a Beer Mile but more festive). Runners will drink their first glass (8oz) of eggnog at the start line pavilion then run a 1/4 mile before returning to the pavilion for their next glass. Fastest M/F runners to complete 4 loops (1 mile) _without throwing up_ will be the winner. Eggnog will be provided but donations are appreciated. Please email us if you plan to bring some to share.
REGISTRATION
There are three options for registering. Runners can sign up for both the Trails & Nog Mile, Trails ONLY, or Nog Mile ONLY.
START TIME
TRAILS: The trail race will begin at 10:00am from the pavilion at Crevasse Moraine. Runners must complete all loops by 2:00pm.
NOG: The Nog Mile will begin at 2:00pm from the pavilion at Crevasse Moraine.
BIB PICK UP
TRAILS: 9:00-9:30am at the pavilion
NOG: 1:00-1:30pm at the pavilion
SWAG AND AWARDS
Awards will be given to the top M/F winners of each race.
Every runner will receive a custom First Howl gift upon completion of their race.
PARKING
Parking is limited at Crevasse Moraine so please think about carpooling and parking in a manner to fit the most cars in the parking lot. Additional parking can be on the street but please use common sense.
With the race being on the first of the year, a 2026 MatSu Borough parking permit will be required. Please plan ahead to order one online or use the kiosk in the parking lot for a day use permit.
Races
-
Trails & Nog Mile
Incl. $4.60 Fee
Thu 1st January 2026 (10:00AM AKST)
$64.60
OPENS TOMORROW -
Trails ONLY
Incl. $3.70 Fee
Thu 1st January 2026 (10:00AM AKST)
$48.70
OPENS TOMORROW -
Nog Mile ONLY
Incl. $2.20 Fee
Thu 1st January 2026 (2:00PM AKST)
$22.20
OPENS TOMORROW
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Location
Crevasse Moraine Trailhead, N Loma Prieta Dr, Palmer, 99645, AK, United States
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The First Howl: Trails & Nog
