Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half Marathon & 5 Mile
- Date
- January 16, 2027
- Distance
- Half Marathon · Half Marathon (Economy Package) · Half Marathon Ruck & more
From the Organizer
The Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Half Marathon & 5 Mile is North Carolina’s wildest winter trail race, held every January at Northeast Park in Gibsonville. This unique trail race has built a reputation for unpredictable conditions—over the years it’s been 85 degrees and bone dry, while other times it’s been 35 degrees with extremely slippery trails and even an uncrossable river. No matter the weather, this race delivers adventure, camaraderie, and a true “WTF” attitude on the trails.
Whether you’re ready to take on the Half Marathon, with two epic river crossings at the Reedy Fork River, or you prefer the 5 mile run or ruck option, you’ll find a challenge worth bragging about. And at the finish line, participants are rewarded with the signature perks that make this race unforgettable.
Why Run the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Half Marathon & 5 Mile?
Here’s why trail runners and ruckers keep coming back year after year:
- January trail race adventure – A mid-winter challenge that embraces all kinds of weather.
- Reedy Fork River crossings – Half Marathon participants cross the river twice for a true WTF moment.
- Options for all levels – Choose the Half Marathon, 5 Mile, or ruck division and take on the trails your way.
- Hoodie swag – Every participant gets a cozy race hoodie, perfect for those chilly NC winter mornings.
- Finisher medal – Part of the North Carolina Trail Mega Medal Series—collect them all!
- WTF bumper dticker – A badge of honor you’ll want to display.
- Fun prizes & giveaways – Because who doesn’t love surprises?
- Post-race food & beer – Refuel, relax, and celebrate your muddy accomplishments.
Race Experience
The Whiskey Tango Foxtrot trail race isn’t just about the miles—it’s about the stories you’ll carry with you. From slipping through icy mud to charging across rivers to laughing with fellow runners about the “WTF” moments, this race is built for those who love adventure and community.
Add in chip timing, live results, and on-course support, and you’ve got a professionally organized trail race with a personality unlike any other.
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
From Endurance Grid's Founder
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More running races in NC
Five Points 5k
5K
Move for Mental Health
Eagle 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Charlotte, NC (29)
Half Marathon · 10K · 5K
50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half Marathon & 5 Mile?
- Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half Marathon & 5 Mile is a running event held in Gibsonville, NC. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
- When and where is the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half Marathon & 5 Mile?
- Saturday, January 16, 2027 in Gibsonville, NC at 3421 Northeast Park Drive, Gibsonville, NC. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half Marathon & 5 Mile?
- Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half Marathon & 5 Mile
Jan 16, 2027