The First Howl: Trails & Nog
The First Howl: Trails & Nog is a running race on January 1, 2027 in Palmer, AK, with entry fees from $20 to $60.
- Date
- January 1, 2027 (116 days to go)
- Price
- $20–$60
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
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 1:00pm from the pavilion at Crevasse Moraine.
Bib Pick Up
TRAILS: 9:00-9:45am at the pavilion
NOG: 12:30pm 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 2027 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.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
22°
Typical Low
9°
Chance of Rain
25%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Lazy Mtn, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Palmer, AK
City Elevation
1,589 ft
Nearest Airport
MRI
Merrill Field · 40 mi
Major Hub
ANC
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport · 46 mi
Time Zone
Alaska Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The First Howl: Trails & Nog, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
116
Days to train
- Race
- The First Howl: Trails & Nog
- Date
- January 1, 2027
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
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Frequently Asked Questions
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The First Howl: Trails & Nog
Jan 1, 2027