In 113 days · Fri, Jan 1, 2027
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Friday, January 1st, 2027
Crevasse Moraine Trailhead, Palmer AK
10 Miles · 1 Mile
12–22°F · low rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 3 of the last 10 years
2026
-1–6°F
dry
2025
16–24°F
dry
2024
23–28°F
dry
2023
30–36°F
rain
2022
8–20°F
dry
2021
6–16°F
dry
2020
1–25°F
rain
2019
33–39°F
dry
2018
27–35°F
rain
2017
13–24°F
dry
Best months to race in Alaska →
About this race
The First Howl: Trails & Nog
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.
- BOOK HUNT: 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.
- Winners: 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).
Nog Mile Details
- START: 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.
- WINNERS: Fastest M/F runners to complete 4 loops (1 mile) without throwing up will be the winner.
- EGGNOG: 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: Awards will be given to the top M/F winners of each race.
- Gift: Every runner will receive a custom First Howl gift upon completion of their race.
Parking
- LIMITED: 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.
- STREET PARKING: Additional parking can be on the street but please use common sense.
- PERMIT: With the race being on the first of the year, a 2027 MatSu Borough parking permit will be required.
- PLAN AHEAD: Please plan ahead to order one online or use the kiosk in the parking lot for a day use permit.
For more information, visit the official race page: The First Howl: Trails & Nog.
Course map
Hotels for race weekend
Live prices near the start line, Dec 31 – Jan 2, 2027.
Train with a club
Run clubs near Palmer to train with before race day.
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