The First Howl: Trails & Nog Logo

The First Howl: Trails & Nog

Palmer, AK

Fri, Jan 1, 2027

In 61 days · Fri, Jan 1, 2027

Don't let race day sneak up

One email during race week. That's it.

Your race? Boost it to #1 in every search — $1/day →
When

Friday, January 1st, 2027

Where

Crevasse Moraine Trailhead, Palmer AK

Distances

10 Miles · 1 Mile

Typical weather

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 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 3 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 draw cards 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 only 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. NOTE: We'll do our best to keep the eggnog from freezing this year! :)

 

Registration  

There are three options for registering. Runners can sign up for both the Trails & Nog Mile, Trails ONLY, or Nog Mile ONLY.

Age restrictions: Due to the cold weather element of this race, runners under the age of 14 are required to be accompanied by a registered adult for the duration of the race.

 

Start Time

TRAILS: The trail race will begin at 10:00am from the pavilion at Crevasse Moraine. Runners must complete all loops by 1:00pm.

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 Crevasse pavilion

NOG: 12:30pm at the Crevasse pavilion

 

Swag and Awards  

Awards will be given to the top M/F winners of each race.

Every runner will receive a custom BWE/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. 

Photos

2026

  • This is a Black Wolf Endurance event. For more information on our RACE POLICIES please visit our website.

 

 

Course map

Train with a club

Run clubs near Palmer to train with before race day.

See all run clubs near Palmer →

Suggested Races

Eklutna IceBreaker logo

Eklutna IceBreaker

Chugiak, AK

Saturday, March 20th, 2027

10 Miles
Trail
View details for race Eklutna IceBreaker
Running Free 4 Miler logo

Running Free 4 Miler

Eagle River, AK

Sunday, September 19th, 2027

View details for race Running Free 4 Miler
Valley Thaw Out Races logo

Valley Thaw Out Races

Palmer, AK

Saturday, April 24th, 2027

Marathon
Half
10K
View details for race Valley Thaw Out Races

Organize this race?

Claim it free to manage your listing — and get it featured for free, while spots last.

Find The Run Newsletter