The First Howl: Trails & Nog Logo

The First Howl: Trails & Nog

Palmer, AK

Fri, Jan 1, 2027

In 113 days · Fri, Jan 1, 2027

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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

-16°F

dry

2025

1624°F

dry

2024

2328°F

dry

2023

3036°F

rain

2022

820°F

dry

2021

616°F

dry

2020

125°F

rain

2019

3339°F

dry

2018

2735°F

rain

2017

1324°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.

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