
Mistletoe Run
The Mistletoe Run is a beloved holiday tradition that supports local youth programs.
Race Date
Dec 5, 2026
Location
Winston Salem, NC
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Location
- Winston Salem, North Carolina
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, 1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 20,054
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Mistletoe Run in Winston-Salem, NC, kicks off the holiday season as the YMCA's largest annual fundraiser. Now in its 29th year, this family-friendly event draws approximately 1,500 finishers, with about 37% returning each year, and participants traveling from around 28 states.
The half marathon course winds through historic and scenic Winston-Salem, passing landmarks like Graylyn International Conference Center, Reynolda House and Gardens, and Wake Forest University's campus before returning to the William G White Jr Family YMCA. The 5K offers a tour of the charming Buena Vista neighborhood.
Runners can expect a festive atmosphere with live music, food trucks, vendors, and community mascots. Participants in the half marathon and 5K receive a long-sleeved custom shirt and a finisher medal, while the 1-mile fun run concludes with a ribbon. All proceeds benefit YMCA youth programs, including swim lessons, summer camp, and after-school care.
Race-provided description
Join us on Saturday December 5th for the most wonderful run of the year! Registration will open June 1st, 2026! Race Start Times: 1 mile Fun Run: 7:30am | Half Marathon: 8:00am | 5K: 8:15am Race Location: William G White Jr Family YMCA | Winston-Salem NC Kick off the holiday season with our YMCA's largest annual fundraiser, The Mistletoe Run! The Mistletoe Run is a family-friendly and community-centered event that includes a certified & chip-timed Half Marathon and 5K course! We also have a 1 mile Fun Run option, live music, food trucks, vendors, community mascots, local cheerleaders, athletes, donuts at the Finish Line and more. Each 5K and Half Marathon participant receives a long-sleeved custom race shirt and Finisher Medal. Our Fun Run participants receive a Finisher ribbon at the end of their race. Our Course The Mistletoe Run is a USATF sanctioned course and begins and ends at the William G White Jr Family YMCA in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Our 5K runners travel through Winston-Salem’s beautiful Buena Vista neighborhood, while the half marathon course will continue through the Graylyn International Conference Center, Reynolda House and Gardens, through Reynolda Village, onto Wake Forest University’s campus, then circle back around to the Y. Our Cause At the YMCA, we believe every child deserves a healthy & active life. We are proud to share that all race proceeds benefit the young people in our community by providing funding for YMCA swim lessons, summer camp, youth sports, before & after school care, teen memberships & more. Our programs build self-confidence, friendships & community while also teaching our young people how to live healthier lives. The Mistletoe Half Marathon, 5K, and Fun Run is proudly presented by the law firm of Bell, Davis & Pitt.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
William G White, Jr. Family YMCA, Winston Salem, NC, 27101
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban, Park
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
NC24011BDS · Mistletoe Half Marathon 2024
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8429 years running
~1,360 finishers a year
growing or steady
37% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources
runners from 28 states
winner 1:13:19
typical high 0°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
0°
Afternoon (High)
0°
Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times
0.0"
Precipitation
0 mph
Wind
0%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 20,054 finishers actually crossed the line across 29 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
20,054
Median time
2:00:46
Latest turnout
766
States
44
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Mistletoe Run?
The Mistletoe Run is held on Saturday, December 5, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Mistletoe Run take place?
It takes place in Winston Salem, North Carolina.
What distances does the Mistletoe Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, 1 Miles.
Is the Mistletoe Run course flat and good for a PR?
The Mistletoe Run is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Mistletoe Run?
HalfRuns has finish records for 20,054 runners who have completed the Mistletoe Run.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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