HalfRuns
Mistletoe Run

Mistletoe Run

The Mistletoe Run is a beloved holiday tradition that supports local youth programs.

Race Date

Dec 5, 2026

Location

Winston Salem, NC

Runner Favorite84

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

PR FriendlyBeginner FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityParty FinishSpectator SupportGreat MedalGreat Swag

Course

Fast FlatScenic Route

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

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Urban, Park

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

3.1 Miles1 Miles

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 Favorite84
Methodology
Heritage20/20

29 years running

Size15/15

~1,360 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

37% returning runners

Course & details10/15

USATF certified · 5 timing sources

National draw9/10

runners from 28 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:13:19

Weather0/10

typical high 0°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

Afternoon (High)

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

10%
25%
75%
90%
0:55p50 median ≈ 1:554:20

Turnout by year

20172025

'17'18'19'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

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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