HalfRuns
Trail to Tryon Holiday Half, 10K & 5K

Trail to Tryon Holiday Half, 10K & 5K

New Bern's Trail to Tryon Holiday Half offers a festive, flat road race through historic downtown.

Race Date

Dec 5, 2026

Location

New Bern, NC

Standout64

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Location
New Bern, North Carolina
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 5K
Course
Point to Point
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
404

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Party FinishSpectator SupportGreat MedalGreat Post Race

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

The Trail to Tryon Holiday Half in New Bern, NC, offers a festive conclusion to the running season. Held in early December, the race takes advantage of the city's holiday decorations, winding through its charming downtown, along the waterfront, and through picturesque residential neighborhoods.

This road race is designed for speed, with a certified course that features minimal elevation change. Runners can expect a net drop, making it a potential personal best opportunity. The start and finish are conveniently located near the historic Tryon Palace, adjacent to the Trent River.

With a growing field that averaged around 158 finishers recently, the event draws participants from about 15 states. While the repeat-runner rate is modest at around 11%, the race offers a welcoming atmosphere with medals and age group awards for all three distances (Half Marathon, 10K, 5K). The post-race celebration in Bates Commons, complete with vendors and a festive feel, complements the holiday spirit of New Bern.

Race-provided description

Join us and experience the new Trail to Tryon Holiday Half on our new date of December 5. Our new date offers a great run experience coupled with all the holiday beauty New Bern has to offer. Pick your distance between a half Marathon, 10K, or 5K. Strategically placed on the calendar to be your final run/walk of the year, make it a weekend and celebrate with us. Please note, this is a road event as the name "Trail to Tryon" is just a reference to the history of New Bern as Tryon Palace was colonial North Carolina’s first official center of government. The courses will take you through New Bern’s charming downtown district, iconic waterfront parks, and beautiful residential neighborhoods. The start and finish is located on the south side the the beautiful Tryon Palace next to the Trent River. The post-race ceremony in the Bates Commons will include vendors and a festive feel to celebrate with friends and family. All finishers will receive medals and age group awards distributed in all three event distances.  All three race distances use the same start and finish location making it easy for family and friends to enjoy together. Plan to stay the night or weekend and take in the holiday festivities and eclectic food and music scenes New Bern offers. Plan to finish your race season with a stop in New Bern for the Holiday Half, 10K and 5K on December 5.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, December 5, 2026

Start Time

7:30 AM

Giveaway

Official Event Shirt

Start Location

529 S. Front Street, New Bern, NC, 28562

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Point to Point

Terrain

road

Scenery

Urban, Lake River

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

+0.14 m

Separation

1.0%

Also Offers

10K5K

USATF Certified Course

NC22028BDS · Trail to Tryon Half Marathon

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Quality Score

Standout64
Methodology
Heritage8/20

4 years running

Size10/15

~96 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty11/20

11% returning runners

Course & details10/15

USATF certified · 3 timing sources

National draw7/10

runners from 15 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:19:29

Weather10/10

typical high 58°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

41°

Afternoon (High)

58°

Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable

0.1"

Precipitation

9 mph

Wind

75%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 404 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

404

Median time

2:04:26

Latest turnout

157

States

23

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:15p50 median ≈ 2:053:40

Turnout by year

2022–2025

'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Frequently asked

When is the Trail to Tryon Holiday Half, 10K & 5K?

The Trail to Tryon Holiday Half, 10K & 5K is held on Saturday, December 5, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.

Where does the Trail to Tryon Holiday Half, 10K & 5K take place?

It takes place in New Bern, North Carolina.

What distances does the Trail to Tryon Holiday Half, 10K & 5K offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 5K.

Is the Trail to Tryon Holiday Half, 10K & 5K course flat and good for a PR?

The Trail to Tryon Holiday Half, 10K & 5K is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

How many people run the Trail to Tryon Holiday Half, 10K & 5K?

HalfRuns has finish records for 404 runners who have completed the Trail to Tryon Holiday Half, 10K & 5K.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.