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 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.