The First Howl: Trails & Nog
Palmer, United States • 1 Jan 2026
Event overview
The First Howl: Trails & Nog takes place on January 1, 2026 at Crevasse Moraine Trailhead in Palmer, AK (99645). The event offers three registration options: Trails & Nog Mile, Trails ONLY, and Nog Mile ONLY. Entry fees listed are $60 for the combined option, $45 for Trails ONLY, and $20 for Nog Mile ONLY. Registration closes December 27, 2025. Awards will be given to the top male and female finishers of each race. Every finisher receives a custom First Howl gift.
Race format and logistics
Trails: Participants have four hours to complete three separate loops on the Crevasse Moraine trail system. The loops are:
- 5 mile
- 3 mile
- 1 mile
At bib pick up each runner spins a wheel to determine the order of their loops. At the halfway point of each loop runners must locate a hidden book, tear out the page that matches their bib number, and return that page to the race director when they finish the loop. The first male and female runners to complete all three loops and turn in all three pages are the winners.
Nog Mile: The Nog Mile consists of four repeats of drinking an 8 oz glass of eggnog at the pavilion and running a 1/4 mile lap, totaling one mile. Fastest male and female finishers to complete four loops without vomiting are declared winners. Eggnog will be provided; donations are appreciated.
Additional notes: Bib pick up occurs at the pavilion. Parking is limited and a 2026 MatSu Borough parking permit is required for day use. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.