Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register?
Can I register on race day?
Yes. But for the best rate, register early starting June 1!
Where does the entry fee go?
Once we pay for our race expenses, 100% of all monies netted go towards programs that support the children in our community, like swim lessons, youth sports, before & after school care, summer camp and more!
Do you have an Event Day map?
Coming soon!
Do you have a Course Map?
Yes! Click for GPS turn-by-turn directions for the Half Marathon, 5K, and 1 mile Fun Run.
View printable pdf maps here: Half Marathon and 5K
When and where is packet pick up?
Packet pick up will be Friday, December 6, 2025 from 12:00-7:00pm in the upstairs basketball gym at the William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA at 775 West End Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
We will have very limited packet pick up race morning from 6:15-7:15am. Participants are encouraged to pick up their runner's bag on Friday to avoid being late for their race.
Can my friend pick my packet up for me?
Yes! Please make sure your friend knows if you are running the Fun Run, 5K or Half Marathon.
What is included in the race packet?
Your race shirt, race bib, special offers from race sponsors and other information will be included when you pick up your packet in- person. Half marathon and 5K finishers will receive their Finisher's Medal at the finish line.
What type of shirt is included?
Shirt design to come!
Where is the Start and Finish Line?
The start and finish lines are on Sunset Blvd across from the main entrance to the Y.
Will you have Gear Check?
Yes! Our Presenting Sponsor, Bell Davis & Pitt hosts our Gear Check in the lobby of the William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA. Gear Check will open at 6:30am and close at 11:30am on race morning.
Do you offer Childcare?
Yes! We will offer complimentary Child Care inside of our Y for race participants. Child Care is available for children 6 weeks to 12 years old. Child Care will open at 7:15am and close at 11:30am on race morning. Registration is recommended to guarantee your child's spot. Click here to register!
Can I volunteer?
Yes! We love volunteers! Please visit here for volunteer opportunities or contact mistletoe@ymcanwnc.org. If you are interested in volunteering as a team, please let us know!
Are there awards?
Yes! Awards will be given out after each race. Estimated awards ceremony start time for the Fun Run & 5K is 9:15am and for the Half Marathon is 10:30am.
Fun Run Awards (8 and under only):
Awards will be given to the Top 3 Overall Male and Female (8 and under only). Participants over 8 years old can participate in the mile but the awards will only be for ages 8 and under.
5K Awards:
Awards will be given to the Overall Top 3 M/F and Top 3 M/F Masters Overall of the 5K. Age division awards; 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-80, 81+.
Half Marathon Awards:
Awards will be given to the Overall Top 3 M/F and Top 3 M/F Masters Overall of the Half Marathon. Age division awards; 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-80, 81+
No duplicate awards will be given. Sorry, we do not ship or hold awards. Age group winners must be present at the awards ceremony to receive their award unless a prior conversation is had with the race director.
Where can I park?
Click here for a parking map. Thanks to our community partners for lending us their space for the day!
Can I walk the race?
Yes! We have lots of walkers every year, especially for our 1 mile Fun Run and our 5K. We do have a 3.5 hour time limit for the Half Marathon and ask walkers to be aware of this. For our half marathon, we request a 16 minute per mile pace or faster. (If you are training on a treadmill, this is a minimum 3.75 mph pace). If you fall below this pace, we can unfortunately no longer guarantee course support—which is paramount for your safety. Aid stations, medical support, portable toilets, and road closures will start to become unavailable and the local police will ask you to move onto the sidewalk where you will be required to obey regular traffic laws. For walkers that walk below this pace, we strongly suggest participating in our 5K or 1 mile for the safest and best experience.
Can I cheer participants on from the course?
Yes! We love when the community comes out to support our runners. You are welcome to find a spot along the course route to cheer our participants on. If you are a musician or dance or cheer squad please contact us at mistletoe@ymcanwnc.org for more information.
What is the cancellation policy?
Due to the fundraising nature of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina's Annual Impact Fund events, entries are non-refundable and cannot be transferred from person to person.
If you need to change the race distance you registered for (for example if you registered for the half marathon but would like to compete in the 5K instead) please click here for instructions.
In the event the race should be canceled for reasons beyond the control of the Race Director or Race Committee (inclement weather or unsafe weather conditions; local, state or national emergency), refunds will not be made, but race packets, including race shirts, will be available for pick up at a location to be determined. Race shirts will not be able to be shipped.
I'm coming from out of town, where should I stay?
Click here for a list of Winston-Salem hotels.
Any other questions?
We can’t wait to see you on race day! If you have any additional questions or need more info, please email us at mistletoe@ymcanwnc.org