Fortnight Before Christmas

DEC
12
2026
Celebrate the season in Cary with the Fortnight Before Christmas, featuring 7K, 5K, and Fun Mile races. Support the local community through winter clothing donations while competing for age group awards and series points.
Sat 12 Dec 2026
7 kilometers 5 kilometers

Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.

Fortnight Before Christmas

The Fortnight Before Christmas is a multi-distance running event held in Cary, North Carolina. Managed by Fit & Able, this event offers several participation options for athletes and families. The physical races take place at the Northwest Cary YMCA, while virtual options allow for participation from any location.

The event features a variety of distances and formats:

  • 7K
  • 5K
  • Fun Mile
  • Kids in Strollers
  • Virtual 7K
  • Virtual 5K
  • Virtual Fun Mile

Participants in the 5K and 7K categories receive a race shirt and a Santa hat, provided they register by the specified late-November deadline. Those entering the Fun Mile receive a Santa hat. The event also includes an exhibitor category. For the in-person races, a staggered start is utilized based on the distance of the event.

The event serves as a charitable collection point. Donations are used to purchase winter clothing, such as hats, gloves, and coats, for distribution through the Northwest Cary YMCA. The organizers also collect new or gently used winter gear on the day of the race. Competitors can earn points toward the Fit & Able Free-for-All Race Series. Awards are available for top finishers in various age groups and for those who establish new course records. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

7 km
5 km
Fun Mile
Kids in Strollers
Virtual 5k
Virtual 7k
Virtual Fun Mile