The Fortnight Before Christmas is a running event held in Cary, North Carolina on December 12, 2026, offering three distance options: 1 mile, 5K, and 7K. The race starts at 9:00 AM from Carpenter Fire Station Road. Entry fees range from $5 to $100 depending on the distance and registration timing. If you're unable to race in person, a virtual participation option is available, allowing you to complete your chosen distance on your own schedule. This late-season race is a good option for runners training through the holiday period or looking for a local event in the Research Triangle area.
From the Race Organizer
Course Records - Northwest Cary YMCA Set a NEW course record & win a $10 gift code! 5K - Male: n/a 5 K - Female: n/a 7K - Female: n/a 7K - Female: n/a RUN, WALK, ROLL, OR STROLL! Fit & Able is proud to bring back the Fortnight Before Christmas at an all new venue hosted by the Northwest Cary YMCA and course on the Cary Greenways. On race day we will be gathering new or gently used winter hats and gloves to benefit children and teens (ages 0 - 18) who are part of the Y’s Community Supported Programs that offer families and children access to summer camp, afterschool activities, swim lessons, and Community Navigation Services and help make a real difference in our community. All clothing donations will be distributed to families during the Annual Holiday Gift Drive to spread warmth and joy to those who need it most this season. All financial donations to the YMCA will be used to purchase items to be distributed as well. IN-PERSON RACE INFORMATION VIRTUAL RACE INFORMATION COURSE MAPS EXHIBITOR INFORMATION SPECTATOR INFORMATION All races will have a staggered start beginning at 8:00 AM (in order of distance) and the course closes for all races at 9:30 AM ( In-person Race Day Schedule ) . Please consider your race pace when deciding which event to run. * For any participants who feel they may need some extra time, please contact us at info@fitandable.net . WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH FORTNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS REGISTRATION: IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL 5K, 7K, and Fun Mile race options Fortnight Before Christmas shirt and Santa hat included for all 5K and 7K participants; Santa hat for the Fun Mile participants (guaranteed if signed up by November 29th). Shirts available for purchase separately. Over $4,000 in potential in-person & virtual Overall (Top 3 Male / Female), Age Group (Top 3 Male / Female), Picking Up the Pace, and New Course Record awards Great rewards and prizes you can earn by referring your friends and family to sign up with you or even recruiting them to race as a "team"! * More details below Earn points for Fit & Able's Free-for-All Race Series to win big end-of-year prizes! Check out the current standings: Free-for-All Race Series . If you are interested in sponsoring the Fortnight Before Christmas please email Info@FitandAble.net for more information! We can't wait to see you at the Fortnight Before Christmas!
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Cary, NC. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for December 12.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Cary, NC.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Fortnight Before Christmas 2026 — Cary, NC?
Fortnight Before Christmas 2026 — Cary, NC takes place on December 12, 2026. The race is held in Cary, North Carolina.
Where is Fortnight Before Christmas 2026 — Cary, NC held?
Fortnight Before Christmas 2026 — Cary, NC is held at 6903 Carpenter Fire Station Rd. in Cary, North Carolina.
Where can I find hotels near Fortnight Before Christmas 2026 — Cary, NC?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Cary. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
