12 Hours of Holiday Miles – For a GREAT Cause! The Nutcracker Run has been and ALWAYS will be a 100% NOT FOR PROFIT event. Proceeds from the events held will go directly to The Dunn Police Athletic and Activities League which provides after school activities, tutoring, and athletic opportunities for under-served youth, and the Dunn-Erwin Rail Trail Commission.
The 12 hour race started in 2014 draws great ultra runners from across the country, as well as beginners looking to push their limits. The 6 hour event started in 2017 and has since more than tripled in size. The 3 hour endurance run draws super fast participants as well as those looking to try out a “timed event”. We anticipate each event to grow again.
These endurance runs will be on a 5 mile (each way) 10 mile per lap down and back course that is composed of crushed gravel towpath. The course is Dunn’s rails to trails path. This trail will challenge any runner, it is a beginner’s trail, but the length and the three mini hills can get to you in the latter hours.
In the 12 hour, for 9.5 hours (or as long as you are able) you will run to Dunn and back, when you can no longer make it an entire 10 mile loop, you will do 1/2 mile repeats (1 mile round trip) to the cones and back. (any runner in any event can opt to do another 10 mile lap rather than 9 – 1 mile laps….you just have to be able to get back before the cutoff).
THERE WILL BE A MAXIMUM OF NINE 1 MILE LAPS ALLOWED in all events. After all…..if you do TEN 1 mile laps, you should have just done another big loop 🙂 The 6 hour will do 3.5 hours to Dunn and back, the final 2.5 hours you will do 1 mile round trips to the cones and back. The 3 hour will do 1 full round trip to Dunn (or two if the runner chooses), then complete 1 mile round trips until time is expired.
All participants will receive a custom race shirt, and a finishers award. Prizes for 1,2,3 m/f in each event. Registrations received 30 days or less in advance of event date are not guaranteed the shirt size they registered for, but they will still receive a shirt.
Costumes, Ugly sweaters, TONS of food, beer and so much more!
The Dunn-Erwin Rail Trail is a unique path that connects the two downtown areas of the communities while allowing the user to stroll through farmlands, beside cotton fields and across wetlands. The relaxed 5 mile trail of crushed stone is perfect for the casual walker, biker or family and is also used by serious runners because of its length and flat, well maintained surface. Dogs on leashes are welcome, but horses and ATVs are not permitted. The trail is clearly marked and easy to follow, and although the trail does intersect streets on multiple occasions, the crossings are well marked and safe. At multiple points on the path, there are informative signs with a map as well as historical points of interest and attractions along the trail. If you are interested in bringing the family and kids, there is plenty to explore in the two towns once you have traveled the trail. From Noah’s Landing, a 12 acre outdoor animal center, to historic sites likes Averasboro Civil War Battlefield and Museum; there is something to please everyone, young and old.
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Well organized, flat, rail trail course
This was kind of a unique set up for me for a fixed-time race. What made it unique was that the start was on a main street of downtown Erwin, … MORE
This was kind of a unique set up for me for a fixed-time race. What made it unique was that the start was on a main street of downtown Erwin, NC and was an out and back rail trail course. The course is usually 5 miles out and 5 miles back, but this year, there was a bridge that was washed out, so they shortened it up to 9 miles total for the out and back. The trail was about 15 feet wide, smooth, and covered with finely crushed limestone. There was one dog leg on the trail, but was otherwise straight and easy to follow. The weather was pleasant this year for a December ultra with highs near the mid-70s. There were aid stations at the ends of the out and back that had a good variety of fluids and soft drinks, snack foods, pizza and peanut butter and jelly sandwichs. They gave out nice finisher medals and a hoody instead of a shirt.
Course changed slightly
Due to a washout in the trail, the course was changed slightly this year. The full out and back was 9 miles on the crushed gravel rail trail. There was … MORE
Due to a washout in the trail, the course was changed slightly this year. The full out and back was 9 miles on the crushed gravel rail trail. There was an aid station at each end of the trail, so 4.5 miles apart. In addition to a nutcracker themed medal, participants got a hooded sweatshirt.
Holiday themed ultra
With options of 3, 6 or 12 hours, this is a great choice for someone wanting to run their first ultra. Some runners run in costume. The course is a … MORE
With options of 3, 6 or 12 hours, this is a great choice for someone wanting to run their first ultra. Some runners run in costume. The course is a converted rail to trail out and back of 5 miles each way (10 miles total). Once you do as many of the 10-mile out and backs that you can within your event, you start doing the shorter 1 mile out and backs until time runs out. Runners can also stop at any time they choose…there is no pressure to run more than you want to. This year, there was a nutcracker medal in addition to a hoodie.
Great beginner ultra
With options of 3, 6 or 12 hours, this is a great choice for someone thinking of running their first ultra. The comradery among the runners make it a fantastic … MORE
With options of 3, 6 or 12 hours, this is a great choice for someone thinking of running their first ultra. The comradery among the runners make it a fantastic choice for anyone who runs, period. Many runners chose to run in costume, including a friend who ran the entire 12 hours carrying a foot-tall nutcracker! The course is a converted rail to trail out and back of 5 miles each way. Since I ran the 6 hour event, I did two out and backs (for 20 total miles), then added shorter out and backs of 1 mile, getting up to 26 miles before I stopped. I chose to run this event prior to running my first marathon to test myself, with no pressure. I managed the 26 miles easily in this event, due to both the flat course and the great support from the other runners. Finishers received a nutcracker medal in addition to a nice long-sleeved T-shirt.