Pull on a Santa hat and run the Cary greenways two weeks before Christmas.
Two weeks before Christmas, we pull on Santa hats and hit the Cary greenways together. The race has a new home this year at the Northwest Cary YMCA. Pick the 7K, the 5K, or the Fun Mile, run it or walk it, and go home with a Santa hat (plus a shirt for the 5K and 7K).
Bring a new or gently used winter hat or pair of gloves on race day, too. We're collecting them for kids and teens in the Y's community programs.
7:30 to 8:30 AM: Race-day registration
7:30 to 9:00 AM: Packet pickup and check-in
9:00 to 9:05 AM: 7K staggered start
9:05 to 9:20 AM: 5K staggered start
9:20 to 9:30 AM: Fun Mile staggered start
10:30 AM: Course closes
Check-in is at the Northwest Cary YMCA. Races start in order of distance, and the course closes at 10:30 AM for everyone, so keep your pace in mind when you pick your race. Times can shift for weather or safety, and the email we send the week before has the final word.
Park and check in at the Northwest Cary YMCA
6903 Carpenter Fire Station Rd., Cary, NC 27519. There's plenty of parking in the Y's big lot.
Watch for people on foot
Please keep an eye out for people walking through the parking lot, and yield to them.
Bring your hats and gloves
Drop off new or gently used winter hats and gloves when you get to the race.
The Fortnight Before Christmas runs on the Cary greenway trails. How the trail feels underfoot depends on the weather in the days before the race, so dress for whatever December brings.
Water on the course, near the finish, and at the registration and refreshment area
Athletic trainer at the medical tent near the finish
Chip timing for everyone, with live results a few minutes after you cross the line
Plenty of runners carry their own drinks and fuel too. The course isn't USATF certified, and please bear in mind that GPS tracking apps are not suitable for measuring course distances accurately. The course maps include elevation data.
Santa hats, plus shirts for the 5K and 7K, are guaranteed for everyone who signs up by November 29.
A Fortnight Before Christmas shirt and Santa hat
For every 5K and 7K runner, in person or virtual. Fun Mile runners get a Santa hat. Guaranteed if you sign up by November 29.
Over $4,000 in potential awards
Top 3 men and women overall, top 3 in every age group, Picking Up the Pace awards for runners who beat their pace from one of our last two races, and a $10 gift code for any new course record. It's a new course, so every record is up for grabs. The Fun Mile has its own overall and age-group awards.
Fit & Able Free-for-All Series points
This race earns you points toward end-of-year prizes.
Referral and team rewards
Bring friends along or build a team, and you can earn back the early bird price, plus Fit & Able credit. These rewards are for the in-person 5K and 7K. Details are on the registration page.
Sign up for the virtual race if you already know you can’t be there on race day. Or, if you’re registered for the in-person race and your plans change, email info@fitandable.net at least 48 hours before the race and we’ll switch you to virtual.
Run your 7K, 5K, or Fun Mile anywhere between December 5 at 6:00 AM and December 12 at 6:00 PM: around the neighborhood, on a greenway, even around the living room.
Submit your time online during that window (RaceJoy can do it for you). Your Santa hat, and your shirt if you ran the 5K or 7K, ship to any US address the week after the race, shipping included, once your result is in. You can also pick up your packet at the in-person race. Top 3 overall and age-group finishers win Fit & Able gift codes.
On race day we will be gathering new or gently used winter hats and gloves for children and teens (ages 0 to 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.
What should I bring for the hat and glove drive?
New or gently used winter hats and gloves. Drop them off when you arrive on race day. They go to kids and teens, ages 0 to 18, in the Y's Community Supported Programs, and get handed out to families through the Y's Annual Holiday Gift Drive.
Can I bring my dog or my bike?
Not to this one. Dogs and bikes aren't allowed on the Fortnight Before Christmas course. We also strongly suggest leaving the headphones at home so you can hear course instructions.
Can my little one ride along in a stroller?
Yes. Kids 4 and under can join through the Kids in Strollers registration, and that includes little ones you carry. They need their own registration and bib, a parent registered in the 5K, 7K, or Fun Mile, and a proper buckle. A helmet is a good idea too.
When and where do I pick up my packet?
On race day only, at the Northwest Cary YMCA. Bring a photo ID (a picture of it on your phone works). You can pick up a friend's packet if you have a photo of their ID. Anything not picked up on race day can't be shipped or refunded.
Can I sign up on race day?
Yes, from 7:30 to 8:30 AM at the Y. We take cash, checks, and cards.
When will results, photos, and awards be ready?
Live results post a few minutes after you finish, and final results and race photos are emailed after the race. RunSignUp tags photos to your bib number, so keep your bib on the front. There's no awards ceremony on race day. Awards are ready the week after, to pick up at Fleet Feet Morrisville or by email. Results are final for awards at 9 AM the Monday after the race, and age groups go by your age on December 31.
Can my family come and cheer?
Please do. Spectators are welcome along the course and outside the finish chute fencing. Check-in and the start and finish areas are for runners only, and please leave drones at home.
What if I need extra time or an accommodation?
Every Fit & Able race is open to anyone, of any age, skill level, or ability. If you might need extra time, email info@fitandable.net. For an accommodation, please reach out at least a month before race day so we can work out what's possible.
More answers on our Event FAQ page.
Hand out water, help at check-in and cheer runners home. Every Fit & Able race runs on volunteers.
Volunteer sign-upMeet runners and families on race day, as a sponsor or with an exhibitor booth.
Sponsorship optionsPick your distance and save your spot. Prices and registration are on RunSignUp.