Trail to Tryon Holiday Half, 10K & 5K

Join us and experience the new Trail to Tryon Holiday Half on our new date of December 5. Our new date offers a great run experience coupled with all the holiday beauty New Bern has to offer. Pick your distance between a half Marathon, 10K, or 5K. Strategically placed on the calendar to be your final run/walk of the year, make it a weekend and celebrate with us.

Please note, this is a road event as the name "Trail to Tryon" is just a reference to the history of New Bern as Tryon Palace was colonial North Carolina’s first official center of government. The courses will take you through New Bern’s charming downtown district, iconic waterfront parks, and beautiful residential neighborhoods. The start and finish is located on the south side the the beautiful Tryon Palace next to the Trent River. The post-race ceremony in the Bates Commons will include vendors and a festive feel to celebrate with friends and family. All finishers will receive medals and age group awards distributed in all three event distances. 

All three race distances use the same start and finish location making it easy for family and friends to enjoy together. Plan to stay the night or weekend and take in the holiday festivities and eclectic food and music scenes New Bern offers.

Plan to finish your race season with a stop in New Bern for the Holiday Half, 10K and 5K on December 5.

What is included in race registration?
Race registration includes an official event shirt, participant swag bag, and a finisher medal.

Will there be race day registration?
Yes. Race day registration will open at 6:30 AM and close at 7:15 AM.  Race Day registration participants are not guaranteed an official event shirt. Race day registration takes place at the Official Headquarters' tent located in post-race area, by the start/finish line in Bates Commons.

Are course maps available?

Yes. Click HERE for the Trader Construction Half Marathon map, HERE for the CarolinaEast 10K map and HERE and the Chad Sittig 5K map.

Do all three event distances start together?

Yes! All participants line up together to provide one big Opening Ceremonies. Corrals open at 7:10 AM with the start at 7:30 AM. Please line up in the corral next to your expected pace sign positioned along the corrals.

Will there be Gear Check?
There is a courtesy bag check, sponsored by Thompson Homes Real Estate. Check the Start/Finish area map for the location

When will the awards be distributed?
Age Group Awards will be distributed in the post-race at the large Runner Celebration tent up on the landing.  Podium and Age Group awards (top three male and female times in each age category) will take place at the following times:

• Chad Sittig 5K @ 9:15 AM
• CarolinaEast 10K @ 10:15 AM
• Trader Construction Half Marathon @ 11:15 AM

Do you have Day Prior packet pick-up?
Yes. Friday Packet Pickup is from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM on December 5 at the New Bern Visitor Center located at 316 S. Front Street. 

Is there any option to have a race packet mailed to you?
Only Virtual participants will have their packets mailed

Where is the race location starting point?
The start/finish line is located on the southwest corner of the Bates Commons at approximately 529 S. Front Street, New Bern, NC 28562 (by the Pirate Ship)

Is there a time limit to complete the race?
Yes, all runners will have four hours to complete their race distance.

What is Runners’ Celebration?
The Runners’ Celebration will held on Bate Commons at the North Carolina History Center from 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM. Enjoy music, games, a photo booth, food truck, beer and other beverages and the awards ceremony. Runners and their guests are encouraged to attend.

Where can we park?
There are two different parking areas available for use and identified on the map that will be included in the race packet; at the corner of Eden and S. Front Street and the Tabernacle Baptist Church parking lot at the corner of Broad and George Street. Should those two lots be full there may be room available at the First Baptist Church parking lot on the corner of Pollock and Hancock Street.

Will there be water along the route?
Yes, water will be served along the course at all aid stations

Are there restrooms along the route?
Yes, Restroom will be position on course and in the start/finish area (see Start/Finish Map). Course restrooms will be located at every aid station.

Where can we go for information the day of the race?
Information can be found at the event's Headquarters tent located close to the start/finish line in the Bates Commons post race area.

Are emergency services available the day of the race?
Yes. New Bern Police, Trent Woods Police and EMS personnel will be assisting all day long along the race course. There will also be mini first aid kits at each water station should you need a band aid or some ointment.

Will there be an After Party following the Runners’ Celebration?
Yes! Following the Runners’ Celebration all runners and their guests are invited to continue celebrating at Poppy’s Bites & Barrels, 313 Pollock Street, Downtown New Bern. You can use the special coupon included in the runners’ email as well as the one in the award glass if you placed in your age category. Note, Poppy's will open at 10:30 a.m. on race day. 

What else is happening that weekend?
There is always something happening in New Bern. Click here to visit our events calendar. 

Enjoy the weekend by staying in one of our Official Hotels.  Click on the links below to book your travel in our room blocks.

Benjamin Ellis: BOOK HERE

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New Bern Riverfront:  BOOK HERE

• 2025 Trail to Tryon Holiday Photography
• 2024 Trail to Tryon Photography
• 2023 Trail to Tryon Photography
• 2022 Trail to Tryon Photography

How it Works

• Virtual participants must be registered under the virtual category. Participants registered under 'live' category will not receive virtual benefits if they cannot make it on race day.
• Print out your digital bib (from your RunSignUp profile page) if you'd like
• Complete your event distance anywhere you would like
• Log into your RunSignUp account, go to Virtual Results and enter your time.

Virtual Race FAQs
What is a virtual run?

A virtual race is an event where you sign up and participate on a course of your choosing (or a treadmill). This is a great opportunity to work towards your running goals, stay healthy, and support a great cause!

The event will feature a leaderboard so you can still see how you stack up against your fellow competitors!

Where do I run?

You can run at a course of your choosing, including on a treadmill. 

When do I run?

You can run (or walk) anytime but it has to be completed by December 14.  All virtual packets will be mailed the week following the event

When/how will I get my swag?

Swag will be shipped out directly to your address.