Start Times

12 hour 630am
6 hour 730am
3 hour 830am

12 Hours of Holiday Miles - For a GREAT Cause

12 Hours of Holiday Miles - For a GREAT Cause
2023 was ANOTHER great success, and we are headed towards our 11th annual Nutcracker Endurance Run. To date, this event has donated over $53,000 to local charities in the Dunn/Erwin area.
This event has continued to grow since 2014. Don't let me down now!
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. We also make an annual donation to the Dunn-Erwin Rail Trail Commission to help support the trail that we run on.
Ask around about our events. I think you'll hear comments like "friendliest group ever", "awesome aid stations", "great race course", and the like.
We have been hit really hard by inflation, as much as we hate it, 2024 will have to see registration increases to keep the event viable.
But we don't skimp! Our promise to you is you'll have the best swag, an awesome medal, and 100% support from our aid stations and volunteers.
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, it's an excellent avenue to complete your first ultra run. 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 in 2024.
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 you will run to Dunn and back, the final 2.5 hours 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 10 - 1 mile laps....you just have to be able to get back before the cutoff)
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.
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.
All participants will receive a custom race shirt, and a finishers award. Prizes for 1,2,3 m/f in each event.
Costumes, Ugly sweaters, TONS of food, beer and so much more!
See you soon!

FREE ENTRY FOR LIFE!

FREE ENTRY FOR LIFE!
Here we go again.....

If you set a course record in 2024 in the 12 hour, 6 hour, or 3 hour. Male or Female. You will win Free Entry into that event FOR LIFE! Both of the 12 hour records fell in 2022 and we have 2 more members of the lifetime club.
Current Records:

12 Hour: Male 86 miles (Jack Brunecz 2022). Female 75 miles (Diana Gorder 2022)
6 Hour: Male 48 miles (Carter Benge 2019). Female 41 miles (Ariana Bevilacqua 2019)
3 Hour: Male 29 miles (Carter Benge 2020). Female 24 miles (Taryn Olmstead 2018)

Course Overview

"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."

*Courtesy of: http://ncrailtrails.org/web/trails/dunn-erwin

Event's current local time: 7:15 PM ET