Looking to up your running mileage in 2025? Get an early jump and hit the starting line at a New Year’s Day race. Here are a handful of options, if you’re looking for running events in the Blue Ridge region taking place on January 1.
New Year’s Resolution Run 10K/5K – Asheville, N.C.
This annual race starts at Pack Square in downtown Asheville offers two distance options for runners, including a 5K course that goes through the Montford neighborhood and a 10K that heads into the Grove Park area. Both start at 10am, so there’s no need to roll out of bed too early to participate. More info: idaph.net/resolution-run/
Charlottesville Track Club New Year’s Day 5K – Free Union, Va.
The Charlottesville Track Club was formed back in 1976, and for nearly half a century the local org has been keeping aspiring and seasoned runners in central Virginia moving by hosting a range of great training programs and races. Every year that starts with the New Year’s Day 5K, which takes place on the rural roads of Free Union, just outside of Charlottesville. More info: cvilletrackclub.wixsite.com/home
Redeye 50K – Triangle, Va.
If you feel like beginning the year with an ultra, the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club hosts this informal 50K at Prince William Forest Park. The course consists of three 10-mile loops that participants are welcome to modify, because, as club members say in the run description, “this is not a real event.” So join the fun with this long-standing crew of long-distance enthusiasts known for putting on creative high-mileage running events. More info: new.vhtrc.org
Race into the New Year 5K – St. Albans
This race, which begins at St. Albans High School, starts the annual Kanawha Valley 5K Winter Series. It’s another one that lets you ease into the new year after a full night of rest, with a leisurely 2pm start time. More info: runsignup.com/Race/WV/SaintAlbans/KV5KWinterSeries
43rd Annual Hair of the Dog Run – Spartanburg, S.C.
Shake off the New Year’s Eve partying with this January tradition that’s been going strong for more than four decades. The event, which takes place at the Thomas E. Hannah Family YMCA, features a 10K, 5K, and one-mile fun run for kids. Also, bring your furry friends, as dogs on leashes are welcome. More info: spartanburgymca.org/healthy-kids-day-2024/40th-annual-hair-of-the-dog-run/
Cover photo: Courtesy of Getty Images
