Looking for a cold weather adventure or just to sign up for a race to maintain your motivation through the winter? Our team has rounded up 10 races to inspire your winter running schedule, plus tips and gear recommendations to help you thrive in cold conditions—like our NEW Snow Crew running socks!
10 Cold-Weather Races to Challenge Yourself
With white snow blanketing the ground and evergreen trees dusted with frost, winter is one of the most beautiful times of the year to get outside. Here are our top 10 recommendations for winter races to add to your calendar starting with fun, seasonal options and then diving into more EXTREME adventures.
The Fun Run Races for Everyone
These races add a little festive fun to your winter season and help you keep training without overwhelming your holiday plans.
- New York Road Runners Frosty 5k (New York, December): Sign up for this festive 5k that runs through Prospect Park to kick off your winter running season.
- Run Santa Run Atlanta (Georgia, December): Get into the holiday spirit by dressing up as Santa and running a 5k, 10k or half marathon. Events are also hosted in other cities in the Southeast.
- Newport Resolution Run and Polar Bear Plunge (Oregon, January): Run a 5k, 10k or Half Marathon before taking a plunge in the Pacific Ocean! Bring extra clothes and change in the heated tents afterwards, then warm up with a cup of hot coffee, hot cocoa or beer by Rogue Brewery!
- All-Out Polar Prowl (Colorado, January): 5k, 10k and Half Marathon options – flat courses along Van Bibber Creek Trail with views of Table Mountain. Don’t miss the penguin costume contest!
- Running From Yeti Race Series (Midwest, January to March): Follow Freddie the Yeti from Memphis to St. Louis throughout the chilly winter months – all offering a 5k, 10k or half marathon.
The Most Extreme Winter Races
These epic races require some serious training and preparation.
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Frozen Gnome 50k (Illinois, Early January): There’s no place like gnome! The single-track course winds through frosty woods around an icy lake. The 50k is five laps of the 10k race (also available).
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Snow Joke Half Marathon (Missoula, Montana, February): Run blazing fast in the freezing cold! This loop around Seeley Lake in western Montana will test your winter grit.
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Cabin Fever 50k (West Virginia, February): A rugged point-to-point ultra through New River Gorge National Park, with ridgeline singletrack, waterfalls and riverbank views for a true winter trail adventure.
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Mt. Mitchell Marathon and Challenge (North Carolina, late February): This marathon (potentially ultra) could give you the chance to reach the highest summit on the East Coast! The first 250 runners to arrive at the turnaround can continue to the peak (weather depending), for a total of 40 miles.
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The Yukon Arctic Ultra (Whitehorse, Canada, February): One of the world’s coldest and toughest ultras in the world, the course follows the famous Yukon Quest dogsled route through the Yukon Territory wilderness. Distances available: 235km (146mi), 350km (217mi) or 600km (372.8mi)
What should you keep in mind when preparing for a winter race?
Winter races are a great way to stay motivated throughout the cold season, but preparation matters! One of the most important ways to prepare for a winter race is to train in similar conditions. If you know the race will be on snow, then log some miles on snow and don’t rely solely on the treadmill. Test your shoes, socks, layering system and watch this video to see what Coach Jeff recommends packing for mountain running.
Winter Running Gear Essentials
What you wear can make all the difference when running in cold weather. It’s important to invest in the proper gear to make sure you stay warm, dry and safe while running in chilly temperatures.
Layer smart with moisture-wicking base layers and windproof outerwear. Socks are especially important for preventing blisters, keeping feet dry and maintaining warmth (especially when running through snow)
Best Winter Running Socks: Injinji Snow Series
The best socks for running in snow should maintain body heat in your feet by wicking away sweat and insulating your feet to keep them warm. The Injinji Snow series toesocks are built specifically for cold weather running! The Snow series is made with THERMOLITE® FAR INFRARED technology which uses the body's infrared energy to help generate and maintain heat.
Benefits of the Injinji Snow Series Toesocks
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Infrared Heat Generation: THERMOLITE® FAR INFRARED technology uses the body's infrared energy to help generate and maintain heat.
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Lightweight Insulation: Hollow fibers create an insulating layer of warm air within the socks to keep feet and legs warmer than traditional socks.
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Recycled Materials: THERMOLITE® EcoMade fibers are made from 100% recycled materials.
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Padded Toes: Extra cushion throughout the toes with midweight terry throughout the toes.
Ideal for cold temperatures, the Snow series toesocks are available in both Crew and Over the Calf height options:
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Injinji’s NEW Snow Crew: offers targeted warmth without the bulk, protective cushioning and just the right amount of coverage
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Injini Snow Over the Calf: delivers all of the benefits of the Snow Crew sock in a taller height to offer additional protection from the elements.
Winter running is about adventure. Whether you’re racing, training or just staying active, the right gear (especially the right socks!) makes all the difference. Add one of these races to your calendar, gear up for the cold weather and don’t forget to grab our NEW Snow Crew toesocks for your winter running!
