The Cape Fear Holiday Run returns to Lillington, North Carolina on December 12th, offering runners a unique winter trail experience along the Cape Fear River in Shiner Park.
3-hour Race Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $50.00
6-hour Race Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $65.00
9-hour Race Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $80.00
Runners can expect firm and slightly soft trail conditions that morning as they navigate through Shiner Park. The race begins at dawn when temperatures hover around freezing but are comfortable enough to venture out without excessive gear. With low UV index levels, participants should be prepared for cooler weather with clear skies typical of the region in early December. The Cape Fear Holiday Run has become a local tradition since its inception, supporting various community initiatives and drawing crowds from across North Carolina each year. The event’s trail course winds through Shiner Park, combining scenic views along the riverbank with short paved sections that cater to runners of all skill levels looking for an enjoyable holiday adventure. The Cape Fear Holiday Run features extended race durations designed for endurance enthusiasts: a 3-hour Race costing $50.00, a 6-hour Race at $65.00, and a 9-hour Race priced at $80.00. Participants can register online via the event’s registration page on UltraSignup (https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=133759). Bib pickup is available from December 2nd to December 6th between 4 pm and 7 pm, with additional hours on race day starting at 8 am. Runners must bring a government-issued ID for bib collection. The start location of the Cape Fear Holiday Run is situated at 350 Alexander Drive in Lillington, North Carolina. Age requirements are flexible but participants under age 14 need to be accompanied by an adult. First-time runners should arrive early and wear appropriate footwear suitable for both trail and paved surfaces. Cape Fear Holiday Run returns to Shiner Park in Lillington on December 12th, providing a scenic winter running experience along the Cape Fear River that is worth experiencing for its unique blend of endurance challenge and community spirit.
Races Offered
3-hour Race
Dec 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
3 Hours
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:00
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$50.00
6-hour Race
Dec 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
6 Hours
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$65.00
9-hour Race
Dec 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
9 Hours
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$80.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for December in Lillington.
thermostatTemperature
2.7° / 12.9°
wb_sunnyFeels like
-1.2° / 9.8°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
7h 13m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.6 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
10.6 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (2.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
70.5%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
08:16
nightlight
Sunset
18:05
About Lillington
Learn more about the host city, Lillington.
Lillington is a town in and the county seat of Harnett County, North Carolina, United States. Its population was 3,194 at the 2010 census, and was 4,735 in the 2020 census. Lillington is a part of the Dunn micropolitan area, which is also a part of the greater Raleigh–Durham–Cary combined statistical area as defined by the United States Census Bureau.