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The 39th annual Mistletoe Run, sponsored by Bell, Davis & Pitt, P.A., is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3, at the William G. White Jr. Family YMCA. The family-friendly event is a sanctioned race for runners of all ability levels. The one mile fun run will begin at 7:30 a.m., the half marathon at 8 a.m. and the 5K at 8:15 a.m. Runners can participate in-person or virtually.

The Mistletoe Run is the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina’s (NWNC) largest fundraiser, with proceeds helping transform the lives of youth in our community. Funds support youth development programs like Bright Beginnings, which provides clothing and school supplies for local students in need, and Reaching Our Potential, which utilizes Y facilities to provide a safe place and free membership for students ages 12-18. Additionally, proceeds are used to offer financial assistance for summer camp and before and after school care.

“Mistletoe is a long-standing tradition that truly reflects the Y and its mission,” said Darryl Head, president and CEO of the YMCA of NWNC. “On race day everyone is welcome and each person is successful. Friends, family and neighbors come together to focus on their health and through their participation strengthen our community.”

Free childcare will be provided for registered runners and, in addition to the race, there will be music, food trucks, vendors, a kid’s zone and an awards ceremony.

“We are so excited to see our runners, their families, outfits and smiles in this year’s Mistletoe,” said Race Director Danielle Boyd. “I can’t think of a better way to usher in the holidays!”

Registration for all race options are still open and more information is available online at ymcamistletoe.org.


The YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina engages more than 115,000 men, women and children annually — regardless of age, income or background — to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the community’s health and well-being and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in communities across seven counties, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver lasting personal and social change.