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The annual run will celebrate its 37th year virtually from Dec. 5-13

WINSTON-SALEM — For almost four decades, the Mistletoe Run has gone on, even in the rain, snow, sleet, and whatever else Mother Nature could come up with. And in 2020, this annual holiday tradition is set to continue virtually from Dec. 5-13.

So get excited, grab your friends, and start training for the YMCA’s 37th Annual Mistletoe Run, presented by Bell, Davis & Pitt

What does a virtual Mistletoe Run look like?

There are still the Fun Run (1 mile), 5K, and half marathon options. But this year, runners will complete the race on their own time during the set race dates, which are Saturday, Dec. 5, until Sunday, Dec. 13. Plus, the YMCA will have more information soon about free Mistletoe running groups, fun contests, and more.

“We know how important this race is to our runners who have made this an annual tradition, but it is also vitally important to the programs at the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina that benefit from it.” said Stan Law, president and CEO of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina. “Even though COVID-19 has changed how we do the run this year, we will do everything we can to make sure the Mistletoe community stays strong in 2020.”

In 2019, the 36th Annual YMCA Mistletoe Run brought in more than $71,000 to fund YMCA programs that help fight childhood obesity, such as youth sports and summer camps. And last year, nearly 2,900 runners signed up for the race — with runners under the age of 18 years old making up a little more than a quarter of the total participants.

More information about the Mistletoe Race can be found at ymcamistletoe.org. In order to be guaranteed a race shirt, runners should register by Friday, Nov. 6.