Gnome Run 5k and 10k Trail Run/Walk - 2026 | Fort Mill, SC, United States

About the Event

Baxter Trail Club 13th Annual New Year's Day Trail Gnome Run

Sunday, Jan. 1, 2026

Kicking off the New Year with a healthy start! Now in our 13th year, our little community event has become one of the most anticipate trail events we host.

Enjoy a 5k trail run with family and friends, or really test yourself on our 10 mile route.

Back this year is our traditional NYD good luck lunch of fresh pulled pork, black eyed peas, collard greens, cornbread and Amor Artis craft beer!

January 1 Calendar of events

7:30 a.m. 10-mile Ruck start time

10:00 a.m. 10-mile Run start time

11:00 a.m. 5K Run start time

12:00 Food is served!

The Start/Finish Location will be on the Baxter Village Green at 3187 Colonel Springs Drive. Registration fee includes the race, music, a t-shirt, giveaways, prizes and food.

Registration fees are: $35.00 until race day. Race T-shirts are available to persons registering before December 12.

There is NO CHARGE for children 10 and under participating with a paid parent or guardian. Four-legged family members are welcome also, but they must be on a leash.

This event is a fundraiser for the Baxter Trail Club. Proceeds will go towards the club's activities and the hosting of community events including trail work days, group hikes, full moon fires, and general club administration. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your tax deductible donations are welcomed!

Volunteers! All hands on deck - food, drink, water stops, setup, road crossings. We'll need lots of volunteers this year. Gnome Run New Years Day Volunteer Registration HERE!

Races Offered

Purchase meal for non-participant

Jan 01, 2026

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Distance — Purchase meal for non-participant

terrain

Type — Running

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00:00

10 Mile Trail Ruck

Jan 01, 2026

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Distance — 10 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

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07:30

10k Trail Ruck

Jan 01, 2026

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Distance — 10 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

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07:30

10 Mile Trail Run

Jan 01, 2026

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Distance — 10 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

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10:00

10k Trail Run

Jan 01, 2026

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Distance — 10 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

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10:00

5k Trail Run/Walk - Children under 10 (accompanied by adult)

Jan 01, 2026

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Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

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11:00

Gnome Run 5k Trail Run/Walk - Adults

Jan 01, 2026

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Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

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11:00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for January in Fort Mill.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 2.4° / 12.0°

wb_sunny -1.6° / 8.9°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 10.8 /

water_drop 70.8%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 2.4° / 12.0°

wb_sunny -1.6° / 8.9°

air 10.8 km/h

water_drop 70.8%

About Fort Mill

Learn more about the host city, Fort Mill.

Fort Mill is a suburban town with about 35,000 residents located along the I-77 corridor in the northernmost part of South Carolina between Rock Hill and the city of Charlotte in North Carolina.