Race date
Thursday, December 31, 2026. Check-in begins at 2:30 p.m.
Luzerne, Pennsylvania
Finish the year
on the trail.
A scenic New Year's Eve afternoon 5K, bringing runners and walkers together on the Back Mountain Trail for local causes.
5KTrail distance
12/31New Year's Eve
7512025 participants
$20KRaised in 2025
2026 Presenting Sponsor
01
More than a finish line
A race with roots
in the community.
Nestled among the rolling hills and wooded valleys of Luzerne, the Back Mountain Trail offers an unforgettable setting for runners of every experience level.
This annual event turns a winter afternoon into something bigger: a shared challenge, a celebration, and meaningful support for local causes.
The course
Fast enough to race.
Beautiful enough to remember.
The route follows the Back Mountain Trail through a landscape of tree-lined stretches, gentle elevation changes, and a welcoming start and finish in Luzerne.
View the full course map ↗
02
Run for something
Your miles make a difference.
In 2025, the event welcomed 751 participants and raised $20,000 for local causes. Every registration, sponsorship, and donation helps extend that impact throughout our community.
Meet our supportersThe 2026 hoodie
Register early.
Wear it proudly.
Every participant registered by December 22 at 11:59 p.m. will receive the 2026 event hoodie. Registrations after the deadline will not include a hoodie, but apparel can still be purchased through the swag store.
Register for the 5K
Plan your race
Ready when
you are.
Start & finish
Race starts at 4 p.m.
59 Parry Street
Luzerne, PA 18709
Awards
Overall male and female winners plus top three in each age group.
Registration
Standard registration closes December 31 at 3:30 p.m. Race-day registration is available by onsite express QR code only.
Register now →Know before you go
Race-day details.
Parking
Onsite parking is limited to approximately 125 cars. Overflow parking is available in downtown Luzerne, on side streets, and at the shopping center near McDonald's. Please respect residents and businesses and do not block driveways.
Race-day registration
No paper forms will be available. Credit cards, PayPal, checks, and cash are accepted. If paying with cash, please bring exact change.
Swag store
The online store remains open through January 7 at midnight with hoodies, tees, long sleeves, moisture-wicking apparel, hats, beanies, stickers, magnets, and more. Delivery is expected approximately two to three weeks later.
Visit the swag store ↗Can't participate?
You can still move the mission forward.
Support the 2026 Back Mountain Trail 5K beneficiaries with a direct donation. This year's beneficiaries will be announced soon.
Dec
31
2026
See you on the trail
Race updates are coming.
Join us December 31, 2026 for an unforgettable New Year's Eve run and walk on the Back Mountain Trail.
Our running community
Keep up with NEPA.
Explore local race timing, results, upcoming events, runner stories, and community updates from the teams behind the Back Mountain Trail 5K.
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