2026 Winter Solstice Distance Challenge
Mon, Dec 21, 2026, 12:00 am
Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach
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About
Challenge yourself to run as many miles as you can between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, December 21, 2026 – March 20, 2027. Based on your fitness level, there are 5 mileage goals you can aim for: 89 miles, 189 miles, 289 miles, 389 miles, and 489 miles. This event is a personal challenge, and you are only competing against yourself.
89 Miles - The Spark, 189 Miles - The Grind, 289 Miles - The Chase, and 2 more
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Mon, Dec 21, 2026
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Virginia Beach, United States
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4.8
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Where and when
Location
Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Start times
89 Miles - The Spark189 Miles - The Grind289 Miles - The Chase389 Miles - The Beast489 Miles - The Legend
Event summary
Here are the distances available for 2026 Winter Solstice Distance Challenge
89 Miles - The Spark
89 mi
$82.50
189 Miles - The Grind
189 mi
$82.50
289 Miles - The Chase
289 mi
$82.50
389 Miles - The Beast
389 mi
$82.50
89 Miles - The Spark
89 mi
$82.50
189 Miles - The Grind
189 mi
$82.50
289 Miles - The Chase
289 mi
$82.50
389 Miles - The Beast
389 mi
$82.50
Route information
The darkest day of the year is just the beginning of your journey toward brighter days!
The Winter Solstice marks the start of our 89-day journey from darkness to daylight. From December 21 through the Spring Equinox on March 20, every mile you log brings you one step closer to spring, stronger fitness, and a brighter outlook. Whether you're running, walking, or mixing it up, this is your chance to set a goal, embrace the miles, and keep moving all winter long.
And the best part? It's the perfect way to build your endurance and prepare for Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend!
What if you used the darkest day of the year as your starting line?
What if you spent the next 89 days chasing the sunlight?
Lace up, find your stride, and let's run toward brighter days together!
What's included
Race Perks:
- 89 DAYS OF MOTIVATION | All participants will receive a training plan to help them achieve their mileage goal between December 21st and March 20th.
- A CHALLENGE FOR EVERY FITNESS LEVEL | 89 Miles, 189 Miles, 289 Miles, 389 Miles, & 489 Miles
- CHALLENGE MEDAL | Keep yourself motivated to run through the winter landscape knowing that your hard work will be rewarded with boosted fitness and some sweet bling!
- Commemorative Long Sleeve Challenge Participant Shirt
Plus online benefits:
- Log your miles on the Winter Solstice Distance Challenge Leaderboard.
- Separate Leaderboard for each Challenge distance allows you to track your miles from December 21, 2026 – March 20, 2027.
- Challenge Finisher Certificate when you hit your distance goal.
- Private Facebook group for registered participants to create camaraderie and to have access to weekly challenges and exclusive perks.
- Weekly Challenges to motivate and reward you for getting out the door.
How to get there
Event day logistics
When will I get my race packet?
With all goals, motivation can start to slump midway through the challenge. To give you an extra boost, race packets will be available in mid January. This Challenge is the perfect way to train for the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon weekend!
During registration, participants can choose to pick up their race packet or have it mailed to their home for a fee.
J&A Racing
Jerry and Amy Frostick are passionate about helping people enjoy healthy lifestyles through the sport of running. Whether it’s hosting a neighborhood 5K, or welcoming 25,000 runners to their hometown, the Frostick’s make it their mission to make sure that all race participants have an experience like no other. Founded in 2003, the J&A Racing portfolio has grown from the initial purchase of the Shamrock Sportsfest in Virginia Beach, to now include a total of 7 events in 3 cities, welcoming over 50,000 participants each year. With a small yet robust staff, J&A Racing remains dedicated to hosting world class events with a hometown feel. If you are looking for a truly unique race experience, come join J&A Racing for an event of a lifetime!
Reviews
4.8
55 reviews
33 Broadwick St, London W1F 0DQ
Reg number 10083277
