Crystal Carnival 5K Chilly Dash 2026

The Crystal Carnival 5K Chilly Dash takes place on February 21, 2026 in Holyrood, Newfoundland and Labrador. Organized by the Town of Holyrood as part of its annual Crystal Carnival, the Chilly Dash is billed as a favourite winter activity in the community and invites walkers and runners to take part in a short, social road race.

This is a single-day 5K walk/run open to all abilities. Check-in runs from 8:00–8:30 AM at Star of the Sea with a 9:00 AM race start. The course follows Country Path, crosses the Conception Bay Highway, then continues along Northside Road toward Holy Cross School.

What makes the Chilly Dash special is its place inside a larger festival weekend: participants can make a morning of it and join other Crystal Carnival events such as an outdoor movie night, a youth dance, a weekend hockey trip, and the community’s Build-A-Chilly snowman contest. The event emphasizes community participation and family-friendly winter fun, finishing at a local school and routing runners through familiar town streets and landmarks.

Registration opens Friday, January 16 at 12:00 PM and entries are handled through the event’s Race Roster page. Runners and walkers should register early to secure a spot in this popular Carnival event.

- **Festival tie-in:** The 5K is part of Holyrood’s Crystal Carnival weekend, pairing a morning run with family events, an outdoor movie, and a chili cook-off.
- **Community finish line:** The course finishes at Holy Cross School, keeping the event rooted in a local gathering spot.
- **Accessible check-in window:** Race check-in is scheduled 8:00–8:30 AM at Star of the Sea with a prompt 9:00 AM start.
- **Distinct town route:** The 5K route crosses Conception Bay Highway and runs along Northside Road, giving a concise tour of Holyrood’s main streets.
- **Snowman contest nearby:** Participants can join or enjoy the Build-A-Chilly snowman competition that runs alongside Carnival activities.