Moonlight Howl and Run
A signature Wolfpack Welcome Week event, the Moonlight Howl and Run is a great way to get to know campus actively. This 1.3-mile fun run begins promptly at 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, at the Memorial Belltower. This event is proudly brought to you by NC State Dining and Wellness and Recreation.
There will be a post-run celebration at Stafford Commons, which will be accompanied by music and snacks provided by NC State Dining. Come dance with your friends and take pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Wuff.
This is a free event. Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20.
T-shirt pick-up and check-in will occur on Wednesday, August 20, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Piedmont Ballroom inside the Talley Student Union. The first 2,300 participants to check in on August 20 will receive the popular Moonlight Howl and Run t-shirt. Pre-run festivities will begin at 8:15 p.m.
All race-day information will be communicated through Instagram. Please follow @NCStateWellRec to stay updated with the Moonlight Howl and Run.
Event Details
- Date: Thursday, Aug 21
- Time: 9 p.m.
- Cost: FREE
- Location: The race begins at the Memorial Belltower
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug 20.
Check-in and Packet Pick-up
- Date: Wednesday, Aug 20
- Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Location: Piedmont Ballroom, Talley Student Union
Participants may check in and pick up their shirts on Wednesday, August 20, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Piedmont Ballroom inside the Talley Student Union. The first 2,300 participants to check in will receive the popular Moonlight Howl and Run t-shirt and glow accessories.
Participants must present their NC State ID to check in and pick up their shirts.
Race Route
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate?
All NC State University students and faculty/staff are eligible to participate. However, T-shirts are guaranteed to the first 2,300 participants who pre-register and check in.
When do I register?
Register online by Wednesday, August 20. The earlier you register, the better.
What do I wear?
Stand out from the crowd at the Moonlight Howl & Run by wearing bright, neon athletic clothes. Optional accessories include hats, fanny packs, tutus, and more. Show us your creativity. Take your picture at the NC State Belltower and then post it to social media, tagging @NCStateWellRec and @NCStatedining.
Where and when do I get my t-shirt?
T-shirts and glow accessories will be given to the first 2,300 participants to check in at T-Shirt pickup in Talley Student Union, Piedmont Ballroom, between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Participants must present their NC State ID to receive their t-shirts and glow accessories.
When and where will the run take place?
Please view the map below for the specific route:
What time should I be there?
It is recommended that all participants arrive no later than 8 p.m. Pre-run activities, including a group warm-up led by NC State Wellness and Recreation, will begin at 8:15 p.m.
What route does the run follow?
- Run/walk will begin at the Belltower
- Runners move east towards the Court of North Carolina
- Turn Left on Current Drive
- Turn Right on Stinson Drive
- Turn Right on W Broughton Drive
- Turn Left on Founders Drive
- Turn Left on Dan Allen Drive
- Turn Left on Thurman Drive
- Finish Line at Stafford Commons
Will the race be canceled due to bad weather?
The run will be canceled if inclement weather is expected to arrive during the event. An email will be sent out to all registered participants if a decision is made to cancel. Please follow @NCStateWellRec on Instagram to stay updated on any weather-related delays.
Are dogs allowed on the run?
Dogs will not be allowed on the run route.
Questions?
If you have additional questions not listed above, please reach out to: wellrec-info@ncsu.edu.