Chilly Dog Race

Northern Central Railway · New Freedom, Pennsylvania

The Chilly Dog Race

5K Race · Kids’ 1-Mile Run · Family Fun Walk

Ride the train north. Run the rail trail home.
Hot dogs and hot chocolate waiting at the station.

Next departure

March 2027 · Date to be announced

Get your ticket → Register How it works
Chilly Dog Race logo: a hot dog in earmuffs and a scarf giving a thumbs-up beside a steam locomotive

All aboard

A race that starts with a train ride

Every March, racers and families gather at the historic New Freedom train station and climb aboard the Northern Central Railway. The train rolls north along the Heritage Rail Trail and lets you off down the line: at the 1-mile marker for kids and walkers, and at 3.1 miles for 5K racers.

Then everyone heads home the same way: on foot, south along the trail, to the finish line back at the station. There, a hot dog and a cup of hot chocolate are waiting with your name on them.

Racers checking in at the registration table on the New Freedom station platform, with the train behind them
New Freedom Station · Northern Central Railway

Choose your fare

Three ways to ride & run

First Class

Chilly Dog Race 5K

Drop-off at mile 3.1. Race back to the station.

  • Train ride
  • Race T-shirt
  • Hot dog & hot chocolate
  • Raffle ticket
$37 Adult fare

Junior Express

Kids’ 1-Mile Run

Ages 10 and under. Drop-off at mile 1, race back to the station.

  • Train ride
  • Hot dog & hot chocolate
  • Raffle ticket
$20 10 & under

Family Coach

1-Mile Fun Walk

Easy stroll back from mile 1. Families of every speed welcome.

  • Train ride
  • Hot dog & hot chocolate
  • Raffle ticket
$20 Per walker

Fares shown are from the 2025 race. T-shirts are included for 5K racers only.

Register on RunSignup

Race-morning timetable

Don’t miss the train

Time Service Platform
8:45 am Check-in opens New Freedom Station
9:30 am Check-in closes: no late boarding New Freedom Station
10:00 am Train departs northbound, promptly Track 1
After drop-off Races & walk start at mile 1 and mile 3.1 Heritage Rail Trail
~11:30 am Awards, raffle & St. Patrick’s fun Vortex Brewing Co.

Times are from the 2026 race. The train leaves on time, so arrive early.

The line

Ride out. Run home.

Course map The train carries everyone north from New Freedom Station. Kids' runners and walkers start at mile 1, 5K racers start at mile 3.1, and everyone runs or walks south back to the finish at the station. By train, northbound On foot, southbound to the finish New Freedom Station Check-in & finish Mile 1 Kids’ run & walk start Mile 3.1 5K start

The Heritage Rail Trail is a flat, crushed-stone trail that follows the historic Northern Central Railway line. It’s fast, scenic, and easy for strollers.

Start/finish: New Freedom Train Station, 117 N. Front St., New Freedom, PA 17349.

After the race

Awards & St. Patrick’s Day fun

Trophies for the top 3 men and women in the 5K, and the top 3 boys and girls in the Kids’ Mile. Then the raffle drawing, all just up the street.

Vortex Brewing Co.
100 Cambridge Blvd, New Freedom

For a good cause

Every raffle ticket helps

Raffle proceeds support the Northern Central Railway and First Fruit. Prizes are donated by the Rail Trail Merchants Network, the local businesses along the trail.

Conductor’s notes

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I miss the train?

The train leaves promptly and can’t wait for late arrivals. Plan to check in by 9:30 am.

Where do I park?

There’s parking around the New Freedom station and in town along the rail trail. Carpooling helps.

Can I bring a stroller?

The Fun Walk is on a flat, crushed-stone trail that works well for strollers. Check with the organizers about bringing strollers on the train.

Who gets a T-shirt?

T-shirts are included with 5K registration. Everyone gets a train ride, a hot dog, hot chocolate and a raffle ticket.

What if the weather is bad?

It’s called the Chilly Dog Race for a reason, so dress in layers. Watch your RunSignup email for any race-day updates.