Into the Darkness Night Trail Run
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Into the Darkness Night Trail Run
The 20th Into the Darkness Night Trail Run is scheduled for October 24, 2026, at Virginia's Explore Park. The event uses a new course layout based on the Mountain Bike Nationals XCO course run in reverse, covering 3.6 miles of trail. The run begins with about 0.25 miles on asphalt before moving onto twisty, rolling single track for the remainder of the route.
Trails are marked with reflective arrows, glow sticks, and occasional trail decor. The organizer notes these markers and occasional surprises are intended for participant orientation and entertainment; the event is presented as family friendly. A light source is mandatory; participants are advised to use a headlamp and/or a flashlight for visibility and depth perception. Race management does not provide headlamps or flashlights.
Registration fees are tiered by date: $35 on or before September 29 (plus processing fee), $40 after September 30 (plus processing fee), and $45 from October 22 until the race. Packet pickup is offered prior to the race at Gilbert Chiropractic on October 22 and at Explore Park on race day.
Age brackets are defined for both male and female competitors from 9 & Under up to 70 & Over. The top three overall male and female finishers receive distinctive awards; the top three in each age group receive medals. Race rules require visible race numbers, staying on the marked course, courteous passing, low-volume headphone use, and prohibit dogs and external audio broadcasting. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
