In The Heat Of The Night

Event overview

In the Heat of the Night is a night trail race held in Anniston, Alabama on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The event uses a loop course on Talladega Forest roads near the Pinhoti Trail, with maintained dirt and gravel forest roads. The start/finish is at Frog Pond Overlook (GPS 33.714045, -85.6643037). Course direction alternates by year - even years run counter clockwise and odd years run clockwise.

Distances and logistics

• 100K - four loops; elevation gain approximately 7920 ft; cut off 18 hours.
• 50K - two loops; elevation gain approximately 3950 ft; cut off 10 hours.
• 25K - one loop; elevation gain approximately 1980 ft; cut off 6 hours.
• 10K - out-and-back 3.1 miles up and back; elevation gain 596 ft; cut off 4 hours.

There are three fully stocked aid stations, including warm food at night, and one water-only station. The water-only station is encountered twice per loop. The event is cupless. Each registrant receives a t-shirt; finishers receive a handmade amulet for the distance completed. Handmade awards are given to the top three females and males of each distance as they finish. 100K finishers receive a BOCO Trucker hat; other distances may purchase hats at packet pickup.

Registration opens February 14, 2026. Entry is limited to 200 spots. There are no refunds, deferrals, or transfers except a deferral to the next year in case of a forest fire or natural disaster. A single preview run is scheduled before the race. The race donates a percentage of registration fees to the Talladega National Forest. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.