Into the Darkness Night Trail Run

Event overview

The Into the Darkness Night Trail Run takes place on October 25, 2025, at Explore Park in Roanoke, VA. The course is a new layout for 2025 and follows the Mountain Bike Nationals XCO course in reverse. The route is 3.6 miles long and begins with about 0.25 miles of asphalt before moving onto twisty, rolling single-track for the remainder. Trails will be marked with reflective arrows, glow sticks, and trail decor. A light source is mandatory; the organizer recommends a headlamp and a flashlight for visibility on roots and rocks. The event is described as family-friendly.

Logistics, entry and rules

Registration fees are tiered: $32 on or before September 30 (plus processing fee), $37 after October 1 (plus processing fee), and $40 from October 23 until the race. Packet pickup is available at Gilbert Chiropractic on October 23 and at Explore Park on race day. Race headquarters will be under tents at Explore Park; parking will be managed in the gravel lot across from HQ and the main asphalt lot. Age-group awards are offered in standard brackets from 9 & under up to 70 & over; top overall male and female finishers receive awards and top three in each age group receive medals. Race rules include wearing the race number on the front, following the marked trail, keeping headphone volume low, no dogs, and notifying a marshal or volunteer if withdrawing. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.