Night Owl Trail Races

Event details

The Night Owl Trail event on January 10, 2026, takes place at Caesar Creek State Park in Waynesville, Ohio (4020 N Clarksville Rd). The race is held as a night trail event and is offered twice a year; the winter edition is on January 10 and a summer edition is scheduled for June 13, 2026. This edition is the event's seventh year. Distances offered:

• Marathon
• Half Marathon
• 10K

Course and safety

The course is mostly single-track trail around Caesar Creek Lake, using a perimeter loop and nearby trails near Wellman Meadow. Trails have rolling hills and many back-to-back rollers; conditions vary with weather and can be muddy, snowy, or icy. Portions run on road shoulders (North Clarksville and State Route 73); runners must stay in the shoulder and avoid running more than two abreast. Mandatory gear includes a headlamp with spare batteries, a water bottle or bladder, a collapsible cup, and a fully charged cell phone. Additional recommended items include a mylar blanket, insulated jacket, hat, gloves, and handwarmers for cold or wet conditions.

Aid stations, awards, and policies

There are four aid stations: Wellman Meadow (10K turnaround), Fifty Springs (fully stocked), Day Lodge (water and limited nutrition), and Start/Finish (fully stocked with warm food and vegan options). The race is a cupless event; participants must carry a collapsible cup. Finishers receive glow-in-the-dark owl medals and registered runners receive event swag. The race is Trail Sisters approved with equal podium spots, equal prize money and awards, women-specific apparel, and menstrual products at aid stations. There are no refunds; a tiered deferral policy is provided. Registration closes January 5, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.