Night Owl Trail Races
Waynesville, United States • 10 Jan 2026
Night Owl Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K : Jan 10, 2026
The event is a night trail running event at Caesar Creek State Park in Waynesville, OH (4020 N Clarksville Rd). Distances offered:
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 10K
The event is a cupless race; participants must carry a collapsible cup for aid station drinks. Finishers receive owl medals that glow in the dark. Registered runners receive event swag; registering by November 1 guarantees swag. Registration closes on Mon, Jan 5 at 11:59 PM CT. There are no refunds. A tiered deferral policy applies (100% deferral 90+ days; reduced deferral amounts closer to the event). There are no bib transfers.
Course, aid stations, mandatory gear, and policies
The course uses mostly single-track trails around Caesar Creek Lake, combining the yellow perimeter loop and red/green trails near Wellman Meadow. Trails are heavily wooded and have rolling hills with back-to-back rollers on the rear sections. Trail conditions depend on weather and can include mud, snow, or ice. Some short sections run on road shoulders (North Clarksville and Rt 73); runners must stay in the shoulder and limit running two abreast where roads are open to traffic.
There are four aid stations with varying supplies:
- Wellman Meadow (10K turnaround; water and Tailwind while 10K runners pass)
- Fifty Springs (fully stocked with water, Tailwind, and typical ultra food)
- Day Lodge (water, Tailwind, limited nutrition)
- Start/Finish (fully stocked with water, Tailwind, food, and warm options including vegan)
Mandatory items include a headlamp with spare batteries, water bottle or bladder, collapsible cup, and a charged cell phone. Organizers note additional recommended cold-weather items such as a mylar blanket, insulated jacket, hat, gloves, and handwarmers. The event is Trail Sisters approved and includes policies for equal podium spots, prize money, women’s specific swag, menstrual products at aid stations, and Athletes With Disability divisions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.