Night Owl Trail Races

Night Owl Trail Races

The Night Owl Trail Races take place in Caesar Creek State Park in Waynesville, Ohio. The event offers a marathon, a half marathon, and a 10K distance on single-track trails.

The course is mostly single-track with rolling hills and follows a loop around Caesar Creek Lake. A section of each race runs on the shoulder of an open road. Runners must climb over a short railing on State Route 73 to re-enter the trail. The terrain's difficulty can vary significantly with weather conditions.

All participants are required to carry mandatory gear: a headlamp or waist light with extra batteries, a water bottle or hydration bladder, a collapsible cup, and a fully charged cell phone. The event is cupless, so runners must use their own cup at aid stations. Recommended gear includes insulated jackets, hats, and gloves if temperatures are forecast to be 40°F or lower.

Four aid stations are located on the course, offering water, Tailwind drink, and various foods like pretzels, potato chips, PB&J sandwiches, and granola bars. The start/finish aid station provides warm food, including vegan options.

Finishers receive a glow-in-the-dark owl medal. Registered runners receive high-quality swag if they register by a specified deadline. Awards and equal prize money are given to top finishers in all genders. The event organizer, Empower Ultras, is a Trail Sisters approved race. It offers equal podium spots, women's specific swag and apparel, and menstrual products at aid stations.

The race has strict cutoffs for safety. The marathon has a 9-hour time limit. The half marathon has a 7.5-hour limit, and the 10K must be completed by a specific early morning hour. Participants must park in designated lots, with some requiring a walk of up to one mile to the start. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.