Articles

Belgian Ultrarunner Karel Sabbe's Record-Breaking Pacific Crest Trail Run Showcased in New YouTube Documentary

Explore Karel Sabbe's record-breaking Pacific Crest Trail run in a riveting documentary. Jour..

Trail Running: How it Can Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Trail running is an effective way to reduce stress, anxiety, and improve physical and mental he..

Trail Running vs. Road Running: Which One Is Right For You?

When it comes to running, there are two primary options to choose from: trail running and road..

Nights of Thunder Cross Country Fest

Name: Nights of Thunder Cross Country Fest
Start: 2026-09-11
End: 2026-09-12
Location: Chaires

Chaires, United States • 11-12 Sep 2026

Nights of Thunder Cross Country Fest

Nights of Thunder Cross Country Fest is a two-day cross country meet held September 11–12, 2026, at Apalachee Regional XC Park in Tallahassee, Florida. The event presents a festival atmosphere with multiple heats conducted in nighttime conditions.

The meet features competition across age and team categories, including collegiate, high school varsity and junior varsity, middle school, and open fields. An open division heat is offered for community participants on the park course.

Distances contested at the meet include:

Event amenities and provisions noted for the meet include coaches’ swag, an exclusive Coaches’ box, reserved team areas, and available tent and amenity rentals. The venue is the official course of the Florida High School State Cross Country Championships and has hosted the 2022 NJCAA XC Championships and the 2026 World Athletics XC Championships.

The description above summarizes the event format, participant categories, course distances, venue status, and available team support features. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

United States Florida Chaires

Race information

Registration

8 km

College Mens 8k

5 km

College Womens 5k

5 km

Varsity Boys 5k

5 km

Open Division 5k

5 km

Varsity Girls 5k

Middle School Girls 3k

Middle School Boys 3k

Junior Varsity Boys 5k

Junior Varsity Girls 5k

Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Trail runs nearby

Saturday Apr 25

Gladiator Challenge

Tallahassee

Mud Run / Obstacle Run

1 mi

2 mi

5 km

Test your limits at this family adventure race in Tallahassee. Choose between three obstacle courses ranging from a junior sprint to a five kilometer challenge featuring over thirty different obstacles.

Sat - Sat May-Aug 30-22

Gulf Winds Summer Trail Series

Tallahassee

5 mi

6 mi

Experience a four race trail series across the scenic and technical paths of Tallahassee. This limited entry competition features varied terrain including single track trails and rolling hills for 150 participants.

Saturday Oct 17

Beyond Limits Adventure 5k

Tallahassee

Mud Run / Obstacle Run

5 km

An urban 5K adventure race in Tallahassee with at least five on course challenges and finisher medals. A separate untimed fun run under one mile is offered and T shirts are available for an extra $10.

Saturday Oct 24

Quail Trail 5k

Thomasville

5 km

Run a USATF certified 5K cross country course through the historic grounds of Pebble Hill Plantation. This hilly race features varied terrain and supports the preservation of the museum house and estate.