Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight
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Event Overview
The Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight is a series of night races held under the full moon near the Area 51 site in Nevada. The event takes place in Rachel, Nevada, with all distances starting and finishing on the frontage road near the Alien Cowpoke General Store. It celebrates its 20-year anniversary in 2026.
Distances
- 51K
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 10K
- 5K
Course Details
All races are out-and-back courses run on Highway 375, officially named the "Extraterrestrial Highway" due to frequent reported UFO sightings. The course is on a high desert road with elevations ranging from roughly 4,000 to 5,600 feet.
For 2026, the event features a new course layout for all distances. The races are cupless, offering cupped water and Gatorade at aid stations so participants do not need to carry their own bottles. The route is described as having cooler temperatures than Las Vegas, with surrounding mountains and desert vistas.
Key Requirements and Safety
All runners are required to wear a 360-degree reflective vest and carry a handheld flashlight or wear a headlamp. A glow bracelet is provided. The highway is open range, meaning cattle and other animals may be on the roadway, so runners must exercise caution.
Event Features
Registered runners receive a technical shirt, a finisher's medal, and post-race refreshments. A costume contest is held for the best alien-inspired outfit. Overall and age group awards are given for each distance, and a round-trip contracted bus service is available from The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas to the start line. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.