Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight
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Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight : August 1–2, 2026
The Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight event stages night races on Highway 375 near Rachel, Nevada, with all distances starting and finishing on the frontage road by the Alien Cowpoke General Store. The 2026 edition marks the event's 20 year anniversary and returns to an August full moon weekend with a revised course layout.
The event offers multiple distances:
- 5K
- 10K
- Half marathon
- Marathon
- 51K
The course runs along the Extraterrestrial Highway near Area 51, with elevations roughly between 4,000 and 5,600 feet and desert vegetation, mountain views, and wide vistas. Rachel is generally about 15 degrees cooler than the Las Vegas Valley.
Safety and support details are specified: runners are required to wear a 360 degree reflective vest and to carry a handheld flashlight or wear a headlamp; glow bracelets are provided. The highway is open range so animals may be on the roadway and caution is required. Aid stations are placed along the routes; all aid stations provide cupped water and Gatorade, toilets are roughly every 2 to 3 miles, and aid stations marked as "ultra" carry energy gel. The marathon and 51K courses have an 8 hour cut off.
Event logistics include contracted bus transportation from Las Vegas and on-site packet pick up at the start/finish location. Awards include a finisher medal for all finishers, overall and age group awards, and a costume award inspired by the event theme. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.