OSS/CIA 50 Mile Night Run
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Event Overview
The OSS/CIA 50 Mile Night Run takes place on the trails of Prince William Forest Park. The park's trails and cabin camps were used as secretive training sites for the Office of Strategic Services, the predecessor to the CIA, during World War II. The event has an overall time limit of 14.5 hours.
Course Details
The course consists of two large 25.5-mile loops, covering all corners of the park. The terrain is primarily single track, with some fire road and several bridge and National Park Service road crossings. Runners start just before sunset and finish in the morning. Lights are required.
Participants can run the event as a 50-mile race or as a single 25-mile loop, which is called the Nightmare-athon. Completing one loop will be recorded as a finish, but the OSS finisher's award is only for completing the full 50 miles. There are strict cut-off times: 6.5 hours for the first loop and 14.5 hours for the full 50 miles.
Event Information
There are eight aid stations, including the start/finish at Telegraph Road Pavilion and a main station at the Oak Ridge Camp Ground halfway point. Two additional "mini-aid" stations provide water, Gatorade, and a smaller food selection. Pacers are allowed for the second loop only. Crews are only permitted at the Telegraph Road Pavilion start/finish line and must be in place before nightfall.
The park gate fee is included in the race registration. Camping is available at the Oak Ridge Camping Area for a nightly fee. All runners are required to carry water on the course at all times. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
