The Longest Night 50mi
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About the race
The Longest Night is an overnight loop trail event held at Lakewood Nature Preserve in Greenville, South Carolina on December 19–20, 2026. It is organized as a backyard elimination format that runs from dusk to dawn on a 1.5-mile loop that returns to a central barn.
Runners follow a strict lap schedule and must complete every lap in under 25 minutes. Distances are determined by lap count, with each distance finishing on its designated lap:
- 10K: 4 laps
- Half marathon: 9 laps
- Marathon: 18 laps
- 50K: 21 laps
- 50 miles: 34 laps
The barn serves as the start and finish hub, packet pickup location, and a single central aid station. The course is a wide grassy loop and crews return to the barn each lap. Available aid station items include hot soup and broth, pickles, chips, candy, Fig Newtons, water, Coke, and ginger ale. The event is cup less; participants should bring their own hydration vessel.
Logistics note that barn parking holds 150 spots, with overflow in an adjacent field and along the road. Packet pickup is done onsite and may not be collected by someone else. Dogs on a leash and headphones are allowed. Pacers are not permitted. Every finisher receives a race medal; shirts are ordered and shipped separately. Age group awards are given for the top three in multiple age categories. The event supports Pickens County Meals on Wheels and counts toward Upstate Trail Series and Upstate Ultra Series recognition. Registration opens December 24, 2025, closes June 15, 2026, and the listed registration fee is $45.00. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
