Saturday, August 17, 2024 • Rachel, NV • Course Map
When we say there’s no other race like this one in the country, we really mean it. The “E.T.” Full Moon races, which take place in this tiny town about two and a half hours north of Las Vegas, welcome hundreds of runners each year for this midnight run through the desert along what is rumored to be some of the most active hotbeds of “extraterrestrial” activity anywhere in the U.S. (With the emphasis on rumored…)
Here, you’ll find runners donning plenty of reflective roadwear and all manner of costumes, bobbing antenna balls and alien-like outfits to celebrate this wacky, weird — and very fun — nighttime road race.
The race, which is a point-to-point race run entirely on paved highways through the Nevada desert, starts on Highway 375, known perhaps better as the Extraterrestrial Highway (and officially named so by the federal government in 1996), which stretches nearly 100 miles from Route 93 to Route 6.
From there, the course follows a northward and westerly path along the mostly flat highway until you reach the hills that begin the ascent up Coyote Summit, which runners reach at about the half-way point and an elevation of about 5,591 feet above sea level.
After crossing the peak, the course then begins a steady downward trek toward the finish line at the Little A’Le’Inn on Old Mill Road in the town of Rachel, which lies about 40 miles from the intersection of Route 93 and Highway 375.
As this is truly a midnight race (the half marathon start is at 12:30 AM, timed to be on the weekend closest to the full moon), race organizers require that runners wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp.
You probably won’t be able to see it that late at night, but the area surrounding the course is known for its gorgeous desert scenery, from mountains and mesas nearby to the tough-yet-beautiful (and abundant) plant life.
Race Weather & Climate
Weather conditions in Rachel, NV, can get very hot in the late summer, with August temperatures that range between 62°F and 98°F.
Because the race is run at night, however, temperatures are likely to be cool in the 70s, and there is likely to be little to no chance of rain.
On the day of the race (Aug. 17), the average low is 72°F and the average high is 98°F.
Past Results
- 2023 Half Marathon Results
- 2022 Half Marathon Results
- 2021 E.T. Full Moon Midnight Half Marathon Results
- 2020 E.T. Full Moon Midnight Half Marathon Results
- 2019 E.T. Full Moon Midnight Half Marathon Results
- 2018 E.T. Full Moon Midnight Half Marathon Results
- 2017 E.T. Full Moon Midnight Half Marathon Results
- 2016 E.T. Full Moon Midnight Half Marathon Results
- 2015 E.T. Full Moon Midnight Half Marathon Results
- 2014 E.T. Full Moon Midnight Half Marathon Results
- 2013 E.T. Full Moon Midnight Half Marathon Results
- 2012 E.T. Full Moon Midnight Half Marathon Results
- 2011 E.T. Full Moon Midnight Half Marathon Results
Course Map
See the race route map for the E.T. Full Moon Midnight Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
- 12:00 AM – full marathon, 51K
- 12:30 AM – half marathon
- 1:00 AM – 10K
- 1:05 AM – 5K
Fees
- $80 – $110 for the half marathon
- $100 – $130 for the 51K
- $95 – $125 for the full marathon
- $45 – $65 for the 10K
- $45 – $65 for the 5K
- $50 – $55 for the virtual race
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2024 running of Rachel’s E.T. Full Moon Midnight Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K or 51K race, register online at RunSignUp.com here.
Official Race Website
calicoracing.com/events/et-full-moon
Facebook Conversations
Ever run in the E.T. Full Moon Midnight Half? Share your impressions here, or post your review in the Comments below.
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