2026 Carpe Diem - Carpe Noctem Half Marathon
The 2026 Carpe Diem - Carpe Noctem Half Marathon will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Proud Lake State Recreation Area in Commerce Township, Michigan, USA. The event is expected to feature mild spring conditions, with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 55°F. Participants can expect a mix of trail running experiences, with the option to run the same course twice—once in daylight and once under the stars. The course is designed to be beginner-friendly, with wide trails, gentle rolling hills, and minimal elevation gain. Runners can choose from a Half Marathon, a 10K, or the unique Double format, which combines both a morning and an evening race. The event also offers a community-focused atmosphere, with opportunities to enjoy food, games, and socializing between races.
What is the format of the Carpe Diem - Carpe Noctem Half Marathon?
- →The event features a dual-format race, allowing runners to participate in either the Carpe Diem (daylight) or Carpe Noctem (night) version of the race, or both as a Double.
- →The Carpe Diem race is held in the morning, while the Carpe Noctem race takes place in the evening, starting just before sunset and finishing after dark.
- →The Double format allows runners to complete both a morning and an evening race, either as Half Marathon + Half Marathon or Half Marathon + 10K.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Half Marathon – Two-loop course, 6 aid stations
- →10K – One loop of the Half Marathon course, 2 aid stations
What are the start and cutoff times for the event?
- →Carpe Diem (Morning):
• Packet Pickup & Registration: 7:15 AM – 8:15 AM
• Pre-Race Meeting: 8:20 AM
• Race Start: 8:30 AM
• Morning Cutoff: 12:00 PM
- →Carpe Noctem (Evening):
• Packet Pickup & Registration: 5:45 PM – 6:45 PM
• Pre-Race Meeting: 6:50 PM
• Race Start: 7:00 PM (headlamp or flashlight required)
• Evening Cutoff: 10:30 PM
What is included in the registration?
- →Standard registration includes a soft spring race hoodie.
- →Economy registration is available for those who wish to skip the swag and save money.
- →Finisher medals are provided: a Diem or Noctem medal individually, or a two-piece magnetic set for Double finishers.
What are the aid station locations for the Half Marathon?
- →Mile 2.3 – Water & Gatorade
- →Mile 3.5 – Water & Huma Gels
- →Mile 5.1 – Water & Gatorade
- →Mile 7.9 – Water & Gatorade
- →Mile 9.3 – Water & Huma Gels
- →Mile 11.1 – Water & Gatorade
What are the aid station locations for the 10K?
- →Mile 2.3 – Water & Gatorade
- →Mile 4.1 – Water & Gatorade
What are the course details for the Half Marathon and 10K?
- →The Half Marathon follows the Black Toenail Friday route in reverse and includes two loops.
- →The 10K covers one loop of the same course as the Half Marathon.
- →The trails at Proud Lake are wide, runnable, and beginner-friendly, with only a few short sections of roots and gentle rolling hills.
- →The course is well-marked with turn signs at every intersection and confidence tape/markers every 0.1 mile.
What is the course map for the Half Marathon and 10K?
What is required for the Carpe Noctem race?
- →Evening runners must bring a headlamp or flashlight, as the race takes place in the dark.
What is the event schedule?
- →Morning (Carpe Diem):
• 7:15 AM – 8:15 AM – Packet Pickup & Registration
• 8:20 AM – Pre-Race Meeting
• 8:30 AM – Half Marathon & 10K Start
• 12:00 PM – Morning Cutoff
- →Evening (Carpe Noctem):
• 5:45 PM – 6:45 PM – Packet Pickup & Registration
• 6:50 PM – Pre-Race Meeting
• 7:00 PM – Half Marathon & 10K Start
• 10:30 PM – Evening Cutoff
What is the community experience like between races?
- →Participants are invited to enjoy food, lawn games, and socializing with fellow trail runners between the morning and evening events.
- →The event offers a perfect opportunity to soak in the trail community vibes and enjoy the full day at Proud Lake State Recreation Area.