2026 Winter Night Owl Trail Marathon
The 2026 Winter Night Owl Trail Marathon takes place on January 10, 2026, at Caesar Creek State Park in Waynesville, Ohio. Participants will encounter winter trail conditions that may range from fast and runnable on dry ground to muddy and technical if wet, or snowy and icy with added traction challenges. The event is structured as a night trail running experience, beginning at dusk and continuing into darkness, featuring rolling singletrack terrain with back-to-back rollers and short road sections on open shoulders.
What is the event name and date?
The event is the 2026 Winter Night Owl Trail Marathon, held on January 10, 2026.
Where is the event located?
The event takes place at Caesar Creek State Park in Waynesville, Ohio, United States.
What is the theme of the event?
The theme is night trail running under the stars, starting at dusk (sunset around 5:27 PM) and continuing into darkness.
Who organizes the event?
The race is run by Empower Ultras and is Trail Sisters Approved, committed to gender equity, inclusivity, and accessibility.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Full Marathon (26.2 miles) starting at 4:00 PM
- →Half Marathon (13.1 miles) starting at 5:30 PM
- →10K (6.2 miles) starting at 6:00 PM
What are the start times for each race?
- →Full Marathon: 4:00 PM
- →Half Marathon: 5:30 PM
- →10K: 6:00 PM
What are the cut-off times for each race?
- →Full Marathon: 1:00 AM (9 hours total); must begin Loop 2 by 8:15 PM
- →Half Marathon: 1:00 AM (7.5 hours total)
- →10K: 1:00 AM
What is the loop structure for the Full Marathon?
The Full Marathon consists of two loops: Loop 1 in daylight/dusk and Loop 2 fully in darkness.
What are the course features and terrain?
The course uses a combination of the Yellow Perimeter Loop and Red/Green Trails near Wellman Meadow. It features rolling singletrack with no major climbs but relentless back-to-back rollers, especially in later miles. There are short stretches on shoulders of North Clarksville Rd & OH-73, and one spot requiring climbers to navigate a short railing to re-enter the trail.
What are the road safety requirements?
Runners must stay on the shoulder only and are limited to a maximum of two abreast, as roads are open to traffic.
How does weather affect the course difficulty?
Dry conditions make the course fast and runnable. Wet conditions make it muddy and technical. Snow or ice adds traction challenges. Trail shoes with aggressive tread are strongly recommended.
What equipment must all runners carry?
All runners must carry:
- →Headlamp and/or waist light with extra batteries
- →Water bottle or hydration bladder
- →Collapsible cup (for aid stations)
- →Fully charged cell phone
What is the event's stance on inclusivity?
The event is Trail Sisters Approved, emphasizing gender equity, inclusivity, and accessibility for all participants.