Winter Night Owl Trail Marathon, Half and 10k

The Winter Night Owl Trail Marathon, Half and 10K takes place in Waynesville, Ohio, in early January, in Caesar Creek State Park. It is a night race on wooded single-track, open to experienced trail runners and newcomers alike. The marathon (26.2 miles) starts at 4:00 p.m., the half marathon (13.1 miles) at 5:30 p.m. and the 10K (6.2 miles) at 6:00 p.m., so most of the running happens after dark.

Mandatory gear covers safety: a headlamp, a collapsible cup and a charged cell phone. Everyone who finishes receives a glow-in-the-dark owl medal and some promotional gifts. Winter in southwest Ohio brings cold, damp trails, so plan for traction, spare batteries and warm layers, and give yourself time to adjust to the narrow, rooty footing by headlamp light.