Winter Night Trail Run

The Winter Night Trail Run is held in Indianapolis, Indiana, in early January. Two trail distances are offered: a half marathon (13.1 miles) and a 6.6-mile run, both on trail surfaces rather than pavement.

As the name suggests, this is a winter event run in the dark, so a reliable headlamp and a spare light are the first things to pack. Central Indiana in January can mean frozen ground, snow or slick mud, and trail runners often switch to shoes with more aggressive lugs or add traction devices when ice is possible. Dress in breathable layers with a wind-resistant outer shell, bring gloves you can easily remove, and plan your pace around limited visibility, since roots and ruts are harder to spot at night. Check the official race page for the exact start time and course details.