Running along the fringe of the mysterious Area 51, this stretch of highway (375) has an overwhelming number of reported UFO sightings. So much so, that in 1996 the federal government officially named highway 375 the “Extraterrestrial Highway”. The ET Highway has become a gathering place for UFO enthusiasts and …
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Running along the fringe of the mysterious Area 51, this stretch of highway (375) has an overwhelming number of reported UFO sightings. So much so, that in 1996 the federal government officially named highway 375 the “Extraterrestrial Highway”. The ET Highway has become a gathering place for UFO enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With elevations ranging from roughly 4000-5600 feet, the high desert will enchant you with gorgeous vegetation, surrounding mountains, and stunning vistas. An additional treat is the cooler temperatures. Rachel, NV is generally 15 degrees cooler than the Las Vegas Valley; coupled with a night time run, temperatures should be perfect for running in August!
The Extraterrestrial Full Moon Marathon, 1/2, 10K, 5K & 51K are run on the weekend closest to the full moon. Runners will witness as the day falls into night, gorgeous twilight desert glow, a glorious moon rise, shooting stars, and the calm of the vast desert darkness.
ALL DISTANCES START AND FINISH IN RACHEL, NV; frontage road near the Alien Cowpoke General Store.
All runners are REQUIRED to wear a 360 degree reflective vest AND carry a handheld flashlight or wear a headlamp; glow-bracelets will be provided. A 360 degree reflective vest can be pre-purchased for $8 during the registration process and will be collected at packet pick up. If you have one of your own you may wear that instead, but it must be a 360 degree reflective vest.
All runners MUST exercise extreme caution as this highway is open range – meaning cows and other animals may be on the roadway! You may not provoke or approach these animals. Mind your own business and they should leave you alone.
LESS
Last ET, just ran
No more ET race. Parking and greed issues no doubt by the Restaurant owner?? A fun night run, 4 races, mostly cool weather. Out and back. MORE
No more ET race. Parking and greed issues no doubt by the Restaurant owner?? A fun night run, 4 races, mostly cool weather. Out and back.
Fun Time
Great group of fun people, run was easy and since it was at night, cool weather. Great snacks at the end. Recommend the bus ride from Vegas if you are … MORE
Great group of fun people, run was easy and since it was at night, cool weather. Great snacks at the end. Recommend the bus ride from Vegas if you are coming from out of town.
Good Summer race, cool and calm too.
Amazing perfect weather. 74 degree start, 62 degree finish. This race is about 5000 ft. elevation. Lots of parking, well done race, aid stations are all good. The environment is … MORE
Amazing perfect weather. 74 degree start, 62 degree finish. This race is about 5000 ft. elevation. Lots of parking, well done race, aid stations are all good. The environment is fantastic. Runners of all qualities. Started at Midnight, 12:30 etc. around 350 runners. You can get a bus ride, this year 4-5 busses were used..Coming from Vegas. Calico racing has 20 +- runs a year around Vegas. Good food at the end. Nice medals and group awards.
Midnight Marathon
Probably the hardest marathon course I’ve ran. 1st 7 miles were all straight up hill. Drained me and made the next 19 more difficult. Our group had a great time MORE
Probably the hardest marathon course I’ve ran. 1st 7 miles were all straight up hill. Drained me and made the next 19 more difficult. Our group had a great time anyway!
Alien Territory
Out in the high desert somewhat near Las Vegas is this infamous place known as Area 51. You've probably heard about it. UFOs, aliens, government secrecy, and more. Want to … MORE
Out in the high desert somewhat near Las Vegas is this infamous place known as Area 51. You’ve probably heard about it. UFOs, aliens, government secrecy, and more. Want to run a race there? It starts at midnight. Party time! Put on your best alien apparel and choose your distance from 5K to 51K.
I ran this one as my first official ultra and took it easy to make sure I had enough energy left for the final post-marathon miles. The finishing stretch is flat, which really helps. The first 7 miles are uphill, the next 7 downhill, and the rest is flat except for a little climb before the second turnaround for the 51K.
I met people from many different states at this event. Lots of runners dressed up for this race, adding to the fun. The excellent spread of food and drink at the finish helps to jump-start your recovery. Not much to see in the darkness of race time, but if you wait around for the sunrise, you get to see the beauty of Nevada’s high desert.
I’ve run other Calico Racing events and they always do a great job providing what runners need and like. I highly recommend paying extra for bus transportation to and from the race. No school buses. They get quiet, smooth-riding tour buses with comfortable seats.
The marathon course is the same as the 51K except for an earlier second turnaround. Half marathon and shorter distances are different.
Def a unique race
I signed up last minute. It was easy to register and sign up for the shuttle bus to and from the start line to the Vegas strip. I timed it … MORE
I signed up last minute. It was easy to register and sign up for the shuttle bus to and from the start line to the Vegas strip. I timed it so I arrived about 2 hours before the busses picked up. So I wore most of my running gear on the plane. I had everything I had brought with me. One carry-on with a change of clothes and pjs. I only got a hotel room for Sunday night *after* the race was done. The drop spot for bags was unmanned but secure enough to trust my bag would be there when I finished. The aid stations were also largely unmanned. I am a slow finisher, but it seemed excessively early for stations to be breaking down and closing with almost 3 hours left to the cutoff time. The course was super easy. Out from the Inn. turn right. run until you see the flares and cop car with flashing lights. Turn around. Run all the way past the Inn and down the straight highway until you see the next turnaround point. Back to the Inn and youre done! The Race medal was cool enough. Not huge, but they dont all have to be. The shirt was a lime-neon green this year. Good safety color for road runs in the future. Wish we couldve had at least two glow-in-the-dark bracelets each. The extras I brought were duds. Not the races fault but still sad. Of course, I forgot my headlamp in my bag at the start line. So I ended up using my phone’s flashlight while in low-power mode. NOT Ideal. You DEF DEF Definitely need a head lamp and /or chest light. The moon does not provide enough light besides they are Required. No one really checked. As I said before, some of the aid stations were unmanned. Most were JUST WATER. BYO electrolytes. BYO gels or gu. and you HAVE to pack your own trash out if you do not drop it in the few garbage bags provided at the aid stations. I finished late enough to see the gorgeous sunrise over the nevada desert. The sunrise was very welcome so I could Stop carrying my phone’s flashlight finally! I got to the end with lots of time to spare for the cutoff. Caught the 2nd to last bus back to the strip. It seemed to go ALOT faster on the way back. But i got zero sleep on either leg of the bus trip. They had phone charging plugs available on the bus. It was like 3 hours to the starting line. But only 2.5 hours back. Good conversations about others 50 states experiences, tips and tricks. I recommend this if you’re a night owl like I am, it’ll be easy to stay up all night and get it DONE!
This is a race you'll be talking about
Like many of us, I enjoy the disbelieving looks I got from friends and family when they find I run marathon distances (and unlike that ancient Greek guy, don’t die … MORE
Like many of us, I enjoy the disbelieving looks I got from friends and family when they find I run marathon distances (and unlike that ancient Greek guy, don’t die in the process.) Now, add in the crazy factors of running in the Nevada desert in August, racing at the periphery of the forbidden and secretive Area 51, and risking alien abduction by running in the middle of the night along the Extraterrestrial Highway. The combination of those things made this a “must do” event for me and raise the “wow” factor when sharing stories about this run. Some of the exotic elements of this race actually make it EASIER… the remote location, elevation, and overnight hours offer up a reduced temperature that turned August in the desert into nearly ideal running conditions. The midnight start temperature was in the low 70s and the mercury fell during the run to finish in the 50s, with low humidity throughout. I slowed my pace to accommodate the 4900-5800’ (1490-1770m) elevation and the continuous uphill for the first seven miles of the course, and was fine. The waning full moon and three ongoing meteor showers added drama to the evening, and the spectacular sunrise after I finished was “ooh” and “aah” worthy! The scenery otherwise was mostly limited to the range of my light. For the full marathon, the course went south seven miles on the highway, then turned around and came back, then an additional 6 or so further miles north on the same road, then return to finish at the original starting line. Participants ran ON the highway, which remained open to traffic, but that traffic was very light during race hours, and I imagine that most of the vehicles I saw were race-related. All but one kept to half of the speed limit and on the opposite side of the road when passing runners.
Race organizers made it easy to get to this remote, high desert location by providing affordable contracted bus service between the race start/finish, and a hotel in Las Vegas. This service was available to both runners and spectators, and was complimentary to race volunteers. Varying race distances were available, including 5K, 10K, half-marathon, full marathon, and a 51K ultra. Reasonably-priced finish-line photos were available and appreciated. Overall value is good.
The not-so-good is that there weren’t enough volunteers or race staff. Marathon and Ultra- runners are asked to bring their own hydration bottles with widely refill stations for the first half of the race. Sadly, even those weren’t staffed, leaving only partial hydration and no gel support for the first 14 miles. I filled up my hand-held flask with the supplied sports drink at the start, and found it foamy and tasting of soap – I dumped it and refilled with water at the first opportunity. That shortage of race workers also meant that there was no one to direct a turn-around at Mile 7 – just a LEO cloistered in his vehicle. I expected a mat, or someone with a clipboard, and ended up running 4/10 mile extra (There was a turn-around sign, but it was outside the beam throw of my running light.) The second half of the course was much better supported. The supplied on-course gels and sports drink were Hammer Nutrition, and while the gels were on par with those from other vendors, the drink was a low-calorie product sweetened with Xylitol and Stevia. It provided some electrolyte replacement, but no carbohydrates – a strange choice for a distance running event. Finally, the race (long-sleeve) T-shirt, medal, and place awards lack date or distance information. (Ultra runners get the same recognition as 5K participants which seems disappointing for those committed to the longer distances.) Participants are promised breakfast, which consisted of the usual post-run snacks plus yogurt, pancakes, and hot water for instant coffee or cup-a-noodles. I’m not sure if that’s all there was, or if the more-numerous 5K through half-marathon runners cleaned out a broader selection.
In summary, I’m glad I was part of this event, though it suffers from some self-inflicted wounds. Race organizers indicate there are challenges with finding volunteers to work in this remote section of desert in the middle of the night, but I’d gladly pay an extra $10 per head if the collected funds could perhaps pay course workers recruited from the sparsely populated race environs. That would fix the one weak spot in an otherwise bright event.
Fun event.
Enjoyed the alien themed race at midnight. It was cool to run under the stars in the middle of nowhere. Course was challenging. Recommendations for improvement. first 3 aid stations … MORE
Enjoyed the alien themed race at midnight. It was cool to run under the stars in the middle of nowhere. Course was challenging.
Recommendations for improvement. first 3 aid stations were not manned. 2nd station wasn’t set up. The finish area was very dark. Needed a Marshall to direct runners off the highway into the chute. The transition from road to gravel in the dark was not safe.
Fun midnight run.
Flat run after midnight. Perfect weather and just a fun run. Enjoyed driving from Las Vegas to Rachael. Loved Seeing all the headlights and running lights. A fun Tun to … MORE
Flat run after midnight. Perfect weather and just a fun run. Enjoyed driving from Las Vegas to Rachael. Loved Seeing all the headlights and running lights. A fun Tun to do again and again. Great crew working the race.
So much potential
Great scenery but that’s about it. Water stops not manned or lit. Post race food non existent. Same shirt for all races. Medals not year specific. Award for winner and … MORE
Great scenery but that’s about it. Water stops not manned or lit. Post race food non existent.
Same shirt for all races. Medals not year specific. Award for winner and Age Group are cheap. Not a race that has value for the price.
Train well, and the rewards will come.
know that this is a small race, with no spectators, and very few runners out there with you. Double out and back in two different directions... I liked this course … MORE
know that this is a small race, with no spectators, and very few runners out there with you. Double out and back in two different directions… I liked this course format, so you can see some people out there in the middle of nowhere, and in the dark hours. Definitely carry your own nutrition… gels are all they got with water and some other energy drinks. Bring your own caffeinated beverage. or caffeine pills. none offered there. It is a MIDNIGHT start, so you should know to read the race details, and know that you need to provide your own methods to stay awake in the overnight hours. GORGEOUS scenery once the sun begins to rise. Gorgeous scenery when the starts shine brightly. Long 2 and a half hour bus ride out to Rachel NV and the same amount of time returning to the host hotel in Vegas. I loved this race.
Clear Skys and lots of stars
This race is a flat course, super fast, lots of good folks, busses from Vegas AVA. if you wanted them. Around 500 runners this year. Race start was 71 degrees … MORE
This race is a flat course, super fast, lots of good folks, busses from Vegas AVA. if you wanted them. Around 500 runners this year. Race start was 71 degrees and 61 at the finish, small up hill at the turn around. 5 races, 55k, 26 miles, 13 mile, 10 K, 5k, youngest was 14, you need head lights, reflectors vest. This is a great Saturday night.
Unique Race
A very unique race for it started at midnight for the Full marathon and 51K, 12:30 am for the half. This race also offered a 10k and a 5k. Participate … MORE
A very unique race for it started at midnight for the Full marathon and 51K, 12:30 am for the half. This race also offered a 10k and a 5k. Participate where bused from Vegas for the 2.5-hour ride to Rachel NV. The race was on the ET highway, very dark, flat course, headlamps and reflective vest were mandatory. Cool dri-fit alien theme race shirt. I highly recommend this race for the unique experience. I will definitely run it again. *do take bug spray, the gnats ate me alive*
Glad I Did It!
This was my first overnight race. I wondered in advance if staying awake would be an issue; it was not. A few hills the first half of the race but … MORE
This was my first overnight race. I wondered in advance if staying awake would be an issue; it was not. A few hills the first half of the race but nothing serious. If you do this and will be on the course at daybreak, 5-ish hours, be prepared for bugs! The race was well organized and the Race Director provided clear instructions. The bus to/from the start was great. The shirt is a nice change from the gray ones I’ve received recently and I love the alien medal. I did not love the OYO Hotel and would probably have stayed at the Holiday Inn or even MGM Grand if I had realized that they were in easy walking distance to catch the bus. Overall, a good experience and I’m glad I did it though I may stick to daylight hours for now.
Great run!
Well organized local run. Bus schedule was pretty straight forward to / from start / finish line. Scenary is marked kind of low bc well... It was the middle of … MORE
Well organized local run. Bus schedule was pretty straight forward to / from start / finish line. Scenary is marked kind of low bc well… It was the middle of the night. But don’t let that deter you! It was still a very fun race. My first time, accompanied by two repeats (and none of us are from NV).
Medal and shirt were fun.
Costumes were also fun!
Unfortunately my mom dropped out part way through and had to catch a ride to the finish with the spouse of a volunteer. Maybe having a transport aid team would be beneficial. Otherwise great fun option for a NV run.
Out of this world
I finally was able to check this race off my list. Over the years I have registered for this event four times, but finally this year I was able to … MORE
I finally was able to check this race off my list. Over the years I have registered for this event four times, but finally this year I was able to attend and finish. I work at a university and this race is normally right up against the start of the academic year, but this year the start was moved back two weeks, which allowed me to actually run it. As a writer of cryptozoology and paranormal adventure books, I have been wanting to complete it for several years.
This was also my first time running a race that started at midnight. Figuring out when to eat and sleep was challenging. I only was able to sleep 2 hours prior to going to the hotel to pick up the packet and catch the bus from Las Vegas to Rachel. It is about a two hour ride to the start. After the run I was able to catch about an hour of sleep on the return to Vegas. We stopped at the black mailbox outside if the Area 51 grounds to do off the full marathon and 51k runners. The half marathon started seven miles up the road.
After about ten minutes your eyes get used to the dark and you can see everything. The road is open, but not many cars come by. The headlamp and the reflective vests are a must, more for the drivers then for you. It is amazing how much light there is in the open desert under the full moon. While running I saw my shadow, which is unusual at night. I didn’t see any wild cows and unfortunately no aliens. The run was very peaceful along the extraterrestrial highway. Three temperature were mid-60s; cool, but not chilly. The course is a straight line to the Little a’le in for half marathoners. For the longer distances, runners go three miles past the inn before turning back and ending there. Pancakes, coffee, outage juice, and bananas were waiting there for us. I took my time on running because I knew I wouldn’t make the bus that left for a return at 3:30 am and I would have to wait until the 5:00 bus. Very first course with the exception of one hill from about mile 4.5-6, but I didn’t feel it was too difficult.
The medal was great. I wish I would have stuck it around the neck of the alien at the finish line, but I wasn’t thinking of it at the time. I would recommend this run just for the experience of running at midnight in the neighborhood of Area 51.
What an experience
It was a 30-hour experience from flight into Nevada through a quick breakfast before finally getting to sleep. Packet pick-up was easy, busses out to start were great, start line … MORE
It was a 30-hour experience from flight into Nevada through a quick breakfast before finally getting to sleep. Packet pick-up was easy, busses out to start were great, start line was unique and wonderful. Special shout-out to Mother Nature for the full moon, clear skies and PERFECT overnight running temperatures!
The only negative for us was that one of our group that was racing with us got pretty sick and decided to drop around mile 10. There was no clear way to us how to get her off the course. The aid station person was happy to have her hang out with her until she drove to the finish line (this was around 2 a.m.) but that was all we could do. Even the police officer that happened by declined to allow my friend to get in his car or call for some help. The aid station volunteer had zero cell reception and no radio to communicate with anyone. I’m very glad my friend wasn’t in worse shape because I’m not sure what we would have done.
Well managed, cool location, fun race!
Race was excellently coordinated, communicated and executed. I drove myself (vs taking the bus from Vegas) parking was easy, and people that took the bus said it was also good. … MORE
Race was excellently coordinated, communicated and executed. I drove myself (vs taking the bus from Vegas) parking was easy, and people that took the bus said it was also good. Tough race for me due to the time of day (food timing) and elevation 5000ft… really enjoyed the challenge. Shirt and medal were sweet!
Unique!
Starts at Midnight in the middle of nowhere along the Extra-terrestrial Highway! Busses are provided from Las Vegas. COURSE: It's pitch black on the course! All you can see are … MORE
Starts at Midnight in the middle of nowhere along the Extra-terrestrial Highway! Busses are provided from Las Vegas.
COURSE: It’s pitch black on the course! All you can see are the flashing lights of runners around you and up the road ahead of you. It was a bit scary at first, but you get used to it. We stayed together the whole race. Running alone would have been a little unnerving! No houses, no buildings, no power lines… NOTHING! At Mile 20, you pass the finish line and do a 10K out and back. We were having stomach issues (tried to eat dinner early, but when you are running instead of sleeping from midnight-5am, your stomach gets a little confused!) and had to take out time. So be prepared for that.
We finished around 5:15 am right before the sun began to come up.
FINISH LINE: Very basic (water, snacks, breakfast type items). The finish was at the Little Ale-inn bar & “hotel.” This was a neat little roadside stop with “alien” themed everything. Pretty cool place.
This was a fun experience. If you like races that are unique and adventurous, try this one out. My friend chose this race as her 50th state. This is a small race with no frills or extras.
Fun running in the moonlight
Calico racing I found really gives the runner a challenge plus awesome swag. Fun volunteers and repeating workers that do a great job setting up, encouraging, and clean up. Kudos … MORE
Calico racing I found really gives the runner a challenge plus awesome swag. Fun volunteers and repeating workers that do a great job setting up, encouraging, and clean up. Kudos to everyone!