La Nuit Trail Run (The Night, in French) — after all, it’s too hot in July to run during the day!
La Nuit is a moderate to difficult trail race due to the terrian. The trails have a variety of tracks ranging from straight up to switch back, straight down with some twists and turns, and then to flat and steady ups and downs. Runners traverse through forested areas, around a pond, and some grass land type areas. Many of the trails have steps made of rock or wood beams, and the trails consist of rock, mulch, dirt, and small gravel. The 5k and 10k are held at dusk, so there is some visibility on the trails. The 3, 6, and 9 hour races are after dark. Though dark is a intimidating challenge to runners, it is certainly cooler at night! But this is the perfect park for night running. The race takes place in a fairly contained and small nature preserve, with all trails within a mile or two of the starting line. The trails are well marked with reflective signs and ropes, and the same 3.5 mile loop is repeated through the night so runners do get familiar with the route-it is a strenuous one! I think the greatest number of miles ran in our 9 hour has been around 40 miles.
Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve
Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve makes for a fun filled challenging but beautiful run. You will run on a variety of trails from mulch, solid rock, gravel, dirt, steps made of dirt or rock, and wooden bridges over small creeks. The trails are a series of switch backs, some flat areas, and some straight up and downs, with some wide trails and some narrow. The area is wooded, with small streams and creeks through-out. There is also a large pond, a lookout tower, and a birdwatching hut. Of course you may not see all of these things since it is a night run! The terrian is mildly strenuous, and may be walked or run. Running hills ahead of time will help you prepare for the elevations. Here are some brief owl’s view of the runs.
All Races follow the same 3.2 mile loop
After a brief section of wide trail at the start, the loop starts down the Cattail Pond Trail-which is mostly an easy going trail downward to the upward turning and climbing staircases of Fossil Valley Trail and the beautiful Trout Lilly Trail (very fun to run downhill!- but you will be going uphill!), and then down and around to Cattail Pond. From there, you head up that trail with a gentle uphill to Red Oak Trail- a beautiful wooded short but technical trail to meet up with the Escarpment Trail. This trail is wider and uphill all the way to Mulberry Trail. Mulberry connects to the restful Prairie Trail which brings you back to the finish/start all over again. This whole section of trails is about 3.2 miles. All final loops must begin before the cut off time for their race ends. Winners are determined by the number of loops ran in the shortest amount of time. Everyone who finishes the 3, 6, or 9 hour races receive a finisher’s medal. But the runners need to be running loops through out their time period. They are allowed to rest when needed.
9 Hour Relay
Each relay team will have 3 runners. Runner 1 runs the 3.2 mile loop, then hands off the chip timer to Runner 2. Runner 2 runs the 3.2 mile loop and hands off the chip timer to Runner 3. Runner 3 runs the 3.2 mile loop and then hands to chip timer back to number 1 again. And repeat. The fastest 2 teams with the most loops in the shortest amount of time following the cut off time, wins 1st and 2nd place respectively. Last loop must begin before the cut off time ends.
One Mile Hike-n-Run
Walkers will begin at the starting line, and follow the trail around to meet the Bluebonnet trail, take part of Mulberry Trail, and then back around to the finish. This trail is about .9 miles, and if the timing is right, provides the perfect spot to view the sunset. Bluebonnet is one of the more gentle trails through the woods and lookout areas. Great for an evening stroll!
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