Blackout Night Runs

Night running under the stars. Ponderosa pines at 7,000 ft. The 11th annual Blackout Night Runs return to Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, Arizona, on Friday, June 19, 2026. Start times: 27k at 7:00 PM, 13k at 7:30 PM, 6k at 8:00 PM. Soldiers Trail and Highlands Trail Loop — narrow single‑track to wide forest paths, topping out on a mesa with expansive mountain views. Well graded for beginners but altitude keeps it challenging. Multi‑loop format: 27k = 2 loops, 13k = 1 loop, 6k = 1 shortened loop. Double down with the Flagstaff Extreme Big Pine day race the following morning. Tent‑only camping add‑on available (Friday and Saturday nights). 25% discount on Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course (adult and kids 7+). Part of the Insomniac Night Trail Run Series.

Course & Terrain:

• Fort Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff, Arizona — elevation approximately 7,000 ft
• Soldiers Trail and Highlands Trail Loop — winds through ponderosa pines, tops out on a mesa with expansive mountain views
• Trail surfaces: narrow single‑track to wide, well‑maintained forest paths
• Well graded for beginners, but altitude adds difficulty for sea‑level runners

Night Running Experience:

• Headlamp mandatory (obviously — you're running at night)
• Starlit skies — Flagstaff is an International Dark Sky City, light pollution is minimal
• Cooler temperatures than the summer day races — ideal for running
• Possible wildlife (deer, maybe elk, rabbits, owls) — not dangerous, but be aware

Double Down — Challenge Yourself:

• Flagstaff Extreme Big Pine Trail Runs happen the following morning (Saturday, June 20) on the same trails
• Complete both the night race and the day race to earn a unique finisher's medal (double down award)
• Separate registration required for each event

Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course Discount:

• 25% discount on passes purchased through UltraSignup during registration
• Adult and kids (ages 7+) courses available
• Passes good for the entire year — do not need to be used race weekend
• If you want to experience it race weekend (June 19‑20), purchase early — time slots fill up quickly

Camping Add‑On:

• Limited number of tent‑only camping permits available (first come, first serve)
• Group camping area at Fort Tuthill — dispersed camping style (close proximity, not individual sites)
• Valid from Friday at 2:00 PM to Sunday at 10:00 AM (Friday and Saturday nights included)
• Pre‑setup tent and cot rentals available
• For RV or vehicle camping, contact Fort Tuthill Campground directly

Insomniac Night Trail Run Series:

• Blackout Night Runs is the 4th race in the Insomniac Night Trail Run Series
• Nine races total in the series
• Next up: Stunner Night Runs at Usery Mountain Regional Park on July 20

What's Included:

• Chip timing
• Finisher medal (night race specific)
• Event shirt (tech fabric, design varies)
• Aid stations with water, electrolyte, and typical ultra snacks
• Medical support on course
• Bag drop at start/finish
• Post‑race refreshments (coffee, snacks, likely beer at finish)

Volunteers:

• Help with setup, aid stations, timing, breakdown
• Perks: Aravaipa merchandise or race goodie, plus Aravaipa Race Credits
• Volunteer form available on event website

Registration & Policies:

• Online registration closes the Monday before the race (June 15, 2026)
• Late registration available at packet pickup locations (details on website)
• Race entries are non‑refundable and non‑transferable
• Check Race Withdrawal Policy for other options

Top Performances (27k Men):

• Gabe McGowan — 1:56:15 (2015)
• Angel Ochoa — 2:06:16 (2019)
• Travis Swaim — 2:06:51 (2018)

Organizer: Aravaipa Running.