The Night Claw returns to Glen Rose, Texas on August 15th, bringing a unique nighttime trail running experience through Dinosaur Valley State Park with options for various timed races including the popular 4M, 10K, and longer endurance challenges. Runners can also participate in the optional Claw Challenge, adding an adventurous twist to their race day.
The Night Claw unfolds along the single-track trails of Dinosaur Valley State Park under the starlit sky of a Texas summer night. The terrain is rugged with rocky paths and hilly sections, offering runners both elevation gain and river crossings as part of the route's unique features. Participants should expect firm yet slightly soft trail conditions that challenge even experienced runners.
Established in recent years, Night Claw has become an integral part of Glen Rose’s community events calendar, attracting a diverse group of participants ranging from casual runners to hardcore endurance athletes looking for something different and exciting on their training schedule. A significant portion of the proceeds benefits local conservation efforts aimed at preserving Dinosaur Valley State Park's natural beauty.
The course winds through hilly terrain in Dinosaur Valley State Park with approximately 650 feet of elevation gain over its single-track trail system. Runners begin from a field outside the park’s main entrance, and for timed races like the 4-hour, 6-hour, or 8-hour options, participants are required to start their final loop no later than 45 minutes before their cutoff time while still completing that last lap within regulations.
Nighttime temperatures in Glen Rose can range from comfortable lows around 75 degrees Fahrenheit up into potentially warmer conditions reaching the upper nineties. Humidity levels tend to be moderate for a late summer evening, and given the unpredictable nature of Texas weather patterns, there’s always some risk of unexpected precipitation or wind gusts that could impact performance.
The Night Claw offers runners several options including the 4M (6.4K), 10K, and various timed endurance challenges such as the 8-hour race. Additionally, both a standard 10K option and its rucksack version are available for those wishing to carry gear during their run.
8 Hour
8 Hours • Start: 19:00:00 • Fee: $120.00
4 Hour
4 Hours • Start: 19:30:00 • Fee: $95.00
6 Hour
6 Hours • Start: 19:30:00 • Fee: $100.00
10K
10K • Start: 20:00:00 • Fee: $65.00
10K Ruck
10K • Start: 20:00:00 • Fee: $65.00
4 Miler
6.4K • Start: 20:00:00 • Fee: $60.00
Registration can be completed online at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=134476 with varying fees depending on the distance chosen: $120.00 for an 8-hour timed race, $95.00 for a 4-hour run, and $100.00 for the 6-hour challenge; meanwhile, standard distances like the 10K or 4Miler cost less at just $65.00 each. Early bird discounts are available until June 3rd.
Bib pickup is scheduled from August 8th to August 12th in Glen Rose at the designated race office where participants must bring a valid photo ID and proof of payment. Race day starts at dusk, with all runners meeting outside Dinosaur Valley State Park for brief instructions before setting out on their chosen distance route.
Participants are advised that Night Claw takes place along challenging single-track trails within Dinosaur Valley State Park near Glen Rose, Texas. The park entrance is the official start location and finish point for all races held there during this event. Age requirements vary by distance but generally accommodate runners aged 14 years or older who can manage trail running conditions.
The Night Claw in Glen Rose, Texas on August 15th draws participants into a unique nighttime setting with its challenging terrain and adventurous themes like the optional Claw Challenge, making it an unforgettable experience for those who appreciate off-road endurance racing.
