Twilight 12 Hour

The Twilight 12 Hour is a non-competitive, community-focused night run celebrating its 10th anniversary on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Hosted at the Flying Horseshoe Ranch in Cle Elum, Washington, the event is designed as a low-pressure environment for trail runners to gain experience running under the stars. Participants navigate a 2.3-mile loop from dusk until dawn, with the flexibility to run as many laps as desired or retire early to the communal campfire. The event emphasizes "Ranch Magic," fostering a supportive atmosphere that concludes with a traditional pancake breakfast for all participants on Sunday morning.

Cle Elum is a mountain town in Kittitas County, Washington, located on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range with a population of approximately 2,200 residents. The demographic profile of Cle Elum is approximately 89.2% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit), and 0.8% Asian. The median annual household income is about $62,000. Geographically, the Flying Horseshoe Ranch is situated in a high-elevation valley characterized by ponderosa pine forests and meadows near the Teanaway River. In late April, the Kittitas Valley experiences significant temperature shifts between day and night; average lows can drop to 1°C (34°F) while daytime highs reach 15°C (59°F). Runners should be prepared for frosty conditions during the overnight hours and the technical challenges of navigating creek crossings and short ravines in the dark.

The event operates with a potluck-style aid station approach, where participants are encouraged to bring their favorite race foods to share. On-site logistics are managed by Gretchen Walla, with free camping offered to all runners and discounted cabin rentals available through the ranch management. Facilities include bathrooms and showers to assist those staying overnight. The 10th-anniversary edition promises additional surprises to honor the event's history, which originally began as a training run for the Wasatch 100. Registration closes on April 21, 2026, and the event remains a vital gathering for the regional trail community, prioritizing shared experience and safety over competitive placement.