Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight Marathon - Race Reviews

Starts at midnight. Run through the night. Moonlight illumination. Straight through the desert. Shooting stars. Area 51 with it's odd lights and sounds off to the right. Well organized. Water and food stations appear out of the darkness when you really need them. Does this sound like the description of any marathon you have run? If not, find your way to Las Vegas in August and do this event. Not for PR but for PE- Personal Experience. I've run +100 marathons and this one made a lasting impression.

This is by far the most unusual marathon I have ever run! My previous marathons have all been big city races and I was growing tired of the crowds and impersonal nature of big races. I chose this race on the recommendation of a runner I met at my last race, and I am glad I listened. The race director does an amazing job with executing what I can only imagine is a beast. There were maybe 8 buses, some going different places, but in around 15 minutes everyone was onboard and we were on our way. Halfway into the drive we had some heavy rain, but luckily for the most part had decent weather for the race. I was pleasantly surprised how cool it was during the run, and was glad I read the emails suggesting I bring warm clothes for the finish line. The volunteers were great, especially the lady at mile 23- what a whoot! Cool medals, pancakes at the finish line and back on the bus. I'll pay it forward and recommend it to other runners with 2 thumbs up.

Good: It is what the description says it is - a run through the night in the desert. The volunteers I did see were out in the middle of the night in the rain - so kudos to them. It really was unusual. Meh: The bus from Vegas was 1) too cold, 2) broke down before leaving the city (they got us another bus, but then there was no reassurance AT ALL that we would make the race on time), 3) chaotic to board - we were directed from an empty bus to a full bus which was full so they directed us back, and 4) too few and far between at the finish. Nope: The half marathon had a lot of walkers, many happy to walk several abreast. You will have to navigate around them. Not every runner wore the required headlamp - maybe 60% did. During the back 10k, I saw ZERO volunteers, ZERO spectators, and a handful of other runners. I did see lightning (or UFO, ha ha). One aid station was abandoned. This was not exactly encouraging when I needed a boost the most. At the finish, the food table is minimal and not exactly enticing, and by the way, it's not in the building but over to the side of the finish area. Bring a sweater for the bus home; there are no foil wraps at the finish.

Finally got to run this marathon after wanting to for years, and it was everything I could have asked for and more. I ran the full with a friend and my husband ran the half. The logistics were extremely easy even being from out of town and never having been to Las Vegas before. The host hotel had a shuttle to pick us up from the airport, easy packet pick up and caught the bus to the start line. After the race the bus back was a charm so we could sleep. Back at the hotel they shuttled us back to the airport. My only regret is not staying in Las Vegas a few extra days. I will be back again to run this race and will stay longer then. It was so fun seeing all of the alien costumes and green glowsticks. People really got into the spirit of the race. The course was very easy to follow and the aid stations exactly as advertised. How in the world they get volunteers out there in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night is beyond me! Great finish line food and medal. Can't wait to come back!

I ran this marathon on the recommendation of a friend as my Nevada in my quest to run all 50 states. I am so glad I did. What a unique experience and a well organized event. I was very impressed with the RDs attention to detail and communication. She was very responsive and knowledgeable. I could tell she is a runner herself since she seems to have thought of everything. I'm trying to not repeats states, but might make an exception to try her Red Rock marathon as well. Highly recommend!

I ran the marathon for the last 5 years and just keep coming back for more. I love this race! This year I had 2 friends run the half marathon while I ran the full. It was nice to be able to ride the same bus up with them even though we ran different races. The course and support is exactly as advertised and the post race food always impresses me. There aren't many spectators unless you count the volunteers who are brilliant. But I enjoy the serenity of the quiet desert. I'll be back again I'm sure!

After wanting to run this marathon for a long time, my work schedule finally cooperated for 2017. What a blast and worth the wait. You can tell the organizers have been doing this race for more than a decade. It must be a logistical nightmare for them, but it was flawless. Logistics were made easy for my small group. Flew in, free shuttle to host hotel, got my packet and got on the bus. Our group had people running the marathon, half, and 5K. Running on the Extraterrestrial Highway was surreal. Finishing to fresh pancakes at the finish line at the A'le'Inn with my family and friends was priceless. Then sleep on the bus back. Out of this world worth it. Thanks Calico!

I've done multiple races, all over the country. I was doing the half marathon as a fundraiser. Looking forward to the experience of running in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night. There was some rain early in the race but you can't control that. The waterstops were well stocked and staffed, even if they were a little further apart. I didn't notice any aid stations or even people driving the course to make sure everyone was ok. But the scary part about the entire event was the busdriver of the bus I was on, fell asleep on the way back to Vegas (it's a two hour drive from the finish). He was finally convinced to stop before getting back on the interstate and the passengers waited for the highway patrol and a relief driver for the remainder of the ride back to Vegas. A definite once in a lifetime experience.

Lots of marathons can claim to be 'unique' but not compared to this one. Lets see. Starts at midnight. In the middle of the desert. On an open two lane road. The spectators are cactus and tumbleweed. But you can't see them because it is dark...really dark with the cloud cover. If running is a solitary sport this gets you right to heart of it. You run by feel because sight gives few clues. The other runners are also there for the off-center joy of a night given over to running. You have to be willing to trade a night sleep for many nights of memories. A shout-out to Joyce who puts this race together. How she gets this approved, organized, transported, fed and watered-in the middle of the night-in the middle of now where is kind of amazing. Thanks and I will be back.

I've run with Calico before, and once again they delivered flawlessly. The BUS; I was skeptical, but it was perfect. On time, comfortable, and in my mind the only way to do this one! The RUN; what can you say, it was as advertised. For 2017 we had a weather event, so nothing the RD could do about it? The bus driver had the wipers on double time on the way out there ... and then the hail hit. WOW, this will be fun! Foretunately, by the time we got to the start area, it subsided. We started the run PROMPTLY at midnight and it soon started raining again. It mostly stopped by mile 8, but by then I was soaked. Again nothing the RD could control for. I think there may have been one real nice benefit of the rain, after it stopped, we had the wonderful aroma of sage brush. If you haven't even enjoyed that smell, it really is a great one. Once you top over the hill at mile 13, it feels like you've grown wings for the next many miles as you get the downhill benefit of your uphill efforts. OUT AND BACK, the last 6 miles was actually fine, for me. I liked seeing the town of Rachel at mile 20, and all the festivities, and seeing the other runners. I truly thought one of the coolest sights was at the mile 23 turnaround when you see all the headlamps of folks still running in, for both the 1/2 and fellowfullmarathoners. Not the seeing how many were still 'behind me' just the site of miles and miles of headlights. The Alien Inn is a must go in. The gals there didn't care if you bought anything, they were just as nice to you if you just wanted a chair to sit on (plenty outside as well)! Several of us had a few straight shots, then the bar tender joined us! They seriously could not have been nicer.They even gave ice bags to people. No charge, no purchases needed, just nice people! Now here's my one warning; you are unlikely to BQ here. I had a pretty slow time (for me) and took first in my age group. Thankfully, I asked my time, and found out I got a cool gift for being #1 in my division. Again, another super nice consideration from the RD. THANK YOU Calico for an amazing and unique running experience!

I ran the 8/10/14 half marathon and instantly fell in love with the course. It was the most amazing race I've ever participated in and I can't wait to do it again next year. If you're looking for a desert adventure at night, this is the race to run. There's you, the road, and the entire sky full of stars throughout the course. What more could one ask for? Every aspect of the race from registration to organization was amazing. Highly recommended race.

...I love night running, and love the desert at night, so this was worth the trouble and pain. Unfortunately it was mostly cloudy the whole night, so no chance of experiencing a Van Gogh 'Starry Night' tableau. But even with the clouds, there was plenty of moonlight to see the road, I switched my headlamp on only when cars approached (only happened maybe a dozen times over the 26 miles). Would've been fine with just two clip-on LED flashers, front and rear. Trouble = I live in New England. Not exactly a hop and skip away. Staying in the tacky, Disneyfied cesspool of Las Vegas was also not great but oh well. I avoided the loud smoky casino hotel that Calico partners with for the non-casino Springhill Suites just a 5 minute drive away (book through Priceline), which was cheaper and a lot nicer - very highly recommended. Pain = not the first 13 miles uphill, but the middle 10 miles downhill...that's what kills you! My quads and hip flexors were screaming by mile 23, so I elected to do the marathon instead of ultramarathon (extra 5 miles) that I had originally signed up for. The staff were very nice about letting me change it at the finish line, though. Only gripes were the chaotic bus-boarding procedure, can't understand why the organizers couldn't have simply put big signs on the door of each bus to separate the 51K and 42K runners from the 21K/10K/5K runners since the second group had a different starting line. Also, it would've been nice to have a designated 'quiet' bus for each of the two groups. Overall, the volunteers and organizers were nice and competent folks. No shortage of water stops and even porta potties in the middle of the desert. No spectators of course, hence 5 stars on that count, lol. Swag: a tech shirt which was pretty nice, as was the finisher's medal. Food and drinks post-race was pretty good, though all I had was some chocolate milk. My only serious complaint: we really should've been provided with those foil-like thermal covers at the finishing line since the buses came only every 45 minutes and it got a bit chilly in the wee hours of the morning what with the desert breeze.

Really a extremely well organized different race that is one of my favorite races to date. It's unique full moon, midnight start was great. Happy runners, great volunteers work through the night to deliver a race that should not be missed. Good job Joyce and Calico. Unique shirt and medal (specific to race would be nice but I know it saves us runners money) Plenty of food (Need some protein) even for us slow guys and bus to and back was good.

Ran the 51K. Was worried about base elevation, start time, and elevation change. Need not have worried. As a commenter wrote below, the only miles that were somewhat of a slog were 12-13. Running through the southern Great Basin on a clear night was fantastic. Saw meteors and enjoyed the moon. The last 10 miles out and back from Rachel were incredibly peaceful. Excellent organization and volunteers.

Calico seems to be a great race organization. The price is right, especially as elsewhere, race fees are getting way out of hand! As for the race, I liked the midnight start, as I hate waking up early in the morning. But because the race is a 2 hour bus ride to/from Vegas, it's not one I would do more than once. It's a great race to do once for the novelty, but not as a regular thing. The long straight course would have been excruciatingly boring during the daytime, but at night, not a problem. Then, you are focusing more on the night sky. Great volunteers. I highly recommend this marathon.

This was a a race not from this world. Just north of Area 51 along ET highway NV 375, at midnight, under the full Moon, with hundreds of runners who looked like participants of an ET convention. The course was tough: 13 miles of steady uphill followed by 7 miles of downhill, past the finish line(!), 3 miles up and finally the longest 3 miles back towards the distant finish. Many thanks to the dedicated volunteers for their hard work during the long night shift. I camped in Rachel and had a chance to explore the area before and after the race. This place has something.

After 17 marathons in the sunshine, it was time for something a bit out of this worldand this was a great choice. Under the 2014 Super Moonwhat a great coincidence for this racethe road was amazingly light. I had the sense that sunrise was always just moments away even though the race starts at midnight. This was my first marathon with considerable elevation gain (1000 feet +), yet it never seemed uphill (except for Miles 12 & 13). The result was a time that was 20 minutes faster than I had expected. There can only be one other explanation for having a good time while having such a good time: I didn't have the (What Stays in Vegas) time. Yes, three hours dozing off to Lawrence Welk in the quietude of the Red Roof Inn was a great way to gear up after the long drive to the Nevada desert!

Great change of pace marathon. Beautiful night with clear skies, huge moon and meteor shower. Logistics were great for taking care of everyone. The road was well paved to overcome any fear of tripping so one could look around and enjoy the experience. Loved the lights and lit costumes, but wish all the runners had heeded the need to be visible. Course was hard but do-able. No spectators at all except for enthusiastic supporters at the water stations who deserve credit for traveling so far and staying out all night. The lack of people really helped the aura of the area 51/UFO stories. Nice touch in having 'quiet' buses and 'chatty' buses on the long ride out, however most people did not seem aware of this so a little irritation by some when chatty types got on the quiet bus. Coupled with all you can do in Las Vegas I had a great time overall and would do it again. One issue with the medal is that it did not differentiate with any of the run distances to indicate I did a marathon not the 10K.

Had a great time! We came with a group of 11 and had someone participate in all 4 distances. The youngest was 11, oldest 68 - all head a great time. Shooting stars were a bonus! Only negative was they were out of a lot of food by the time those doing the marathon and ultra came in. Maybe hold some stuff or limit what 10k and 1/2 marathoners take.

I have earlier reviewed this race. I have just one more comment. The Hard Rock is the host hotel. I stayed at the Hyatt Place across the street. It is cheaper, quieter, and convenient. They have airport pickup and delivery and shuttle service to the Strip. If you don't like the glitz of the Casino, this is the one.

I completed this race for the second consecutive year and wasn't disappointed. I really enjoy this event. It starts at midnight, 150 milles northeast of Las Vegas in the desert. The first half is uphill, next 7 are downhill, and final six are flat. The desert is lovely in the early morning and sunrise is outstanding. I highly recommend this event.

This was my first half marathon. My dad and I ran it together (it was his first too). Obviously I have no experiences with which to compare it, but I really enjoyed myself. I think the course was challenging, but not impossible. Being able to see all the runners glowing as you run is just too neat! I know we are now planning to run this race every year. =o)

Midnight start, blinking lights, full moon, shooting stars, 13 miles of hill climbing, altitude, in the middle of nowhere, and one beautiful sunrise. Even though I was very disappointed in my time, I still enjoyed it. Time isn't everything. As mentioned below, volunteers and aid stations were great. Very cool looking shirt and finishers medal. You really should try this race at least once, such a different experience.

This is a great marathon and I am glad I ran it. That said, you have to be prepared. I felt I ran well but my time was awful. No doubt the elevation and hills took it out of me. That said I really enjoyed running it but bring a water bottle. I was reluctant to buy a belt but thank god I did too far between aid stations. But the aid stations were the BEST!! They had fruit, a great variety of cookies (the best chips a-hoy I ever had (mile 20), peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and the usual gels and drinks, but I had the peanut butter sandwiches and that hit the spot. All this from volunteers at 4am in the middle of the desert. Great Job! Did not see any aliens but I expect they were really well camoflauged. Thanks for running this had a great time!

A 'must-do' marathon. It's like running a marathon in a planetarium. Found my running zen under a starry desert sky. Awesome organization and volunteer support. Fans? Not unless you actually see aliens. Courses is exceptionally tough, so don't run this one for time. Run it for the experience.

This was certainly the most unusual marathon I have run. The start at midnight was nice. The desert night sky was lovely with a near full Moon and lots of stars and planets. The sunrise was great. At nearly 6,000' elevation the weather was great. This is must run.

I ran the half marathon. Meeting at the start line in the middle of nowhere was actually really exciting. I drove out from South Carolina so met at the 'Black Mailbox' instead of taking a bus from Las Vegas. Busses take the half marathon runners from the start of the 51k/marathon up the road to the half start. It was fun seeing a lot of runners dressed up in alien costumes. It was so beautiful running in the middle of the night on a full moon! The course may look easy on the map but it is far from it. Up hill the first six miles was challenging but the downhill to the finish made it all worth it. The race was very well organized especially for all the logistics involved with bringing runners up from Vegas and moving everyone to their start line. There are no spectators on course. But I had to give some stars on the spectator rating for the awesome woman at the finish who cheered for each and every runner who came in. There are aid stations every three miles. Very friendly volunteers. Very cool race shirt, medal, even the number bib. Definitely would recommend this race and would do it again.

This is a great race to run at least once. I ran the marathon and had a good time. No spectators just awesome volunteers at every 3ish miles. Glad I carried water. The race is very well organized by Joyce. She was very helpful. So glad I ran it!

This was a difficult race for me - altitude, the 13 mile climb to start the race, and the midnight start all contributed to a unique and different experience. It was amazing running through the desert in the middle of the night. The clouds parted and the full moon and starry night guided my way. I was on one of the busses that got lost - and actually didn't mind as it allowed me another hour of nodding in and out during the bus ride out! I would recommend everyone try this race as it will be one you will always talk about!

Wow. If you want to run in a memorable marathon that you can tell everyone about, this is it. Like all events there might be some issues, but the course and race director definitely aren't. Even though two buses made a wrong turn and the marathon/51K started ten minutes late, the logistics of hauling a thousand runners/spectators 2.5 hours from Vegas in the middle of nowhere at midnight is no small feat. And how can you beat running in 60 degree temps with no wind and a full moon? If you prepare by running for an hour on a treadmill set at 3-5 degree incline, the first half of the course isn't so bad and the 2nd half is mostly downhill... actually a fairly forgiving course. I do wish that some of the other runners would follow the rules and wear headlamps/glow necklaces/reflective tape (I almost ran into a few runners)and refrain from yapping on the so-called 'quiet buses'. And the Hard Rock is every bit of the mosh pit as advertised (Rehab on Sunday was unbelievable). But this is definitely a must-run event.

Many runners may choose this race because of the novelty of running a race at midnight, in the desert, next to Area 51, with a full moon, and the chance of alien abduction. However, this race is so much more. This a well-organized event with a great course that invites negatives splits. The hill is gradual enough to be manageable, and the downhill side is gradual enough to not destroy quads. I was looking for a race with cool temps to run a fast ultra and this race hit the mark. Thanks to Calico Racing for putting on such a great event. Blew away my 50K PR in the 51K by 38 minutes. Spectators are limited, but those that drive 2 hours to the middle of nowhere are very vocal. Thanks to those who followed the course and cheered on all the runners.

A marathon at midnight in the desert under a full moon is a unique experience. You should try this race at least once in your life! Come prepared though since the course is challenging the first 13mi are uphill at an altitude of 5000ft. There wasn't much fan support in the middle of the desert, but the volunteers are outstanding! It takes tremendous commitment to run an aid station at 2am in the middle of the desertall of the volunteers should be commended. Joyce, the race director, does a great job pulling off a logistically challenging race in the middle of the night.

I've run several Calico races and they are all on challenging courses, well organized and beautiful. ET is a smaller race, so expect it to be run differently from the larger races. Have you ever gotten a hug from the race director at an R'n'R race at the finish line? It's the middle of the desert at midnight, so there are no cheerleaders, but the volunteers that do come out are wonderful and supportive. The course temps were perfect, the moonlight was beautiful and the desert was serene. That is exactly why I run. The bus ride is a long one, but it's better than driving home at 3 am. And the buses were comfortable enough to sleep on. Bonus! I'd tell my friends to run this race. In fact, I have told them. I'll be there next year too.

You have to run this race at least once. Once is probably more than enough though. How can you not love a race where you get to spend time in Lost Wages... err, I mean Las Vegas!!!! What a great place. A bit warm in the summer... well hotter than heck, actually! Running at midnight in the middle of the desert; what could be better? Well, a weekend in Las Vegas is better, but still, a close second! I have run all of the ET's. The event has remained about the same - maybe the organization has gone from stretched to weak in some areas, but the race is growing like wild fire! The expo is growing, but still offers few night products... strange that vendors do not come offering that. The medal and shirt are top notch. There are now tons of porta-potties and they have cups at the rest stops. I miss the green aspect of the race with no cups at the rest stops. My largest beef about the race pertains to the cars. People are allowed to leave the finish line when they are done. That totally ruins the experience for all but the fastest runners. You are not running down a dark highway at midnight; you are running down a highway with hundreds of headlights blinding you so that you don't see the shooting stars or anything unless you run the full or ultra and get past the finish line. Don't allow the cars to leave until 6 a.m. If you want to leave at 3, 4, or 5 a.m., take a bus! Cars should be held until the slowest runners are off of the course so that they get to see the stars while they run. I am also amazed that there is no count on runners; if someone were abducted by an alien, we'd never know. I would also like to see the race go back a bit greener, as in no cups. Maybe that's just me....

The race was AWESOME!!! I will be back every year for it!!! I drove from Tahoe and stayed in Tonopah, which worked out great! I have a TON of great things to say about this run, but instead of listing everything... just RUN it!!! See you next year, Calico!!!

What a fantastic race! Joyce and her team put on a wonderful event - very well organized and a lot of fun. The desert is beautiful at night, and despite the tough first half (all uphill), the second half makes it all the more enjoyable. The bus rides went as well as could be expected for 18 buses full of sweaty marathoners going out to the middle of nowhere at midnight, and as others have said, the medal and shirts are cool. The Hard Rock Hotel, however, is not a good hotel for pre-race preparation or post-race relaxation. My room looked out over the pool and the two-day frat party event going on down there meant that I wasn't able to sleep before the race and got only an hour on the Sunday morning before the music started pumping again. I've never seen so many pea-brained morons in my life as I saw in that hotel. Next time I'll stay elsewhere and pay for a cab ride to/from the Hard Rock for the expo and the bus pick up. It's worth the extra money.

I enjoyed my experience at the ET run. It was my first 10K. The course was good, the expo was okay and registration was absolutely fast and simple! LOVE MY MEDAL AND SHIRT! Being a 10K runner, I was the last drop off. I got on the bus around 8:45, and it made 3 stops before my drop off. (At least it felt like 3 stops; it was past my bedtime.) At the stop for the 51K and marathon runners, my friend who was spectating and I were rushed off our bus and told to hurry to the 1st bus in line, so we hurried! We sat there for about 15 minutes before the bus left. Anyway, we stopped again to let the half marathon runners off and sat and waited there for about 10 or 15 minutes before leaving. Once at the 10K start, we got off the bus, and found a picnic table so that I could set my things down and pin my number on while someone was making all kinds of announcements that I couldn't even hear, partly due to the horrific wind! All of a sudden I heard her say 30 seconds!! I hadn't had a chance to pee, refill my water jug, get my flashlight out or get my iPod ready! I just got off a 4.5-hour bus ride for Pete's sake!!! It would have been nice to have had time to take care of a few personal matters before the race started. Why did the 10K runners have to ride around on buses for 4.5 hours anyway? I enjoyed the ET run, but I'm not too sure that I will participate in it again or recommend it either.