Extraterrestrial Full Moon
Run under the desert stars along Nevada's Extraterrestrial Highway.
Race Date
Aug 1, 2026
Location
Rachel, NV
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, August 1, 2026
- Location
- Rachel, Nevada
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 10K, 26.2 Miles, 51K, Contracted Bus Ticket ONLY
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 3,025
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Extraterrestrial Full Moon race takes place on Nevada's famed "Extraterrestrial Highway," a stretch of road known for its UFO sightings. Runners embark on a journey near Area 51, experiencing the high desert as day turns into night.
This unique event offers a chance to witness a desert twilight glow, a glorious moonrise, and shooting stars, all under the vast expanse of the desert darkness. The course, set at elevations between 4,000 and 5,600 feet, promises cooler temperatures than nearby Las Vegas, making for a comfortable August run.
With around 119 finishers recently, drawing participants from approximately 28 states, the race has seen steady growth. The event, first run in 2007, offers a truly distinctive running experience, appealing to both UFO enthusiasts and lovers of the stark desert landscape.
Race-provided description
Running along the fringe of the mysterious Area 51, this stretch of highway (375) has an overwhelming number of reported UFO sightings. So much so, that in 1996 the federal government officially named highway 375 the "Extraterrestrial Highway". The ET Highway has become a gathering place for UFO enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With elevations ranging from roughly 4000-5600 feet, the high desert will enchant you with gorgeous vegetation, surrounding mountains, and stunning vistas. An additional treat is the cooler temperatures. Rachel, NV is generally 15 degrees cooler than the Las Vegas Valley; coupled with a night time run, temperatures should be perfect for running in August! * The Extraterrestrial Full Moon Marathon, 1/2, 10K, 5K & 51K are run on the weekend closest to the full moon. Runners will witness as the day falls into night, gorgeous twilight desert glow, a glorious moon rise, shooting stars, and the calm of the vast desert darkness.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Start Time
12:30 AM
Giveaway
Gender Specific Shirt Size Preference?
Start Location
Extraterrestrial Highway, Rachel, NV, 89001
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Desert
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Solid Pick5817 years running
~101 finishers a year
growing or steady
6% returning runners
5 timing sources · 9 photos
runners from 28 states
winner 1:27:06
typical high 91°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
67°
Afternoon (High)
91°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.0"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
31%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3,025 finishers actually crossed the line across 17 years.
Most recent
2023
Total finishers
3,025
Median time
2:38:25
Latest turnout
119
States
51
Turnout by year
2016–2023
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Extraterrestrial Full Moon?
The Extraterrestrial Full Moon is held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, starting at 12:30 AM.
Where does the Extraterrestrial Full Moon take place?
It takes place in Rachel, Nevada.
What distances does the Extraterrestrial Full Moon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 10K, 26.2 Miles, 51K, Contracted Bus Ticket ONLY.
Is the Extraterrestrial Full Moon course flat and good for a PR?
The Extraterrestrial Full Moon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Extraterrestrial Full Moon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,025 runners who have completed the Extraterrestrial Full Moon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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