Saturday - August 14, 2027
ET Full Moon
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 in the 60s in August!
Event Location
Start
Alien Cowpoke General Store
8300 Grants St, Alamo
NV 89001
Event Timeline
12A (midnight) Marathon & 51K Start
12:30A: 1/2 Marathon Start
12:45A: 10K Start
12:50A: 5K Start
Bib Pickup
Bib Pickup & ExpoSaturday August 14th 11:00 PM – 12:30AM
Alien Cowpoke General Store
| 5K | 10K | 1/2 | Marathon | 51K | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Entry Until 1/31 |
$50 | $55 | $110 | $130 | $150 | |
| Standard Entry Until 5/31 |
$55 | $60 | $120 | $140 | $160 | |
| Late Entry Until 8/19 |
$60 | $65 | $130 | $150 | $170 | |
| Race Day | $65 | $70 | $140 | $160 | $180 |
ALL race distances include technical shirt, finishers' medal, post race food, overall/ age group award eligibility, aid stations, and a fun time!
** Technical shirt is not guaranteed if you register within 2 weeks of the race.
Course Information
Distance | 31.6 Miles
Time Limit | 8 Hours
Total Estimated Elevation Gain | +1,736 feet
Max Elevation | 5,876' feet
Min Elevation | 4,770' feet
Women's Course Record | 4:10:32 - Katarina Tadich (2014)
Men's Course Record | 3:45:20 - Bradley Bogdan (2011)
In the spirit of Area 51- a 51K race! This course starts with the marathoners at 12am (Midnight; Saturday night/ Sunday morning). Departing Rachel, 51K runners turn LEFT onto the ET Highway continuing 13.1 miles to their first turn around. Retracing their steps for 2.71 miles, 51K runners split from the marathoners at their approximate mile 15.81, turn back around for 2.71 miles to the far turn around, then continuing straight back 13.1 miles to the finish line, finishing where they started.
51K: Miles 1.55, 3.1, 5.6 (ultra), 8.0, 10.39 (ultra), 13.1, 15.81 (ultra), 18.52, 21.23 (ultra), 23.62, 26.02 (ultra), 28.52, and 30.07.
New since 2025: Cupped water and Gatorade the whole 51K course; no need to carry a bottle; but we would be happy to refill you if you prefer!
*ALL aid station will have cupped water and Gatorade (various flavors) energy drink. Toilets will be placed roughly every 2-3 miles.
*Aid stations marked above as "ultra" will be additionally provisioned with Energy Gel (various flavors).
There are no pacers.
Crew and Spectators are welcome to hangout at the Start / Finish Area.
Please also note that food, water, and provisions are for registered athletes only. There are no concessions at the race site so please come self sufficient with your own food, water, shade, and necessities.
You may have a dry/ warm clothes bag. Use your own bag and clearly mark it with your name. There will be a designated area near the start/ finish line where you can place your bags. These will not be guarded so we are not responsible for lost belongings, so no valuables please. Do NOT leave any belongings on the bus, as there is no guarantee you will return on the same bus.
Alternatively, If you are driving yourself, it is advised to leave your belongings in your vehicle, which is very nearby the start/ finish line
Distance | 26.2 Miles
Time Limit | 8 Hours
Total Estimated Elevation Gain | +1,214 feet
Max Elevation | 5,876' feet
Min Elevation | 4,770' feet
Women's Course Record | 3:15:26 - Anayeli Jaimes (2023)
Men's Course Record | 2:47:57 - Dan Kuch (2008)
Marathon (New Course since 2026): The marathon starts together with the 51K runners at 12am (Midnight; Saturday night/ Sunday morning). Departing Rachel, marathoners turn LEFT onto the ET Highway continuing 13.1 miles to their turn around. A true out and back, Marathoners retrace their steps, finishing where they started.
PLEASE thank your volunteers! These people are out there for you in the middle of the night and likely 2 hours+ from home.
MARATHON: Miles 1.55, 3.1, 5.6 (ultra), 8.0, 10.39 (ultra), 13.1, 15.81 (ultra), 18.2, 20.6 (ultra), 23.1, and 24.65. New since 2025: Cupped water and Gatorade the whole marathon course; no need to carry a bottle; but we would be happy to refill you if you prefer!
*ALL aid station will have cupped water and Gatorade (various flavors) energy drink. Toilets will be placed roughly every 2-3 miles.
*Aid stations marked above as "ultra" will be additionally provisioned with Energy Gel (various flavors).
There are no pacers.
Crew and Spectators are welcome to hangout at the Start / Finish Area.
Please also note that food, water, and provisions are for registered athletes only. There are no concessions at the race site so please come self sufficient with your own food, water, shade, and necessities.
Distance | 13.1 Miles
Time Limit | 7.5 Hours
Total Estimated Elevation Gain | +172 feet
Max Elevation | 4,849' feet
Min Elevation | 4,770' feet
Women's Course Record | 1:32:15 - Suzi Harvey (2009)
Men's Course Record | 1:18:20 - Zaven O'Bryant (2025)
1/2 Marathon (New Course since 2026): The 1/2 Marathon starts at 12:30am (Saturday night/ Sunday morning). Departing Rachel, 1/2 marathoners turn left onto the ET Highway continuing 6.55 miles to their turn around. A true out and back, 1/2 Marathoners retrace their steps, finishing where they started.
PLEASE thank your volunteers! These people are out there for you in the middle of the night and likely 2 hours+ from home.
1/2 MARATHON: Miles 1.55, 3.1, 5.6 (ultra), 7.5 (ultra), 10.0 (toilet), and 11.55.
*ALL aid station will have cupped water and Gatorade (various flavors) energy drink. Toilets will be placed roughly every 2-3 miles.
*Aid stations marked above as "ultra" will be additionally provisioned with Energy Gel (various flavors).
There are no pacers.
Crew and Spectators are welcome to hangout at the Start / Finish Area.
Please also note that food, water, and provisions are for registered athletes only. There are no concessions at the race site so please come self sufficient with your own food, water, shade, and necessities.
Distance | 6.2 Miles
Time Limit | 7 Hours
Total Estimated Elevation Gain | +93 feet
Max Elevation | 4,849' feet
Min Elevation | 4,770' feet
Women's Course Record | 42:34 - Carrisa tashiro (2016)
Men's Course Record | 34:57 - Pedro Rios Jr (2014)
PLEASE thank your volunteers! These people are out there for you in the middle of the night and likely 2 hours+ from home.
10K: Miles 1.55, 3.1, and 4.65.
*ALL aid station will have cupped water and Gatorade (various flavors) energy drink. Toilets will be placed roughly every 2-3 miles.
*Aid stations marked above as "ultra" will be additionally provisioned with Energy Gel (various flavors).
There are no pacers.
Crew and Spectators are welcome to hangout at the Start / Finish Area.
Please also note that food, water, and provisions are for registered athletes only. There are no concessions at the race site so please come self sufficient with your own food, water, shade, and necessities.
Distance | 3.1 Miles
Time Limit | 7 Hours
Total Estimated Elevation Gain | +79 feet
Max Elevation | 4,849' feet
Min Elevation | 4,770' feet
Women's Course Record | 22:01 - Alexandra Pulfer (2022)
Men's Course Record | 20:56 - Jose Rios (2022)
5K (New Course since 2026): The 5K starts at 12:50am (Saturday night/ Sunday morning). Departing Rachel, 5K runners turn left onto the ET Highway continuing 1.55 miles to their turn around. A true out and back, 5K runners retrace their steps, finishing where they started.
PLEASE thank your volunteers! These people are out there for you in the middle of the night and likely 2 hours+ from home.
5K: Mile 1.55
*ALL aid station will have cupped water and Gatorade (various flavors) energy drink. Toilets will be placed roughly every 2-3 miles.
*Aid stations marked above as "ultra" will be additionally provisioned with Energy Gel (various flavors).
There are no pacers.
Crew and Spectators are welcome to hangout at the Start / Finish Area.
Please also note that food, water, and provisions are for registered athletes only. There are no concessions at the race site so please come self sufficient with your own food, water, shade, and necessities.
Additional Race Information
- Stay on Course: This is a not closed course. Follow the marked route in the race direction. Cutting or deviating may result in time penalties and up to disqualification.
- No Pets: Pets are not allowed on the course.
- No Littering: Discarding any waste (including organic materials like peels or toilet paper) will result in disqualification.
- Respect Others: Be courteous to volunteers, staff, officers, park rangers, trail users, and fellow participants.
- Drops and Distance Changes: Runners cannot switch distances to claim a finish. Dropping down results in a DNF.
- Cutoff: 8 hours the course is officially closed
- Finish Times: Official finish times are based on gun time.
SCHEDULE ~ tentative, subject to slight changes:
*Packet Pick Up is race night at the start line only; times below.
Saturday
- 8:15pm- 8:30pm: Buses load in the (Loading location at the Orleans for 2027 TBD) oversized parking area of The Orleans Hotel and Casino located at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave | Las Vegas, NV 89103 for those that have paid for the contracted round trip bus transportation. Bus departure time is 8:30pm. Free parking for the bus is at available, regardless of overnight stay. POST RACE: Buses will DROP OFF at the same location.
- ~11:15pm: Buses should be arriving at the start/ finish line (of all distances) in Rachel, NV.
- 11pm- 12:30am: Packet pick up on site at the start/ finish line. New Registrations can also sign up here, cash only.
- Sunday August 15, 2027: ** Yes- you are reading these time correctly! These are night races! (think of it as Saturday night/ Sunday morning)
- 12am (midnight) Marathon & 51K Start!
- 12:30am: 1/2 Marathon Start!
- 12:45am: 10K Start!
- 12:50am: 5K Start!
- 1:15am, and ongoing: Finish line food, awards, costume winners announced.
- ~3am: The first bus back to Las Vegas will depart for those who have purchased a bus ticket, see contracted bus below.
- 8am: Course cut off.
- 8:05am: Final Bus back to Las Vegas will depart for those who have purchased a bus ticket. See contracted bus below.
PARKING FOR THE CONTRACTED BUS IN LAS VEGAS:
Free self parking is available at The Orleans Hotel and Casino for those who have purchased a contracted bus ticket, regardless of overnight stay.
Buses load at The Orleans Hotel and Casino located at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave | Las Vegas, NV 89103. Bus departure time is 8:30pm.
*(Loading location at The Orleans TBD for 2027) Bus loading and unloading will be at the doors nearest the casino entrance on the West end of the casino. There is open parking in that lot as well as easy access to the parking garage, for guests that are not staying on property.
Below google map for the bus loading area: (TBD for 2027)
DRIVING: For those of you driving yourselves to the start/ finish line; parking for ALL distances is in Rachel, NV. This is 40 miles from the turn off from highway 93, near Highway Milepost 10. Starting at 10:30pm, volunteers will be on site to direct you where to park. Follow ONLY parking volunteer instructions.
ALL DISTANCES START AND FINISH IN RACHEL, NV; frontage road near the Alien Cowpoke General Store.
From Las Vegas to the start/ finish line of all distances:
I-15 North to 93 North/ West, exit 64. Along 93 pass the towns of Alamo and Ash Springs. Go LEFT on Highway 318 and veer LEFT onto Highway 375 (the Extraterrestrial Highway) heading West/ North. On Highway 375 continue 40 miles to the town of Rachel, NV, near Highway Milepost 10. Approx. 2.5 hours drive.
** There is NO GAS in Rachel. Get gas in Alamo or Ash Springs!
* All finishers get medals
** Awards will be something inspired by nature and/or the surrounding area and the theme of the race.
Overall Male and Female winners for each event (51K, Marathon, 1/2, 10K, and 5K) go 3 deep. Overall winners will be taken out of the running for age group awards.
Age group Male and Female winners for each event (51K, Marathon, 1/2, 10K, and 5K) goes to first place only. 10 year age groups as follows: under 20; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+
Costume: Award will go to the best Alien inspired costume for each race distance.
NOTE: Overall and Age Group awards are determined based off of GUN TIME.
NOTE: Awards will be handed out at the finish line very shortly after runners start finishing, and will continue as award winners come in. Please listen for your name to be called if you think you may have placed. Awards not collected on site will be subject to a shipping charge if they are requested to be mailed (USA only) no later than 1 week after the race.
Spectators
Your spectators are warmly welcomed at the ET race!
Spectators should consider the following:
- Contracted bus transportation to/ from Las Vegas is available to spectators for $50 rt/pp (same details as for the runners). You can ride together on the same bus with your runner.
- Spectator Contracted Bus Tickets can be purchased during registration with your race entry. OR, as "Contracted Bus Ticket only".
- Spectators should come prepared to be self sufficient with food, water, and warmth. Finish line food and drinks are for the registered runners only.
- Spectators should consider bringing a folding chair as seating at the start/ finish line is limited.
- VOLUNTEER: As you would imagine, getting volunteers for this race in the middle of no where in the middle of the night is very challenging! If your spectator(s) is willing to volunteer a few hours while you are running, it would be greatly appreciated! Shifts vary in length, hours, and duties, and I will absolutely ensure they are able to see you at the finish line and maybe even on course if at an aid station. Spectators earn volunteer credit to use toward their own future participation in a Aravaipa Racing event. As well I can offer the bus ticket for spectator/ volunteers based on hours committed. If interested, please EMAIL me including the following details: Race distance of your runner; anticipated finish time; driving or taking the bus. EMAIL: [email protected]
Spectators must keep their on course driving to an absolute minimum. It is a sparsely traveled road and we would like to keep it that way on race day for everyone's safety.
Films & Media
Results & Photos
51K Course Records
Women's Course Record | 4:10:32 - Katarina Tadich (2014)
Men's Course Record | 3:45:20 - Bradley Bogdan (2011)
Marathon Course Records
Women's Course Record | 3:15:26 - Anayeli Jaimes (2023)
Men's Course Record | 2:47:57 - Dan Kuch (2008)
Half Marathon Course Records
Women's Course Record | 1:32:15 - Suzi Harvey (2009)
Men's Course Record | 1:18:20 - Zaven O'Bryant (2025)
10K
Women's Course Record | 42:34 - Carrisa tashiro (2016)
Men's Course Record | 34:57 - Pedro Rios Jr (2014)
Half Marathon Course Records
Women's Course Record | 22:01 - Alexandra Pulfer (2022)
Men's Course Record | 20:56 - Jose Rios (2022)
Click on a year to see links to results files
Stay Up To Date
We are looking for a team of volunteers to help on race weekend in many different aspects of the race. We have the following needs at this year’s event:
- Set up and Breakdown - We will need Volunteers to help set up before the race and breakdown after the race.
- Finish Line - Take runner finisher photos and hand out finisher medals.
- Aid Station Volunteers – Show up on race day and assist runners with their food, hydration and gear needs. Help identify race drop bags for runners passing through and provide that all important encouragement and excitement.
- Course Sweep – On race day we will need 2-3 runners per section of trail to run behind the last runner and clear the trail of any litter and course markings.
Volunteer Perks
Depending on the level of involvement volunteers will receive varying amounts of Aravaipa Running race credits that can be used at any future race. Volunteers will also receive either a Volunteer shirt or extra race credits.
Sign-up
Please use the iVolunteer sign-up link below to reserve your volunteer slot and provide contact information so we can reach you with important details prior to race day!
** All runners are REQUIRED to wear a 360 degree reflective vest AND carry a handheld flashlight or wear a headlamp; glow-bracelets will be provided.
A 360 degree reflective vest can be pre-purchased for $10 during the registration process and will be collected at packet pick up. If you have one of your own you may wear that instead, but it must be a 360 degree reflective vest. Nathan Sports has several items to choose from.
We encourage you to additionally maximize your visibility with ankle or arm bands. Vests will be available on site during packet pick up for $10 until sold out (cash only, exact cash appreciated).
Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) services the Greater Las Vegas area. It is serviced by numerous carriers and has on site car rental companies.
This airport is located within 10 minutes of "The Strip" and approximately 2.5 hours to Rachel, NV.
HOST HOTEL IN LAS VEGAS: 2026:
The Orleans Hotel and Casino to be the official host hotel for the 2026 ET Marathon! Located at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave/ Las Vegas, NV 89103. The Orleans is the location of the contracted bus for those who have purchased a bus ticket to/ from the race. They offer free self parking, regardless of overnight stay.
We have negotiated group rates of $35 per night (Thurs 8/12 and Sun 8/15) and $70 per night (Fri 8/13 and Sat 8/14); single or double occupancy plus mandatory resort fee of $40.99 per night plus applicable taxes (currently 13.38%). Book by June 30, 2027! To book, use the link above and below, or call 800-675-3267 and reference group code: CREH26C
OTHERS:
Alamo: The town of Alamo is ~50 miles from the start/ finish line. A few motels are available in Alamo.
Camping is available in the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, roughly 5 miles south of the town of Alamo off Highway 93, and thus about 55 miles to the start/ finish line. Camping is on a first come first served basis and there are approximately 20 sites available. Campfires and cook fires must be confined to fire rings or grills and must never be left unattended. Fires must be fully extinguished upon departure. Campsites are basic. I do not believe showers are available, and no swimming in the lake is permitted. RV hook up sites are NOT available
Expect comfortable desert temperatures for your midnight start, likely starting in the low 70s and dipping into the upper 50s by dawn. Start in light, breathable clothing, but keep a light layer or windbreaker handy as the high desert cools down quickly overnight. If you need to shed layers, place them in a warm-up bag at the start, and we’ll shuttle it to the finish for you. Check the forecast before race day—it’s not uncommon to experience sudden temperature drops, gusty night winds, or late summer monsoonal storms in the desert at this time of year. Be prepared for all conditions.
Contracted Bus
CONTRACTED BUS SERVICE ~ the best way to travel! Las Vegas pick up will be from The Orleans Hotel and Casino located at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave/ Las Vegas, NV 89103.
Alternative to driving: Contracted bus transportation is available from The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas to and from the race for an additional cost of $50 round trip per person. This will cover round trip transportation to/ from the race's start and finish. This will save a total of roughly 350 mile of driving and $70+ of gas. Plus of course you can get into the Alien spirit of things swapping stories with other runners!
8:15pm- 8:30pm:
Buses load at (Loading location at the Orleans TBD for 2027) The Orleans Hotel and Casino located at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave/ Las Vegas, NV 89103 for those that have paid for the contracted round trip bus transportation. Bus departure time is 8:30pm. Free parking for the bus is available, regardless of overnight stay.
* (TBD for 2027) Bus loading and unloading will be at the doors nearest the casino entrance on the West end of the casino. There is open parking in that lot as well as easy access to the parking garage, for guests that are not staying on property.
POST RACE: Buses will DROP OFF at the same location.
** Buses will depart back to Las Vegas on an as needed basis when full. Historical bus departures back to Las Vegas are approx 3am, 3:30am, 4:15am, 5am; 5:45am, 6:30am, and 8:05am, pending final numbers.
You can purchase your bus ticket online when you register online, or you can also select it on your mail in entry form.
CONTRACTED BUS TICKET ONLY
NOTE: If you are ALREADY registered for the race only, and would like to ADD the bus ticket ($50 round trip per person), I have created a "Contracted Bus Ticket ONLY" category that you can use to register online. Seats are NOT held- only confirmed upon receipt of payment. Use the above "Register Now" link and choose the "Contracted Bus Ticket ONLY" option at the bottom, for participants and/ or spectator tickets.
Unless otherwise stated, we will provide a 75% race credit on Ultrasignup towards a future Aravaipa Running event if notified in writing to [email protected] 30 days out from the event. If notified 5 days prior to the event, a 50% race credit may be provided in case of injury or family emergency. No race credit will be issued within 4 days of the event or after the event. Registered individuals who become pregnant are eligible to receive 100% race credit and will be granted two years to use the credit before expiration.
Credits will be good for one year from date of issuance and can only be used once. If you withdraw from an event for which credits were used, you will not be reissued those credits. This reissuance policy also includes credits earned and used by volunteering. No cash refunds or transfers to another participant or event will be issued under any circumstance. No selling of entries is permitted. No refunds or credits will be provided for dropping down in race distance.
Dropping From The Race
If you decide to drop, you must do so at the timing tent and inform the Race Director. They will record your bib number and confirm your withdrawal from the race.
