Against the Clock
Channel Cinderella through a quirky, late-night race. The Make It By Midnight Marathon & Half Marathon in Macon, Georgia boasts a fairytale twist. Runners may start at any time on race day with the goal of finishing as close to midnight as possible. (Runners who think they'll complete the marathon in five hours line up at 7 p.m). Held on July 14 in a peaceful, gated community, the sunset provides welcome relief from the steamy, southern heat. If you pace yourself properly and make it to the finish before the clock strikes 12 a.m., you'll receive a tiara for your efforts. Runners who cross the line after the witching hour win a pumpkin instead. More info: (478) 390-7631, makeitbymidnight.homestead.com
Buzz Worthy
Make like a moon bug and light up the night at the Firefly Run in Dallas, Texas. On June 8, you can snap on the glow-in-the-dark bracelet and LED lights that come with registration and run with more than 3,000 fellow "fireflyers." Choose to race either the 5K or the 10K, both of which benefit the Children's Medical Center in Dallas. After you cross the finish line, you can party at the post-race celebration. Enjoy live music and performances by Super Bowl dancers in head-to-toe glow suits. If you can't make it down to Texas, Firefly Runs will also be held in October in Atlanta, Georgia and San Jose, California.More info: (469) 233-2450, fireflyrun.com
Bump in the Night
Afraid of venturing into the woods after dark? Face your fear at the Ghouls & Fools Nighttime Trail Run in Reading, Pennsylvania. This ghostly race, held on October 22, 2012, takes runners on a 6.5-mile course through a pitch-dark forest trail. Bring your headlamp along to steer clear of downed logs, rocks and roots along the single-track path. Don't be spooked if you spot a ghoul—he's only a costumed volunteer manning an aid station. If you make it out alive, celebrate Halloween one week early at the German brewhaus, conveniently located next to the finish line. More info: (610) 779-2668, pretzelcitysports.com
You're a Firework
Ring in the nation's birthday with a candlelit road race. The Kiwanis Midnight Run in Dunedin, Florida makes for an exciting way to celebrate the Fourth of July—if you can stay up late enough to wait for the gun to go off. The one-mile race starts at 11 p.m, followed by the 5K at 11:25 and the 10k at midnight. Milk-jug lanterns lining the route provide a beautiful contrast to the still, dark night as you run through the town's streets. 10K racers will head onto Honeymoon Island State Park, one of Florida's most beautiful beaches, normally closed to the public after sunset. More info: (727) 535-2257, kiwanismidnightrun.com
Bacchanalia!
Ordinarily, running, drinking and dancing would be a recipe for disaster, but Walt Disney somehow makes it all work. Head to the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon on September 29, 2012 to work up a sweat and then party all night with Mickey Mouse. The celebration kicks off at 10 p.m. with a half marathon through the moonlit theme parks. After you cross the line, you'll be handed water, your finisher's medal and a complimentary glass of wine. Sip your beverage as you enter the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which boasts 27 marketplace kiosks offering delectable edibles from all around the world.More info: (407) 938-3398, espnwwos.disney.go.com
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