Davis Moonlight Run

Event Day:

Saturday night, July 18, 2026

Four Timed Events:

• 5K, 10K, 10 Mile, 2K (approx. 1.25 miles)

Two For-Fun Events:

• Beer Dash, Kids Mini
• Both are 26.2 meters (approx. 86 ft)

 

Event Details:

The Davis Moonlight Run will take place at Schilling Robotics, 201 Cousteau Place in Davis.

The 2026 event will kick off at 7:35 pm with the Kids Mini Marathon, a 26.2 meter dash for 8 and under. (Approximately 86 feet). Following the Kids Mini will be the Beer Dash. Participants in this event will walk away being able to say it was the fastest 26.2 they've ever done. The Beer Dash is open to those 21 and up who would like to get a taste of the Davis Moonlight Run experience by completing 26.2 (meters), but are really there for the post-race beer garden (entry includes both the beer sample all timed entrants receive plus one full size 12 oz pour). 

The timed races begin at 7:50 pm with the 10 Mile and 10K, followed by the 5K and 2K at 8:00 pm. These courses are flat and travel along city streets as well as Davis' well-loved greenbelts. 10K, 10 Mile and 5K participants with an estimated finish greater than 45:00 are strongly encouraged to wear a headlamp or bring a flashlight for visibility along the course(s) in the dark. At the finish line, participants will be greeted with a heavyweight finisher medal (yes, it's cow-themed) and live music. Post-race activities include refreshments (including pizza by the slice, available for purchase), complimentary sno-cones, beer samples (21+) and awards distribution (for age group and our unique special divisions; see below for more details).  A dri-blend short sleeved race t-shirt is included with each entry; we also offer the ability to upgrade to a tank top (men's and women's sizing; 100% polyester fabric) or the race hat. Please note that dogs are not permitted in this race due to our race insurance, unless they are service animals. Wheelchairs and pushed wheelchairs for disabled athletes, as well as strollers, are permitted. 

Your entry to the Davis Moonlight Run 2K, 5K, 10K, or 10 Mile includes the following*:

• T-shirt (option to opt-out and save $5)
• Finisher's medal
• Age Group awards 
• Special Division eligibility
• Post-race music, suds, and snacks
• Free downloadable athlete photos (new for 2026!)
• Finish under the stars! 

*One complimentary beer sample to those 21+. Sno cones available for everyone including those who do not consume alcohol or who are designated driver. Additional beers available for donation. 

The Beer Dash entry includes:

• T-shirt (option to opt-out and save $5)
• Race bib (crowd will judge winner!)
• Post-race music, sno cones, and snacks - including one beer sample plus a full size 12oz pour

Kids Mini includes;

• Race bib
• Finisher medal
• T-shirt (may opt out and save $5)

2026 Start Times

6:15 PM – Race Night Registration Opens
7:35 PM - Kids Mini (8 and under; 26.2 meters (86ft))
7:40 PM - Beer Dash 26.2m
7:50 PM – 10 Mile and 10K Start
8:00 PM – 5K and 2K Start
10:00 PM – Cut Off For Course Support
10:15 PM – Finish Line Breakdown

Note: at this time of the year it gets dark at approximately 8:40 pm.
Start times are subject to change. Last updated 5/26/26.

Packet Pick Up

A Pre-Race Packer Pick Up will be held prior to race night; time and place TBA. Bib and T-shirt pick up is also held on race night starting at 6:15pm. Arrive an hour prior to your race start to have sufficient time to pick up, warm up, use restrooms, etc. Remember, hydrate all day so that you are well-hydrated for your run/walk.

Beneficiary: Cancer Champions

A Change of Pace is proud to announce our continued relationship with Cancer Champions as our ongoing charitable partner. Cancer Champions is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to supporting cancer survivors through custom fitness, nutrition, and mindset programming tailored to the unique needs of those battling or recovering from cancer treatment. Donations to Cancer Champions enable the organization to provide survivors with expert guidance to complement traditional cancer treatment. A Change of Pace and Cancer Champions both believe in the powerful and proven benefits of exercise, and we are very happy to be able to deepen our relationship in the name of health, fitness, and quality of life.

Location & Parking

All races start and finish at the same location, at Schilling Robotics, 201 Cousteau Place, Davis, CA 95618. Parking (free) is available in the adjacent business parks off Cousteau Place on the east side of Cousteau. 

Course Maps

Scroll to the bottom of this page to view course maps. Aid stations along the routes (denoted by a W on the map) will offer water and Gatorade. Please carry fluids with you if you are accustomed to drinking them more frequently during your training.

Please note: Our race insurance for this event does not permit dogs, except for service animals. If your dog is a service animal, they are welcome to join you. Otherwise, dogs unfortunately should not be brought on the race course. They are welcome to spectate with you if they are leashed, comfortable in crowds and non-reactive to other dogs. 

Post-Race

After the event, each participant will be invited to enjoy one complimentary beer sample (ages 21+, please bring ID if you appear under age 30), a sno-cone, plus light refreshments. Additional beer pours will be available from a variety of local breweries.

Overall and Age Group Divisions and Awards:

Awards will be presented to the top three overall finishers per gender (male, female, nonbinary) for each the 2K, 5K, 10K, and Ten Mile.  No overall or age group awards for participants who decline to give a gender or age. Overall awards for all distances are based on gun time. Age group awards will be based on net time.  Gun time is the elapsed time from the sound of the horn to when a participant crosses the finish line. Net time is the elapsed time from when the participant crossed the start line timing mats to when they cross the finish line.

• Age Groups for the 5K and 10K are: 9 and Under, 10-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, […], 75-79, 80-84, 85+. Note: will extend to 85-89, 90+ if participants in these categories.
• Age Groups for the Ten Mile are: 15 and Under, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.
• Age Groups for the 2K are: 6 and Under, 7-9, 10-12, 13-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.

Special Divisions (5K, 10K, 10 Mile)

- Cancer Survivor

- Davis Resident

- Woodland Resident

- Sacramento Resident

- College Student 

• Any 2 or 4 year undergraduate, graduate, professional, or technical degree school/program is considered eligible
• Open to those who are currently enrolled in a program (e.g. summer school) or who will be enrolled in a program for Fall 2025

- Adaptive Division for Athletes With Disabilities

• The Davis Moo-nlight Races encourages participation in the event by athletes with disabilities.
• We will recognize the top 3 athletes in the adaptive division, by gender, with a special prize. 
• A support runner category is offered for those in the adaptive division who would like to bring a support person with them on their run/walk. Support runner entry includes all amenities of a standard entry except timing/awards.

Notes:

• It is not possible to enter more than one special division. If you are eligible for more than one division, you will need to pick one.
• Awards are not mailed. Check race results before you leave the event. Scan the QR code on your race bib with your phone or use one of the available chromebooks to check results. 
• Virtual Entry: Virtual participation is available to those who would like to participate in the 5K, 10K, or 10 Mile distances remotely at a time and place of their choosing. Bib, shirt & medal may be picked up at Packet Pick Up or by a friend on race night; if packet is not picked up, it will be mailed to you following the event. Times may be posted on our results server (posting a time is optional).