Night Owl 5k, 10k and the 6 hour shuffle

Registration Information:

Register on this Runsignup page. Prices will increase on the following dates: 2/5/2024, 9/21/2024, and on race day 10/4/2024.

Packet Pickup:

Pre-race day packet pickup is TBD; expect it to be one night the week before the race. We will have a day-of packet pickup starting at 1pm. This will include your bib number, timing chip, and any event swag.

Race Schedule 

1:00pm - 6 Hour Shuffle Check In Opens

2:00pm - 6 Hour Shuffle Start

6:00pm - 10k & 5k Check In Opens

7:15pm - 10k Start 

7:45pm - 5k Start 

8:00pm - 6 Hour Shuffle Finish 

8:30pm - Awards (subject to change)

Aid Stations:

There will be one aid station near the start/finish area. Since this is a loop course, you will pass the aid station every 3.3 miles. The aid station is open to all runners while supplies last. 

Aid station generally includes food items like: (These are subject to change as we get closer to the race.)

Chips
Cookies 
Fruit Snacks 
Pretzels 
Gummy Bears 
Peanut M&Ms
Cashews
Grapes
Bananas
Sprite 
Coke
Seltzer
Water

If you want anything different from what is provided at the aid station, please bring it yourself. If you need more details on these brands, please email us. Please bring your own water bottle. We will have a large water jug and limited cups. The Aid Station will have basic first aid.

6 Hour Shuffle Loops

As a 6 Hour Shuffle runner, you have 6 hours to go as far as you like. The big loop is 3.3 miles and returns you right back to your bag drop area and the aid station. For a break from the big loop, you can opt to take the 1.2 mile loop. This is the yellow, “Prairie” trail. You must check in at the 6 Hour Shuffle Loop Table after each loop - big or small - you complete. Checking in ensures we record your distance and helps us know where you are on the course. The 6 Hour Shuffle is not chip timed. Your place is determined by your completed distance. We are manually keeping track of your time on each loop in the event of a tie in distances. When you are done running, please let us know at the Loop Table. You are welcome to run through the finish chute after your final check in

6 hour Team Shuffle:

Participants will need to register and pay separately. This event allows teams of up to 4 members. The distances run by each team member will be combined to determine the team's total distance at the end of the race. Team members can run simultaneously, for example, running together on the same trail as a group. There is no requirement for one runner to finish before another begins. Please note that individuals on teams are not eligible for individual awards.

As a 6 Hour Team Shuffle runner, your team will have 6 hours to go as far as possible. Runners will be on the same loops as the individual 6 Hour Shuffle participants. The big loop is 3.3 miles, or you can opt for the 1.2-mile loop on the yellow "Prairie" trail. Each individual runner must check in at the 6 Hour Shuffle Loop Table after completing each loop, whether big or small. Checking in ensures we record your distance and helps us know your location on the course.

The 6 Hour Shuffle is not chip-timed. Your place is determined by your team's completed distance. We manually track your time on each loop in case of a tie in distances. When you are done running, please inform us at the Loop Table. You are welcome to run through the finish chute after your final check-in.

Lights 

The sun sets at 6:44pm on Saturday, October 5, 2024. The lights on the trails will be on during the entirety of the 10k and 5k and for the last hour or so of the 6 Hour Shuffle. While the lights on the trail are bright, all runners must have a headlamp or flashlight with them for their race. 6 Hour Shuffle runners must pick up their headlamp or flashlight from their drop bag on any loops starting after 6:15pm. Please note that the lights shut off on the outer loop at 9:15pm and the inner loop closest to the Nordic Center shuts off at 9:30pm. Everyone must be out of the park by 10pm.

Timing and Results:

The 6 Hour Shuffle is not chip timed, but based on distance completed. If there is a tie in the 6 Hour Shuffle, we move to time. Each runner is required to wear a race bib. Please keep your race bib visible at all times. 

The Night Owl 5k/10k are gun timed races using chips to record finish times not starting times. Each runner is required to wear a race bib. Please keep your race bib visible at all times especially as you cross through the finish line. We will keep the official race time. Faster runners should start closer towards the start line while walkers start near the back of the flagged corral. This helps prevent bottlenecking and frustration as everyone settles into their own race pace. While on the race path, please be considerate of other racers by stating when you are passing and kindly moving to the right if your pace slows. Results will be posted on our Runsignup page. We will have QR codes to scan for you to check your results as soon as you cross the finish line. 

Race Finish:

There will be one finish shoot for the 5k and 10k runners. To get a finish time, you must run through the finish shoot with your race bib visible. 

6 Hour Shuffle runners do not need to go through the finish chute, but you must check in at the 6 Hour Shuffle Loop table to let us know that you are done running. You are welcome to run through the finish chute after your table check in.

Awards and Prizes:

A handmade wooden owl trophy will be awarded to the top 3 male and female finishers in each of the 10k and 5k races. 

Every 6 Hour Shuffle runner will receive a handmade wooden medallion. The top 3 male and female racers will be awarded a handmade wooden owl trophy.

Race Rules and Guidelines:

The trail is open to the public, so please be kind to pedestrians. Keep your pets at home. Your bib must be visible at all times.

Post-Race Celebration:

The post race celebration will start as soon as the runner crosses the finish line. Runners will cross the finish line to music. To further enjoy the evening of running, we will have a fire in the fire pit and a manned s’mores station going right next to the Nordic Center. Make yourself a s’more post-race and invite your family and spectators to join. Please exhibit fire safety.

Location and Parking:

The Night Owl Races take place at the Nordic Center at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. 

You must have a park pass to park at the reserve. This costs $7 for the day, or $35 for the year. You can purchase your park pass at the park in the lobby of the Nordic Center or at the park entry building. 

Park at the Nordic Center parking lot. If that lot is full, you can park right across the street in the west parking lot.

Spectator Information:

The best place to view the race is from the start and finish as runners come down the finishing hill. There are a few spots on the trail you could take a cut through to see your runner more than once although I would precaution you that it is dark on the course in areas and we don’t want you to interfere with the other racers.

Safety Precautions:

The trails are open to the public during the Night Owl Races. 
No dogs, strollers, or bikes allowed in the race.
There are some steep inclines and declines on loose dirt. Be mindful on the trail.
Bring your own water bottle. We will have a refill station, but limited cups.

Weather / Cancellation

Athena Clydesdale Racing and its race directors reserve the right to cancel or delay the event in case of inclement weather. There are no refunds.