ET Full Moon - Aug 17-18, 2024
Helpful Links
REGISTER ONLINE
NEW SINCE 2022: ALL DISTANCES START AND FINISH AT THE LITTLE A’LE’INN IN RACHEL, NV
ET in the Spanish media, Matador Network, May 2018
ET in the German media, Quality Magazine, December 2017
Awarded One of the Best Marathons in the USA by American Towns Media 2016
Awarded top 25 marathon medals in 2013; Marathon & Beyond, May/June 2014
Awarded top 25 marathon medals in 2009; Marathon & Beyond, May/June 2010
As appearing in Runners World, August 2008
Registration
5K | 10K | 1/2 | Marathon | 51K | Optional Bus | Virtual; Any Distane Anywhere! | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Can't Hardly Wait Thru Dec 31 | $45 | $45 | $90 | $105 | $115 | $45 | $55 |
Early Entry Jan 1-Mar 31 | $50 | $50 | $95 | $110 | $120 | $45 | $55 |
Standard Entry Apr 1-Jun 30 | $55 | $55 | $100 | $115 | $125 | $45 | $55 |
Late Entry Jul 1-Aug 15 @ 12 p.m. | $60 | $60 | $105 | $120 | $130 | $45 | $55 |
On Site Cash Only | $65 | $65 | $115 | $130 | $140 | $ if Available | N/A |
Middle of the night ~ August 17-18, 2024
Come join us for our 18 year anniversary!
** ALL race distances include technical shirt, finishers' medal, post race refreshments, overall/ age group award eligibility, aid stations, glow bracelet, and loads of Alien fun!
***Virtual race includes technical shirt, finishers' medal, bib number, and USA Shipping. New since 2020! Join us anywhere (in or OUT of this world!), any time, and run any distance! Shipments will be sent within a week after the live event. (International shipping is NOT available). Please note: virtual results will not be collected or posted. However, please feel free to share your experience on social media and tag Calico Racing.
CLICK HERE FOR MAIL IN ENTRY FORM
Back to Top
Course
COURSE
NEW SINCE 2022: ALL DISTANCES START AND FINISH AT THE LITTLE A'LE'INN IN RACHEL, NV
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 midnight run, temperatures should be in the 60's in August!
* The Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight Marathon, 1/2, 10K, 5K & 51K are run on the weekend closest to the full moon, starting at midnight for the marathon.
** 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).
*** All runners MUST exercise extreme caution as this highway is open range- meaning cows and other animals may be on the roadway! You may not provoke or approach these animals. Mind your own business and they should leave you alone.
COURSE DETAILS:
51K (New Course since 2022): In the spirit of Area 51- a 51K race! This course starts with the marathoners at midnight at the The Little A'le'Inn in Rachel, NV (elevation 4827'). Departing the Little A'le'Inn, 51K runners turn right onto the ET Highway continuing 7 miles to their first turn around at Coyote Summit (elevation 5591'). Retracing their steps, 51K runners PASS the Little A'le'Inn at their approximate mile 14, continuing straight another ~8.8 miles to their second turn around. 51K runners finish where they started at the Little A'le'Inn. 8 hour cut off.
CLICK HERE FOR 51K MAP AND PROFILE
Marathon (New Course since 2022): The marathon starts together with the 51K runners at midnight at the The Little A'le'Inn in Rachel, NV (elevation 4827'). Departing the Little A'le'Inn, marathoners turn right onto the ET Highway continuing 7 miles to their first turn around at Coyote Summit (elevation 5591'). Retracing their steps, marathoners runners PASS the Little A'le'Inn at their approximate mile 14, continuing straight another ~6.1 miles to their second turn around. Marathon runners finish where they started at the Little A'le'Inn. 8 hour cut off.
CLICK HERE FOR MARATHON MAP AND ELEVATION PROFILE
1/2 Marathon (New Course since 2022): The 1/2 Marathon starts at 12:30am from the Little A'le'Inn in Rachel, NV. Departing the Little A'le'Inn, 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 at the Little A'le'Inn. 7.5 hour cut off.
CLICK HERE FOR HALF MARATHON MAP AND ELEVATION PROFILE
10K: The 10K starts at 12:45am from the Little A'le'Inn in Rachel, NV. Departing the Little A'le'Inn, 10K runners turn left onto the ET Highway continuing 3.1 miles to their turn around. A true out and back, 10K runners retrace their steps, finishing where they started at the Little A'le'Inn. 7 hour cut off.
CLICK HERE FOR 10K MAP AND ELEVATION PROFILE
5K: The 5K starts at 12:50am from the Little A'le'Inn in Rachel, NV. Departing the Little A'le'Inn, 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 at the Little A'le'Inn. 7 hour cut off.
CLICK HERE FOR 5K MAP AND ELEVATION PROFILE
** Calico Racing reserves the right to make any necessary course changes required per the permitting body and is subject to final permit approval.
Back to Top
Aid Stations
AID STATIONS: Subject to slight changes
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
10K: Miles 1.55, 3.1 (toilet), and 4.65
1/2 MARATHON: Miles 1.55, 3.1 (toilet), 6.0 (ultra), 7.1 (ultra), 10.0 (toilet), and 11.55 (station closes at 3:30am on a 3.5 hour pace).
MARATHON: REFILL stations- PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE. Cups will be available in limited supply in order to protect and preserve our gorgeous earth. Miles 3.5 (toilet), 7.0 (ultra & toilet), 10.5 (toilet), 14.0 (ultra & toilet), 17.1 (toilet), 20 (ultra & toilet), and 23.1 (toilet).
51K: REFILL stations- PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE. Cups will be available in limited supply in order to protect and preserve our gorgeous earth. Miles 3.5 (toilet), 7.0 (ultra & toilet), 10.5 (toilet), 14.0 (ultra & toilet), 17.1 (toilet), 20 (ultra & toilet), 22.7, 25.4 (ultra & toilet), and 28.5 (toilet).
*ALL aid station will have water and Hammer HEED energy drink (various flavors).
*Aid stations marked above as "ultra" will be additionally provisioned with Hammer Gel (various flavors).
Back to Top
Schedule and Packet Pickup
SCHEDULE ~ tentative, subject to slight changes:
*Packet Pick Up is race night at the start line only; times below.
Saturday August 17, 2024:
- 8:15- 8:30pm: Buses load on the north side (Tropicana Avenue side) of Tropicana Las Vegas located at 3801 Las Vegas Blvd South | Las Vegas, NV 89109 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 for overnight guests and on a first come first serve basis for others. See "parking" below. POST RACE: Buses will DROP OFF at the same location.
- ~11:15pm: Buses should be arriving at the start/ finish line (of all distances) at the Little A'le'Inn in Rachel, NV.
- 11pm- 12:30am: Packet pick up on site at the start/ finish line outside the Little A'le'Inn. New Registrations can also sign up here, cash only.
Sunday August 18, 2024: ** Yes- you are reading these time correctly! These are midnight 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!
- 1:20am, and ongoing: Finish line food, awards, costume winners announced.
- The Little A'le'Inn Restaurant will be open with a limited menu for additional purchase + bar sales and merchandise sales.
- ~3:15am: The first bus back to Las Vegas will depart for those who have purchased a bus ticket.
- ~5am: Bus back to Las Vegas will depart for those who have purchased a bus ticket.
- ~6:30am: Bus back to Las Vegas will depart for those who have purchased a bus ticket.
- 8am: Course cut off.
- 8:05am: Final Bus back to Las Vegas will depart for those who have purchased a bus ticket.
** Buses will depart back to Las Vegas approximately on the above schedule, or if full in advance of the posted time.
Back to Top
Parking
PARKING FOR THE CONTRACTED BUS IN LAS VEGAS: Buses load on the north side (Tropicana Avenue side) of Tropicana Las Vegas located at 3801 Las Vegas Blvd South | Las Vegas, NV 89109 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 for overnight guests and on a first come first serve basis for others.
Below google map: The orange arrow indicates the bus loading area.
Free self parking is circled which are Lot 3 on right hand side and Garage on Left (Las Vegas Blvd) side.
Paid QR parking is available on Lot 1 & 2 and is $10. Currently there is no special event listed, and it is not anticipated, but when there is, the paid parking turns into $25 (or prevailing rate) to park if not a registered guest.
Below image is the north entrance along Tropicana Avenue, for perspective.
DRIVING: For those of you driving yourselves to the start/ finish line; parking for ALL distances is at the Little A'le'Inn, in Rachel, NV. This is 40 miles from the turn off from highway 93.
Back to Top
Travel
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.
Back to Top
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 $45 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".
- Spectator Breakfast can be purchased for $10. This must be pre-purchased and can be purchased during registration with your race entry. Spectator Breakfast includes access to race provided food and drinks while you are running and/ or together with you when you finish.
- Spectators should come prepared to be self sufficient with food and water if they do not purchase the Spectator Breakfast ticket.
- The Little A'le'Inn will be open during the event and spectators are welcome inside. They will have a limited menu. The bar will be open and merchandise is available for sale.
- 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 Calico Racing event. As well I can offer the bus/ breakfast complimentary 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: calicoracing@hotmail.com
- 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.
Back to Top
Awards
* 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 the entire event.
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. Payment of $15 per award is to be made via Paypal account: calicoracing@hotmail.com with your shipping address and award in the memo. *Please read the above award categories to ensure you are eligible for an award*
Back to Top
Additional Info
- August 9-10, 2025
- August 29-30, 2026
- August 14-15, 2027
- August 5-6, 2028
- August 25-26, 2029
- August 10-11, 2030
Located 2- 2.5 hours north of Las Vegas, the Extraterrestrial Highway is a 98 mile stretch of highway from Rt. 93 to Rt. 6. The town of Rachel is 40 miles west from the junction of Rt. 93 and 375, and is the hub of the ET Highway. The main attraction in Rachel is the "Little A'le'Inn" restaurant and motel, which is also the races' finish line.
Nearby the ET Highway is the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge which encompasses Upper Lake, Middle Pond, and Lower Lake which are home to and habitat for a variety of birds. Pintail, teal, mallard, and redhead ducks; great blue herons, egrets, red-tail hawks, marsh hawks, orioles, and many others call this refuge home. The upland desert houses Gambel's quail, roadrunners, sparrow, kit fox and a few coyotes. Camping sites are available.
Of course all of this can be accessed using Las Vegas, NV as a base.
For more information check out:
Back to Top
Hotels
HOST HOTEL IN LAS VEGAS: 2024:
Calico Racing has chosen Tropicana Las Vegas to be the official host hotel of the 2024 ET Marathon! Tropicana Las Vegas is located along the famed Las Vegas Strip, located at 3801 Las Vegas Blvd South/ Las Vegas, NV 89109. Tropicana Las Vegas is the location of the contracted bus transportation to/ from the race, making for easy and seamless logistics.
We have negotiated group rates of $79 per night (Thurs 8/15 and Sun 8/18) and $179 per night (Fri 8/16 and Sat 8/17); single or double occupancy plus mandatory resort fee of $25 per night (discounted for our group) plus applicable taxes (currently 13.38%). Book by July 15, 2024!
NOTE From Tropicana Las Vegas Regarding 2024 rumors: "If and when this deal with A’s goes through, the A’s still have 2024 in Oakland (CA) and we (Tropicana Las Vegas) are still here through 2024. If anything, we are looking at possible 2025 to close for them to start with their plans. Nothing is firmed yet."
OTHERS:
Of course you can chose to stay closer to the race in the town of Rachel at the Little A'le'Inn. Go directly to their website www.aleinn.com for rates and details. The Little A'le'Inn is the start/ finish line of all 5 distance races. Note: The Little A'le'Inn has very few rooms! Book yours early to not be disappointed. They do also have RV and possibly camping options. Contact them directly for information.
Camping is available in the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, roughly 5 miles south of the town of Alamo off Highway 93, and thus about 35 miles to the start 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.
Back to Top
Directions
DIRECTIONS
NEW SINCE 2022: ALL DISTANCES START AND FINISH AT THE LITTLE A'LE'INN IN RACHEL, NV.
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 to the town of Rachel, NV and the Little A'le'Inn. Approx. 2.5 hours drive.
** There is NO GAS in Rachel. Get gas in Alamo or Ash Springs!
Back to Top
Contracted Bus
CONTRACTED BUS SERVICE ~ the best way to travel! Las Vegas pick up will be from Tropicana Las Vegas located at 3801 Las Vegas Blvd South/ Las Vegas, NV 89109.
Alternative to driving: Contracted bus transportation is available from Tropicana Las Vegas in Las Vegas to and from the race for an additional cost of $45 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 $100+ of gas. Plus of course you can get into the Alien spirit of things swapping stories with other runners!
8:15- 8:30pm:
Buses load on the north side (Tropicana Avenue side) of Tropicana Las Vegas located at 3801 Las Vegas Blvd South/ Las Vegas, NV 89109 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 for overnight guests and on a first come first serve basis for others.
POST RACE: Buses will DROP OFF at the same location.
Buses will depart from Rachel ROUGHLY at 3:15am, 5am, 6:30am, and 8:05am (unless full prior to posted time).
Below google map: The orange arrow indicates the bus loading area.
Free self parking is circled which are Lot 3 on right hand side and Garage on Left (Las Vegas Blvd) side.
Paid QR parking is available on Lot 1 & 2 and is $10. Currently there is no special event listed, and it is not anticipated, but when there is, the paid parking turns into $25 (or prevailing rate) to park if not a registered guest.
Below image is the north entrance along Tropicana Avenue, for perspective.
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 ($45 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.
Back to Top
Gear Bags
GEAR BAGS
You may have a dry/ warm clothes bag. Use your own bag and clearly mark it with your name. Tarps will be laid out at the Little A'le'Inn 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.
Back to Top