

Firefly Trail Festival
Firefly Six Hour Night Trail Race: a six-hour night run through Franke Park.
Race Date
Sep 5, 2026
Location
Fort Wayne, IN
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Location
- Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
As dusk settles over Franke Park, runners and mountain bikers gather for the Firefly Trail Festival — a six-hour night race that transforms the park into a glowing playground. The course loops through a mix of paved paths, gravel, and technical singletrack, each lap revealing a different character under the beam of your headlamp. It’s less about speed and more about endurance, community, and the simple thrill of moving through the woods after dark.
The Firefly is more than a race; it’s a base camp experience. Participants set up camp, share trail snacks, and swap stories between laps. The atmosphere is low-key and welcoming, with a strong emphasis on camaraderie over competition. Everyone receives a custom finisher medal, and top finishers earn handmade awards — plus the coveted Dead Freaking Last Award, celebrating persistence over speed.
Whether you’re chasing personal miles or just enjoying the night air, the Firefly offers a unique blend of challenge and community. The shared starting-line energy with mountain bikers and the chance to run under the stars make this a standout event for trail enthusiasts seeking something different.
Race-provided description
Franke Park After Dark! Getting Miles Athletic Club is bringing back the Firefly for a night of trails, lights, and good people at Franke Park. This year, we’re inviting mountain bike riders to join the fun. When the sun goes down, the trails get a whole new personality. The Firefly Trail Festival combines two different ways to enjoy Franke Park after dark. Firefly Six Hour Trail Race Run as many laps as possible in six hoursPaved path, gravel, and technical singletrack5:01 PM start Awards at 11:15 Firefly Night Rides 10K, 20K or 30kFranke Park Blue Trail5:00 PM startAwards at 8:30 PM The Firefly is more than a race. It’s a chance to set up a base camp, share trail snacks, swap stories, and spend an evening with an awesome trail community. Every participant receives a custom Firefly finisher medal. Top male and female finishers in each category receive unique handmade awards. And don’t forget the coveted Dead Freaking Last Award. Because every finisher beats the version of themselves that stayed home on race day. Bring your miles. Bring your lights. Chase the fireflies. The two events have separate courses, but they share the same starting line energy. Mountain bike riders will start about one minute before the runners, sending everyone into the woods as the Firefly evening begins. This event is about more than miles. It is about meeting people, sharing trail stories, trying something new, and enjoying the awesome community that makes Franke Park special. Every participant will receive a custom Firefly finisher medal. Top male and female finishers in each category will receive handmade awards created specifically for this event. Find The HUB at Franke Park and come join us for a night of trails, lights, and community. Bring your miles. Bring your lights. Chase the fireflies. Schedule of Events Friday 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Packet pickup at The HUB Race Day 3:30 PM to 4:45 PM Packet pickup 4:45 PM Race instructions and information 5:00 PM Firefly Night Ride starts 5:01 PM Firefly Six Hour Trail Race starts 9:00 PM Firefly Night Ride awards 11:00 PM Firefly Six Hour Trail Race awards Firefly Six-Hour Trail Race Run as many trail laps as you can in six hours through the Franke Park trail system. Bring your: ● Headlamp or flashlight ● Folding chair ● Insect repellent ● Sunscreen ● Snacks ● Water ● Hydration mix
Firefly Night Ride Ride the Blue Trail after sunset with a 10K, 20K or 30K mountain bike challenge. Firefly Night Ride 10K, 20K and 30K Mountain Bike Race The trails you know are about to become something completely different. The Firefly Night Ride takes riders onto the Franke Park Blue Trail as daylight fades and the challenge of night riding begins. 10k Ride One lap | Approximately 6.25 miles A fast and fun way to experience mountain biking on technical trails. Twilight 20K Ride Two laps | Approximately 12.5 miles. A challenge for riders looking to test their speed, focus and skills. Fireflly 30K Ride The featured challenge for riders looking to test their speed, focus and night riding skills. Bring your ● Mountain bike ● Helmet ● Front light ● Hydration ● Snacks to share at the HUB
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Start Time
5:00 PM
Start Location
Franke Park, Fort Wayne, IN, 46808
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Forest, Park
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Quality Score
first year
no finisher counts yet
small race — neutral
needs a few years of results
limited extras
no finisher data yet
no winner time yet
typical high 80°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
62°
Afternoon (High)
80°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
58%
Humidity
Frequently asked
When is the Firefly Trail Festival?
The Firefly Trail Festival is held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM.
Where does the Firefly Trail Festival take place?
It takes place in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
What distances does the Firefly Trail Festival offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the Firefly Trail Festival course flat and good for a PR?
The Firefly Trail Festival is a rolling hills, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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