HalfRuns
A Shot in the Dark Night Trail Race

A Shot in the Dark Night Trail Race

Charlotte's A Shot in the Dark Night Trail Race offers a unique nocturnal running experience.

Race Date

Nov 13, 2026

Location

Charlotte, NC

Quick facts

Date
Friday, November 13, 2026
Location
Charlotte, North Carolina
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 5K trail run
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Trail
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Beginner Friendly

Course

Shaded

The Experience

As dusk settles over Charlotte, North Carolina, the A Shot in the Dark Night Trail Race beckons runners to embrace the thrill of the trail after dark. This event transforms familiar paths into an adventurous nocturnal playground, challenging participants to navigate by headlamp and the ambient light of the moon.

Runners can choose from a 5K or 10K distance, both set on the natural terrain surrounding the Whitewater Center. The course is designed to be accessible yet engaging, offering a unique perspective on the landscape as darkness falls. Expect a steady field of participants drawn to the novelty of night trail running.

The atmosphere is one of shared adventure and camaraderie, with runners relying on their own lights and the occasional glow of fellow participants. It's an opportunity to test your senses and experience trail running in a completely different light, celebrating the quiet beauty of the outdoors under the stars.

Race-provided description

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Logistics

Race Day

Friday, November 13, 2026

Start Time

TBA

Start Location

Charlotte, NC

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

trail

Scenery

Park

Surface

Dirt Trail

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

10K5K trail run

Course Map

1 other map for this race

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details8/15

3 timing sources · 8 photos

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather8/10

typical high 63°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

44°

Afternoon (High)

63°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.1"

Precipitation

11 mph

Wind

64%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the A Shot in the Dark Night Trail Race?

The A Shot in the Dark Night Trail Race is held on Friday, November 13, 2026.

Where does the A Shot in the Dark Night Trail Race take place?

It takes place in Charlotte, North Carolina.

What distances does the A Shot in the Dark Night Trail Race offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 5K trail run.

Is the A Shot in the Dark Night Trail Race course flat and good for a PR?

The A Shot in the Dark Night Trail Race is a rolling hills, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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