When summer settles across Arkansas, most runners avoid racing during the hottest months of the year. But for more than 30 years, trail runners have embraced the challenge of the Full Moon 25K/50K, a unique nighttime race held deep within the Ouachita National Forest.
As the traditional opening event of the Arkansas Ultra Running Association (AURA) Ultra Trail Series, the Full Moon Run combines endurance, strategy, and a strong sense of community. Participants battle heat, humidity, darkness, and distance while experiencing one of Arkansas’ most iconic trail running events.
A Long-Standing Arkansas Trail Running Tradition
The Full Moon Run began in 1992 and quickly became a favorite among Arkansas ultrarunners. The race starts and finishes at historic Camp Ouachita near Lake Sylvia, a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp constructed between 1936 and 1940.
The gravel forest roads that make up the course have long served as training grounds for runners preparing for the Arkansas Traveller 100, one of the state’s most respected ultramarathons. Over the years, the Full Moon Run has evolved into a premier event in its own right while maintaining the grassroots atmosphere that has defined Arkansas trail running for generations.
Runners travel through portions of the Lake Sylvia, Lake Winona Vista, and Crystal Mountain areas, following routes that trace old railroad logging corridors once used to harvest timber from the Ouachita Mountains. Sharp-eyed participants may still spot remnants of that history along the course.
Why the Full Moon Run Is So Challenging
Unlike many trail races that feature technical singletrack and rocky terrain, the Full Moon Run presents a different type of challenge. The wide gravel roads encourage a faster pace, but Arkansas summer conditions often prove to be the race’s toughest obstacle.
Battling Arkansas Summer Heat and Humidity
Although the race takes place after sunset, runners are still exposed to the lingering effects of summer heat. Gravel roads retain warmth from the day, while dense forest canopy and high humidity limit cooling through evaporation.
Successful runners understand that hydration, electrolyte management, and conservative pacing are essential. The combination of distance and humidity can quickly turn an ambitious race plan into a difficult struggle.
The Mental Challenge of Running at Night
Night running creates a unique experience. Headlamps illuminate only a small section of road ahead, making distances feel longer and hills seem steeper. The darkness narrows a runner’s focus and transforms familiar terrain into an entirely different environment.
For many participants, this mental challenge is what makes the race so memorable. The quiet forest, the glow of headlamps, and the rhythm of footsteps create an atmosphere unlike any daytime race.
Legendary Aid Stations and Community Support
One of the defining features of the Full Moon Run is its welcoming and supportive community. Volunteers staff aid stations throughout the course, providing water, sports drinks, food, encouragement, and much-needed motivation.
These aid stations often become gathering places where runners recharge before heading back into the darkness. The event’s laid-back culture and enthusiastic volunteers help create an experience that keeps runners returning year after year.
Full Moon 25K/50K 2026 Race Information
The 2026 Full Moon 25K/50K is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, in the Ouachita National Forest near Perryville, Arkansas.
Location
Camp Ouachita Girl Scout Camp
Perryville, Arkansas
Race Schedule
50K Early Start: 6:00 p.m.
For runners who anticipate needing additional time to complete the course.
50K Official Start: 7:00 p.m.
25K Official Start: 8:00 p.m.
Required Gear
For safety, all participants must carry:
- A reliable headlamp or flashlight
- Backup batteries or secondary light source
- A hydration system such as a handheld bottle, hydration vest, or waist pack
The Finish Line Reward
Completing the Full Moon Run requires patience, preparation, and perseverance. Those who conquer the miles are welcomed back to Camp Ouachita with one of the race’s most cherished traditions: a late-night breakfast featuring pancakes, bacon, and plenty of camaraderie.
As runners cross the finish line and gather around the camp, they join a community that has made this event a cornerstone of Arkansas trail running for more than three decades.
Race proceeds continue to support charitable organizations, including the Arkansas Crisis Center, local volunteer fire departments, and the Arkansas Ultra Running Cross Country Fund.
An Arkansas Trail Running Rite of Passage
Whether you’re tackling your first ultramarathon, chasing a personal best, or simply looking for a unique trail running adventure, the Full Moon 25K/50K offers an unforgettable experience.
Between the historic setting, challenging summer conditions, and welcoming trail running community, this Arkansas classic remains one of the most distinctive races in the region and a summer tradition that continues to draw runners back year after year.
(The 2026 event is full but you can get on the waiting list or volunteer.)
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
