Escape the summer heat and embrace the unique challenge of the Run Under The Stars, an exhilarating 10-hour endurance event held overnight from Saturday, June 6, to Sunday, June 7, 2026, in Paducah, KY. This race offers a distinctive opportunity to push your limits under the night sky, whether you're aiming for a half marathon, a full marathon, or tackling your first ultra-distance. Starting at 8 PM CDT at the Carson Park Fairgrounds, participants will navigate a flat, fast, and forgiving 1/2-mile lighted oval course. The terrain consists of a finely crushed limestone dirt track, originally a horse track, ensuring a smooth running surface free from traffic, hills, roots, or the harsh impact of pavement.

The Run Under The Stars is renowned for its welcoming, social atmosphere, allowing runners to customize their experience by running, jogging, walking, resting, and restarting as desired, all while seeing friends and family frequently. Typical race day conditions in early June see lows around 65°F, providing a cool reprieve from daytime highs that can reach 87°F, with only a 16% chance of precipitation. A highlight of this event is the generously stocked aid station on the track, offering an impressive array of sustenance to keep you going. Runners can expect everything from standard snacks, fruit like watermelon and bananas, and salty pretzels and chips, to more substantial fare such as PB&J sandwiches, grilled cheese, bacon, and coffee, with ice pops available if the night gets warm. Runners are encouraged to bring their own fluid containers to support the race's effort to reduce waste.

This event is more than just a race; it's an ideal training ground for longer ultras, offering a valuable chance to fine-tune your nighttime running strategies and nutrition. Participants can even set up personal tents and tables alongside the course in the grass infield, enhancing the communal and supportive spirit. Each finisher receives a custom medal, and top finishers are recognized with a custom award, making the Run Under The Stars a truly memorable accomplishment.