Registration for Nocturnal 12 costs between $50 and $75. This nighttime running event takes place on October 17, 2026, at Lake Ontario State Parkway Trail near Island Cottage Road in Rochester, New York. The race starts at 5:00 PM, sending runners out on the trail as daylight fades. If you're traveling to Rochester for the event, you'll want accommodation near the Lake Ontario State Parkway area for easy access to the start line. The evening start time means you can arrive the morning of the race without an early wake-up, though nearby lodging will eliminate any travel stress before your run.
From the Race Organizer
Obatron Productions' exercise arm, Obatron Fitness, is proud to present Nocturnal 12, a 12-hour fixed time race. Walker and mobility-impaired friendly. Diet sensitive. Hosted on Lake Ontario State Parkway Trail at Island Cottage Road to Dewey (43°16'21.2"N 77°39'42.3"W). Scroll for LOTS of details and see the menu sections for even more. Most questions are answered here including: How it Works What You Get Discount Offers and Referrals Awards Sponsors Additional Details How It Works Fixed time races allow walkers and runners to traverse a loop, circuit, or other route that brings them back to a given start point repeatedly throughout the time allotted. Many allow you to stop during the race, leave the course, and return to do more miles. Some even allow you to start later than the official race start time. Most let you stop whenever you want and have whatever mileage you completed as of the last time through the start stand as your finish distance, even if that's only once through. Typically, your distance is calculated by multiplying the number of times you finished the route by the distance of the route as determined by the race director or other official. That means if your watch shows you did 39.77 miles, but you did 19 laps on a 2.06-mile course, then you will be recorded as having 39.14 miles. What That Means for Distance Our course is 2.06 miles long (1.03 out and another 1.03 back) along the paved Lake Ontario State Parkway Trail in Greece. To be considered a finisher, you must finish at least one out-and-back lap. Do as many laps as you want within the 12-hour time limit. Only completed laps count. When/Where to Race, Packet Details & Food Parking: Park on the wide shoulder on Island Cottage Road. The race takes place on the Lake Ontario State Parkway Trail from Island Cottage Road to Dewey Avenue. The race starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, and ends at 5 a.m. on Sunday, October 18. Late Night Munchies: Racers will have an all-night aid station. At registration, you'll have choices about dietary specifications. If you make no choices, we'll default to a traditional, unrestricted diet. If you choose contradictory things (vegan and traditional, for example), we'll default to traditional. Sample items include English Muffin or Mini Tortilla Pizzas, instant coffee, cookies, Gatorade, and cracker sandwiches. Check-in/Packet Pick-up: Packets will be available 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m . and will include the race bib and some goodies for race night. You can show up after 4:45 p.m., but you will not be able to start until the race director can stop what she's doing and check you in. Other: Unclaimed registrations or prizes will not be shipped or held. What You Get Individual Racers Medallion: A wooden keepsake medallion. Shirt: Nocturnal 12 shirt in men's or women's sizing (whether performance material or other will depend upon availability at time of shirt cutoff ); an alternate keepsake may be provided for those who miss the shirt cutoff (usually October 2, extended to 10/6 for 2025). Late Night Munchies: A variety of night-time munchies to keep you moving. Packet Expanders : Surprise items to round out your experience in keeping with a night-time theme. Earned Extras : Opportunities to earn raffle tickets that get you more swag and chances to receive premier prizes from Obatron Fitness and any sponsors, predominantly through the Obatron Fitness Facebook Group . See Sponsors Prizes for Earned Extras below for more information. Examples of possible opportunities: trivia image scavenger hunt multiple questions throughout the in-person race weekend pre- and post-race activities Race bib Digital finisher's certificate for each race (ready the after the race) RunGoo discount (See Sponsors from menu) RoadID discount (See Sponsors from menu) Facebook group to interact with fellow racers and their supporters as well as participate in challenges, ask questions, and get updates. Cumulative Mileage Tokens: Earn tokens for making certain "landmark" distances such as 5K, 13.1 miles, 26.2 miles, and 50K. Items vary each year, but examples are keychains, socks, and mugs. One definite? Make it to 50 miles or more in 12 hours and you will get a Nocturnal 12 sweatshirt, blanket, or similar item. Special Night Owl Award: Racers who are on the course throughout the night for at least part of every race hour will go home with a plush, squishy, or similar owl. Optional space to set up your own aid station or tent. You may consider staying until sunrise although the event is over at 5 a.m. Teams (Groups) Teams are groups of four or more people who each do as much as they can throughout the 12-hour limit. (It's not a relay. Perhaps in the future, if there's enough interest and I can wrangle timing help.) Teams must be registered by 9/30 to be guaranteed team tokens or prizes as we have to order and/or create them. Besides the things individual racers get, teams also get: Team token Team standings if there is more than one Small
