MIDNIGHT Rat Race - UNSANCTIONED 2026

The MIDNIGHT Rat Race - UNSANCTIONED begins at midnight in Springfield, Missouri, in late October. This is approximately a 13-mile point-to-point night run with a 2 hour 45 minute time limit, but it deviates from the standard race format: there is no marked course, no volunteers, and no directions provided. Runners navigate their own path from start to finish, utilizing sidewalks, roads, alleys, grass, and any legal route that allows for the quickest completion. The event is intended for experienced runners capable of managing navigation, darkness, and minimal support. The organizers are direct about the inherent risks: participants must prioritize their own safety, remain aware of their environment, and complete the run before the cutoff time to avoid a potential search.