About This Race
Night of Fire brings runners to the striking desert landscape of Whitney Mesa in Henderson, Nevada, where dramatic rock formations and panoramic city views create a memorable backdrop for evening trail running. This race series offers three distance options—half marathon, 10K, and 5K—all starting after sunset to take advantage of cooler temperatures and the unique desert ambiance under headlamp light. The race is known for its welcoming community atmosphere, complete with custom finisher medals, embroidered stocking caps for all participants, and a lively finish line celebration featuring pizza and beer. The event's timing coincides with spring wildflower blooms, adding bursts of color to the already spectacular desert terrain. Night of Fire has adapted to permitting constraints by relocating to Whitney Mesa, demonstrating the race organizers' commitment to providing runners with quality trail experiences despite logistical challenges. The race's relaxed cutoff time and multiple distance options make it accessible to runners of varying experience levels, though the desert terrain and night running conditions require proper preparation and headlamp navigation skills.
The courses traverse the trails of Whitney Mesa, featuring the distinctive red rock formations and desert landscapes characteristic of southern Nevada. Runners experience panoramic views of the Las Vegas valley and surrounding mountains, with spring wildflowers typically in bloom during the May race date. The terrain includes a mix of desert singletrack and wider trails, with moderate elevation changes typical of mesa topography.
Practical Info
May evenings in southern Nevada typically feature mild temperatures in the 60-70°F range with clear skies and minimal wind.
LAS - McCarran International Airport
Henderson offers numerous hotel options, with Las Vegas Strip accommodations approximately 20 minutes away from the race venue.
- headlamp
Best For
Notable Features
Night of Fire stands out for its after-dark start times that showcase the desert under starlight, spring wildflower displays, and strong community atmosphere with comprehensive runner amenities including custom awards and finish line festivities. The race's location on Whitney Mesa provides spectacular rock formations and city views unique to the Las Vegas area.