About This Race
The Q50 Races Bleau Moon stands out as a unique night trail running experience in Louisiana's Fontainebleau State Park. This 14-year-old tradition transforms the park's lakeside trails into an intimate evening adventure, where headlamps cut through darkness along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. The race emphasizes enjoyment over speed, encouraging runners to savor the nocturnal atmosphere while navigating relatively flat terrain. What sets this event apart is its deliberately relaxed approach to trail running. Race directors actively encourage participants to take their time and truly experience the night trail environment, though faster runners are certainly welcome. The event's minimal environmental footprint policy requires runners to bring their own hydration containers, while volunteers provide water and electrolyte replenishment. With mosquito repellent strongly recommended and proper lighting mandatory, this race offers a distinctive Gulf Coast trail running experience that blends challenge with contemplation.
The course unfolds along the relatively flat trails of Fontainebleau State Park, starting near the pavilion at the park's water-adjacent end. The 10-mile option consists of two loops, with runners completing the 5-mile loop twice and encountering a single water and food station at the completion of each loop. The 5-mile course follows the same path but stops after one loop, with no dedicated aid station. The terrain remains fairly flat throughout, making navigation in darkness the primary challenge rather than significant elevation changes.
Aid Stations
1 stations along the course
Loop Completion Station
water, electrolyte, food
Available only for 10-mile runners at the end of each 5-mile loop
Practical Info
August in Louisiana brings hot, humid conditions with temperatures likely in the 80s even at the 7:45 PM start time, with high humidity and potential for afternoon thunderstorms.
MSY - Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Runners can find lodging in the nearby Mandeville area or across Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans, approximately 45 minutes away.
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Whistle
- Personal hydration container
Best For
Notable Features
This race offers a rare night trail running experience in Louisiana's Fontainebleau State Park, emphasizing enjoyment and camaraderie over competition. The event's 14-year history has built a strong community of night running enthusiasts who appreciate the unique atmosphere of running by headlamp along Lake Pontchartrain's shores. The race's philosophy of encouraging participants to slow down and savor the experience sets it apart from typical competitive trail events.