Into the Darkness 4 Mile Night Trail Run

3rd Into the Darkness Night Trail Race October 24, 2009

Results and Pictures

Thank you very much for coming out and enjoying what I think is the area's most unique event. I hope everyone had fun out there. I am pleased that, once again, we almost doubled our numbers of entries with 208 registrants. I loved see so many 19 and under runners.

This year the course record was smashed from Caleb Kingery's 28:43 last year to the new record of 24:07 by David Cheromei (that's a 5:49 per minute pace, outstanding). The 2nd Place finisher was a surprise entry. He is a guy with great credentials and has been named USATF Mountain Runner of the Year (2002, 2003, 2004). Paul Low ended the race with great time of 27:24. This was followed by a great runner from Covington Ryan Middleton who was third with a 29:06

On the women’s side we had Christina Rolfe come in first with a 34:54 after running the memory 10mile race earlier in the day. Followed closely by 2nd place Hollie Flynn in 35:19 and 3rd place Samantha Mitchell in 37:31 in 3rd.

Congratulations to everyone. Thanks for coming out to play with us. For those of you that have never raced in a trail race or raced at night, Great Job. I think you will find that being out on trails will become addictive. If you want to find more trail locations please visit the trails section (for local info) or adventures section (for out of state info) of our website and get out there and have fun.

Also, for those of you that were in the race and found out that you could use a better light. Walkabout Outfitter has extended their 25% discount on all headlamps in stock.

Don’t forget our other sponsors. They help us make these races happen.
Gilbert Chiropractic
Mamma Maria’s – In Salem. Make sure you order some garlic knots.
Walkabout Outfitter
Roanoke City Parks and Recreation
This event is sponsored by Roanoke Parks and Recreation. Check them out onthe web at www.roanokeva.gov/PLAY or friend them on facebook to find outwhat is new in Parks and Recreation.
Virginia’s Explore Park
Monster Energy Drink
Roanoke Outside – Pete Eschelman has help create a large social network of outdoor recreation enthusiasts in the Roanoke & NRV Region of Virginia. His facebook page or Roanoke Outside email list will keep you up to date on what’s going on in the local outdoor world.

Running Trails at Night

Gina and I have run trails by headlamp and flashlight since we first got into trail running back in 2001. Due to time constraints, most of our fall and winter running occurs after dark. Both of us prefer to run on trails and don't want to let darkness keep us from staying in trail running shape. In addition, there are aspects of running at night that you just can't put into words.

Light Source:
My lighting preference is to use a LED headlamp and a flashlight (halogen or LED). LEDs are a very energy efficient lighting source and cast a white glow (I can't stand to buy and go through a lot of batteries. LEDs have really helped increase the run time of battery operated lights). Depending on your LED headlamp, the beam emitted will be a glow or a focused beam. There are countless options of headlamps for a variety of uses. I've yet to find a headlamp that lights up the trail and allows you to get depth perception.

When running at night you get depth perception from shadows being cast from your light source. The best way to get shadows is to use a flashlight. Holding a light lower, in your hand, helps to get the shadows you need to identify rocks, roots, and other obstacles in your way.
With this in mind I usually only run using a headlamp, but if I'm planning to run a trail fast, run a rocky or rooty trail, or run a steep downhill, I will also use a flashlight. Not only does this help minimize getting injured on the trail but it is also smart to have a backup light source in case your primary light stops working.

For those of you unfamiliar with headlamp options I encourage you to visit our newest sponsor, Walkabout Outfitter, to see their selection and to get a 25% discount on headlamps in stock.

Print this post off for 25% off Petzl headlamps at
Walkabout Outfitter - Lexington and Downtown Roanoke

3rd Into the Darkness Night Trail Run

Print this post off for 25% off Petzl headlamps at

Walkabout Outfitter - Lexington and Downtown Roanoke

On 10/24/09 we will be having our 3rd Into the Darkness race. This is my favorite race to direct and promote. There is something about running at night that is indescribable. The temperature is milder, there are sounds that you don't hear during the day, there are glowing eyes staring back at you, and there's this feeling of uniqueness, that you are doing something that few people ever choose to experience. Add 150+ other runners, our unique spin, and you have a recipe that has caused people to name this as their favorite race.

In preparation of the night race the course will be cleaned up. We will be blowing the leaves off the trail to help you see and stay on course, we will remove sticks and loose rocks, and we will be placing many reflective arrows, markers, glowsticks, and other Halloween related items throughout the 4 miles. All in an effort to make this an unforgettable event.


Following the race we will be having spaghetti from Mama Maria's, the infamous Mountain Junkies pumpkin bread, and other food and drinks.


All awards for this race are homemade Halloween themed plaques. Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female overall winners, Male and Female Masters (over 40) winners, and the top 3 in 11 age groups.


Sponsors:

Our newest sponsor is Walkabout Outfitter - they are offering a 25% discount on all Petzl headlamps purchased at their Downtown Roanoke and Lexington stores (you just need to print off this page and take it into the store).

Virginia's Explore Park

Roanoke City Parks and Recreation

Gilbert Chiropractic

Mama Maria's

RSC Rental Equipment

Monster Energy Drink

The entry fee is $20 until 10/10/09.

To guarantee getting a t-shirt you need to make sure you have signed up by this date.

After 10/10/09 the entry fee is $30 and all remaining shirts (we try to get extra) will be given out on a first come first served basis.