HOKA + Nights of Thunder Cross Country Fest

Fri, Sep 11, 2026, 8:00 PM CDT

Location: Tallahassee, FL; 7550 Apalachee Pkwy, 32311
Type: RUN

At a glance

Experience the excitement of cross country under the lights at this celebrated festival, featuring competitive heats for all levels on a championship course.

Competitive
Festive

The HOKA + Nights of Thunder Cross Country Fest in Tallahassee, FL, invites runners to a unique nighttime celebration of cross country. Held at the world-famous Apalachee Regional XC Park, this event features various heats for collegiate, high school, middle school, and open/masters runners. Experience the thrill of competition under the lights on a course known for hosting major championships, including the Florida HS State XC Championships and the upcoming 2026 World Athletics XC Championships. It's designed to be a premier event for the cross country community.

What to expect

Run under the lights in various heats, from middle school to masters.
Compete on the official course for major championships.
Enjoy a vibrant cross country festival atmosphere.

Standout details

Nighttime racing 'Under the Lights'
XC Running Festival atmosphere
Official course of major championships
Exclusive Coaches' Swag

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Distances & registration

9 options

Registration for all distances is through the official signup link above.

3K
Sat, Sep 12, 5:00 PM CDT · From $213.00
Opens Sep 6, 2026, 7:25 AM CDT · Closes Sep 12, 2026, 6:59 PM CDT
3K
Sat, Sep 12, 5:30 PM CDT · From $213.00
Opens Sep 6, 2026, 7:25 AM CDT · Closes Sep 12, 2026, 6:59 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Sep 12, 7:00 PM CDT · From $32.80
Opens Mar 23, 2026, 7:00 AM CDT · Closes Jun 27, 2026, 6:59 PM CDT

+ 6 more options

5K
Fri, Sep 11, 8:45 PM CDT · From $213.00
Opens Sep 6, 2026, 7:25 AM CDT · Closes Sep 11, 2026, 2:00 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Sep 12, 7:00 PM CDT · From $213.00
Opens Sep 6, 2026, 7:25 AM CDT · Closes Sep 12, 2026, 6:59 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Sep 12, 7:30 PM CDT · From $213.00
Opens Sep 6, 2026, 7:25 AM CDT · Closes Sep 12, 2026, 6:59 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Sep 12, 8:00 PM CDT · From $213.00
Opens Sep 6, 2026, 7:25 AM CDT · Closes Sep 12, 2026, 6:59 PM CDT
5K
Sat, Sep 12, 8:30 PM CDT · From $213.00
Opens Sep 6, 2026, 7:25 AM CDT · Closes Sep 12, 2026, 6:59 PM CDT
8K
Fri, Sep 11, 8:00 PM CDT · From $213.00
Opens Sep 6, 2026, 7:25 AM CDT · Closes Sep 11, 2026, 2:00 PM CDT

Vibe Check

Steady Effort

Mixed surface + rolling terrain, warm-day exposure

Rolling area
Warm season

Based on terrain, weather, and distance data.

The course

Mixed
Rolling
Timed race

From the organizer

September 11-12, 2026

World Famous Apalachee Regional XC Park, Tallahassee, FL

A Celebration of Cross Country Running in the spirit of the Daytona 500. The BIGGEST and BEST event of the year is the FIRST event of the year!

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Under the Lights: Nighttime Collegiate, High School, Middle School, & Open/Masters heats

XC Running Festival atmosphere

HEATS INCLUDE:

Collegiate

High School Varsity and Junior Varsity

Middle School

Open

COACHES’ SWAG

Exclusive Nights of Thunder Coaches’ box

Reserved team areas with available tent/amenity rentals

Official course of the Florida HS State XC Championships 2022 NJCAA XC Championships & 2026 World Athletics XC Championships

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