EVENT OVERVIEW
The Night Claw is a nighttime trail race through Dinosaur Valley State Park. Choose from the 5K, 10K, 10K RUCK, 20K, 4-hour, 6-hour, or 8-hour timed races. Runners can also opt into the Claw Challenge, where you’ll be hunted on the trails — escape with your tear tag intact and earn the title of “ESCAPED”; get caught, and you’ll be marked as “CLAWED.” Whether you outrun the claw or just come to race the night, this is one wild run through ancient land you won’t forget.
TEXAS SUMMER NIGHT SERIES
This race is a part of the Texas Summer Night Series. You can save up to 20% on the 2027 Texas Summer Night Series by registering for a Series Pass. You can choose your distance range or get the Midnight Monster Pass, which allows you to build up to the 40 Miler Race at the Noche Trail Run in September.
Series Passes will be available until June 4, 2027, lock in yours before! Sign Up for the Series Soon
COURSE OVERVIEW
- Surface: Dirt & rocky out & back trail.
- Course: Dinosaur Valley State Park Trails. Course Map
- Elevation: Hilly showing 650ft elevation gain for 10K loop.
- Location: Field outside of State Park (Google PIN)
- Weather: Historic Average 75-95 degrees night time weather
- No Cup Race: We don't serve cups, please make sure to bring your own water-carrying system!
- Volunteer: Volunteers make this race happen! Sign Up
(10K, 4HR, 6HR, and 8HR runners will run on a 10K loop.)
Location and Times
Field outside of Dinosaur Valley State Park (Google PIN)
Saturday:
5 PM - 7:30 PM - Packet Pickup at the start & finish line (not in Dino Valley State Park)
7 PM - 8 Hour Start
7:30 PM - 6 & 4 Hour Start
8:00 PM - 20K, 10K, 10K Ruck & 5K Start
8:05 PM - The CLAW is released
- 4 Hour must go out on last loop before 10:45 PM (3:15 into race)
- 6 Hour must go out on last loop before 12:45 AM (5:15 into race)
- 8 Hour must go out on last loop before 2 AM (7:00 into race)
Sunday:
3AM - Cutoff for ALL events
The Claw Challenge *optional*
The Claw Challenge is an optional challenge you can opt in during registration as a part of your race.
WHAT IS THE CLAW?
The claw is a person that chases down participants. Your goal is to out run the claw before you finish. When you cross the finish line you will either be clawed or beat the claw.
HOW IT WORKS
- Each participant that opts in will get a unique bib with a tear tag. If the claw catches you, they take your tag.
- A designated volunteer runner dressed as the Claw will give participants a head start then be chasing participants for their tags.
- Run fast to outrun the claw.
- Finish your distance. If your tag remains intact, you’ve beat the claw. If it’s torn, you’ve been clawed.
- Finisher medal add-ons will be given to those who "Beat The Claw" and who were "Clawed."
THE CLAW RULES:
- Think you have what it takes to be the CLAW? Email asher@texasoutlawrunning.com if you're interested.
- The CLAW will be released at 8:05 PM & will run the 10K route as many times as they would like (it could be 2, it could be 8).
- While en route, the CLAW will "tag" participants, at which point the participating "Claw Challenge" participant will give them their bib tear tag.
- 5K runners will be chased on their way out & the CLAW may still get them as he returns from the 10K loop.
- 10K runners will be chased the entirety of the 10K loop.
- Runners who are in the challenge who are doing multiple loops are caught whenever the CLAW catches up to you on the same number of loops (example: if you are on loop 2 of the race, the CLAW must be on his second loop in order to take your tear tag).
What You Get
EVENT GEAR/AWARDS:
- Night Claw Tri Blend Tee
- Epic Night Claw Finisher Medal - A Texas Summer Night Series Collectable
- Claw Challenge:
"I beat the CLAW" attachment for those that beat the CLAW
"Clawed" attachment for those that are caught by the CLAW
- 1st Place awards for 5K, 10K, 10K Ruck, 20K
- Most Loops Completed Award for: 4 Hour, 6 Hour, 8 Hour
- Night Claw 10K RUCK Patch for RUCK Finishers
EVENT EXPERIENCE:
- Aid Station Food & Hydration
- Scenic Course
- Photography
- Fully Marked/Supported Course
- Friendly & Encouraging Race Event/Volunteers
OUTLAW MEMBERSHIP
Most runners who do one Outlaw race end up doing several a year. If you already know this won’t be your last, check out Outlaw Membership. Pay once, get race credits you can use on eligible Outlaw events all year, plus member‑only perks and priority access on select races. You still register through RunSignup/UltraSignup like normal, but members use special codes at checkout so their entries are covered. If you’re planning 3 or more races this season, it usually pays for itself on your way to the start line.
More Information/Policies/FAQ
For more detailed information, including the course map, other event info, and aid stations, please visit www.TexasOutlawRunning.com
For Policies regarding event communication, refunds/credits, discounts, ensuring race shirts/swag, lower entry prices, and changing distance, visit our Policies Page
For other questions, please make sure to look at our Frequently Asked Questions page before contacting us. If the answer is on that page, we may not respond. You can contact us by visiting our website.
Event's current local time: 3:49 PM CT
