Northville, MI | Saturday, May 9, 2026Registration Open
Miles, Moonshine, and Music — Under the Stars If you’re looking for a night running experience unlike anything else in Southeast Michigan, mark your calendar for May 9, 2026 and join us for the 14th annual Moonlight Bootlegger 5K at beautiful Maybury State Park in Northville, MI. Since 2012, thousands of runners have stepped into the shadows to take on this after-dark trail adventure—blending the thrill of trail running with the energy of live music and the camaraderie of a shared post-race celebration. Inspired by the Prohibition-era bootleggers, you’ll race through the woods like you’re making a midnight run to escape the law—guided only by your headlamp, the moon, and the warm glow of 300 tea lights marking the course. The route offers a mix of wide trails and flowing singletrack, making it perfect for experienced trail runners chasing a PR or road runners trying trails for the first time. What to Expect: Date & Location: Saturday, May 9, 2026 – Maybury State Park, Northville, MI Start Time: 9:00 pm race start for a true night running experience Course: Wide trails singletrack, well-marked and tea light-lit Headlamp Required: No light, no run! Post-Race Celebration: Live bluegrass music at the finish line Race Swag: Custom mason jar two moonshine cocktails or mocktails, soft gender-specific tech shirt Community Vibe: Perfect for run clubs, groups, and friends who want an unforgettable night outdoors Why Run Moonlight Bootlegger 5K? Unique nighttime trail running experience in Southeast Michigan Perfect for first-time trail runners or chasing a trail PR Celebrate with live bluegrass music under the stars Enjoy post-race cocktails or mocktails in a keepsake mason jar Run club friendly—gather your crew and make it a night out Scenic mix of wide paths and flowing singletrack lit by hundreds of tea lights A race that blends community, adventure, and celebration So grab your headlamp, rally your crew, and get ready to run through the night like an outlaw. At Moonlight
Available Distances
Awards & Prizes
Timing and Awards
The Moonlight Bootlegger 5K will be chip timed by Trivium Racing. Awards to the top 3 overall males, females and non-binary. Awards to the top 3 males and females in the following age groups in each race: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+ Please stick around for the announcements of age group awards as we are unable to mail the award after the event and they will not be available for pickup. Virtual participants will
Participant Giveaway
3.1 Miles: T-Shirt
Virtual 5k: T-Shirt
Virtual Race: T-Shirt
5K: T-Shirt
Registration & Pricing
Distance
Price
Opens
Closes
3.1 Miles
$40.00
Jul 1
Aug 30
$45.00
Aug 31
Oct 31
$48.00
Nov 1
Mar 25
$52.00
Mar 26
May 9
Spectator
$20.00
Jul 1
May 9
Virtual 5k
$35.00
Dec 15
May 14
Spectator (not running)
Past Results
5K
Year
Finishers
Median Time
Fastest Time
2025
336
37:07
20:59
2024
334
38:26
19:58
2023
419
37:58
19:32
2022
418
38:46
17:57
2021
282
37:10
21:12
2020
170
34:34
18:27
2019
389
37:47
20:36
2017
Interested in this race?
$15.00
Oct 24
Jul 20
Virtual Race
$25.00
Mar 3
Jul 21
5K
$46.00
Jul 25
Jul 30
Event Location & Parking
Event Location: 49601 8 Mile Rd Maybury State Park Northville, MI US 48167 Parking is available in either of the two large main lots near the start and finish line. Maybury State Park is part of the MI State Parks System and therefore requires a Recreation Passport for entry.