The Night Owl 5KM returns to Halifax on March 21, 2026, for its sixth running under the Blue Nose Marathon Society. Launched in 2021, the Night Owl grew out of a desire to keep the running community engaged after the pandemic and has become a staple early-season, after-dark race on the Halifax Peninsula.

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This is a single-day, in-person 5-kilometre run and walk that starts at 7:30 PM in Point Pleasant Park. The route winds along the park’s mixed road and trail surfaces and finishes near the lower parking area off Point Pleasant Drive. The event is chip-timed and also offers a virtual option; participants can switch to the virtual event at no cost by contacting the race team. Kit pick-up is held during race week with scheduled times at a local pickup location.

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What sets Night Owl apart is the nocturnal, community-forward atmosphere: runners light up the park with headlamps and reflective gear, volunteers marshal the route with safety vests and provided lights, and finishers receive Night Owl-branded swag and a customised medal. The event supports local causes — recent editions have included fundraising for Hope for Wildlife — and keeps a family-friendly tone while enforcing safety rules (headlamps or other visibility required).

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Registration is open for the 2026 race; space is limited, so runners are encouraged to register early and confirm kit pick-up times. Runners who register by the personalized-bib deadline will receive a name-printed race bib; full race-day logistics, kit-pickup windows, and participant instructions are available through the official Night Owl event page.

• Start/finish near the lower parking area of Point Pleasant Park (access via Point Pleasant Drive).
• 5-kilometre out-and-around course mixing paved park roads and compacted trail sections through Point Pleasant Park.
• Night-time running requires headlamps or other visible lighting for all participants; volunteers wear safety vests and provided lights.
• Chip-timed course with hydration and nutrition available at the finish line.

• Nocturnal route through Point Pleasant Park: A 5KM course that winds along the park’s scenic road and trail sections under headlamp light.
• Chip-timed race: Official timing for accurate results and post-race placings.
• Night Owl swag and medal: Entry includes a branded swag item and a thoughtfully designed finisher medal.
• Personalized bib option: Receive a name-printed race bib if registered by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
• Finish-line refreshments: Hydration and post-race food are provided to all finishers.