Nocturnal 12

Obatron Productions' exercise arm, Obatron Fitness, is proud to present Nocturnal 12, a 12-hour fixed time race. Walker and mobility-impaired friendly. Diet sensitive. Hosted on Lake Ontario State Parkway Trail at Island Cottage Road to Dewey (43°16'21.2"N 77°39'42.3"W). Scroll for LOTS of details and see the menu sections for even more.

Most questions are answered here including:

• How it Works
• What You Get
• Discount Offers and Referrals
• Awards
• Sponsors
• Additional Details

How It Works

Fixed time races allow walkers and runners to traverse a loop, circuit, or other route that brings them back to a given start point repeatedly throughout the time allotted. Many allow you to stop during the race, leave the course, and return to do more miles. Some even allow you to start later than the official race start time. Most let you stop whenever you want and have whatever mileage you completed as of the last time through the start stand as your finish distance, even if that's only once through. Typically, your distance is calculated by multiplying the number of times you finished the route by the distance of the route as determined by the race director or other official. That means if your watch shows you did 39.77 miles, but you did 19 laps on a 2.06-mile course, then you will be recorded as having 39.14 miles.

What That Means for Distance 

Our course is 2.06 miles long (1.03 out and another 1.03 back) along the paved Lake Ontario State Parkway Trail in Greece. To be considered a finisher, you must finish at least one out-and-back lap. Do as many laps as you want within the 12-hour time limit. Only completed laps count.

When/Where to Race, Packet Details & Food

Parking: Park on the wide shoulder on Island Cottage Road. The race takes place on the Lake Ontario State Parkway Trail from Island Cottage Road to Dewey Avenue. The race starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, and ends at 5 a.m. on Sunday, October 18. 

Late Night Munchies: Racers will have an all-night aid station. At registration, you'll have choices about dietary specifications. If you make no choices, we'll default to a traditional, unrestricted diet. If you choose contradictory things (vegan and traditional, for example), we'll default to traditional. Sample items include English Muffin or Mini Tortilla Pizzas, instant coffee, cookies, Gatorade, and cracker sandwiches. 

Check-in/Packet Pick-up: Packets will be available 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. and will include the race bib and some goodies for race night. You can show up after 4:45 p.m., but you will not be able to start until the race director can stop what she's doing and check you in.

Other: Unclaimed registrations or prizes will not be shipped or held. 

What You Get

Individual Racers

• Medallion: A wooden keepsake medallion.
• Shirt: Nocturnal 12 shirt in men's or women's sizing (whether performance material or other will depend upon availability at time of shirt cutoff); an alternate keepsake may be provided for those who miss the shirt cutoff (usually October 2, extended to 10/6 for 2025).
• Late Night Munchies: A variety of night-time munchies to keep you moving.
• Packet Expanders: Surprise items to round out your experience in keeping with a night-time theme.
• Earned Extras: Opportunities to earn raffle tickets that get you more swag and chances to receive premier prizes from Obatron Fitness and any sponsors, predominantly through the Obatron Fitness Facebook Group.  See Sponsors Prizes for Earned Extras below for more information. Examples of possible opportunities:
  • trivia
  • image scavenger hunt
  • multiple questions throughout the in-person race weekend
  • pre- and post-race activities
• Race bib
• Digital finisher's certificate for each race (ready the after the race)
• RunGoo discount (See Sponsors from menu)
• RoadID discount (See Sponsors from menu)
• Facebook group to interact with fellow racers and their supporters as well as participate in challenges, ask questions, and get updates.
• Cumulative Mileage Tokens: Earn tokens for making certain "landmark" distances such as 5K, 13.1 miles, 26.2 miles, and 50K. Items vary each year, but examples are keychains, socks, and mugs. One definite? Make it to 50 miles or more in 12 hours and you will get a Nocturnal 12 sweatshirt, blanket, or similar item.
• Special Night Owl Award: Racers who are on the course throughout the night for at least part of every race hour will go home with a plush, squishy, or similar owl.
• Optional space to set up your own aid station or tent. You may consider staying until sunrise although the event is over at 5 a.m.

Teams (Groups)

Teams are groups of four or more people who each do as much as they can throughout the 12-hour limit. (It's not a relay. Perhaps in the future, if there's enough interest and I can wrangle timing help.) Teams must be registered by 9/30 to be guaranteed team tokens or prizes as we have to order and/or create them. Besides the things individual racers get, teams also get:

• Team token
• Team standings if there is more than one
• Small prize for team members with the most participation in Earned Extras Posts, if at least three teams are formed.
• Team captains and members get bonus raffle tickets

Prizes for Earned Extras Participants and Racer Raffle

Prizes may include skin care items, sweet treats, stress relief trinkets, an entry into another Obatron Fitness race or training, RunGoo by Foot Kinetics, and other items to be determined annually. All racers get tickets for registering and have chances to earn more through social media participation and donating to Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf.

Discount Offers & Referrals

Being Part of a Team
Teams with four or more members get discounted registration. The first three people pay the price in effect for the race (Ex. $200). When the fourth person registers, that person pays the team rate (Ex. $190) and the first three people get a partial refund (Ex. $10). The fifth, sixth, and seventh members pay the same team rate as the fourth person (Ex. $190). However, when an eighth person joins, that person pays a new, lower rate (Ex. $175), triggering a partial refund to the first seven members ($15). In that way, the entire team would have paid the same price per person after all team discounts have been triggered, excluding any coupons or other discounts individual registrants might have had (Ex. $175 instead of $200). There are no further discounts for additional members. 

Being in a Club
If you are a member of any club with a presence on RunSignUp (ex. GRRC, Fleet Feet Race Team, Medved, or Obatron Race Team), you get a discount at checkout for that. If you join a team within this race at registration, you get partial refunds when you get to enough people (detailed earlier in this section).

Referrals
You may earn back some of your registration by having other racers use your personal referral link, generated after you register. See the "Referrals" section for more information.

Caveats
While club and team discounts, coupons, and referral rebates may be combined, there is a discount floor to ensure we are fiscally responsible with our pricing. For example, if you could get a total of $11 off a race that only costs $16 to begin with and our floor is $10, you would pay $10, not $5 ($16-11).

Awards

Overall Performance: There will be a small token of placement for the top three highest overall finishers, irrespective of gender. 

Teams: If there are three or more teams formed, there will be a small bonus prize for members of the most active group in the Earned Extras challenges. If there are five or more, there will be acknowledgement of the Top and Tenacious Team finishes. If only one or two teams are formed, there will be no planned prizes.

Personal Aid Station: It's near Halloween, so a perfect time to decorate! Whether it's a single chair, a lonely ice chest, or a whole tent, decorate your personal aid station for a chance to win a special prize. Bonus points for decorating yourself, too! There will be a small prize for Best Decorating.

Sponsors

As our sponsors come on board and provide logos, a full list will be available on our sponsors page. If you know someone who you think would be a good sponsor, let them know to contact the race director at vickey@obatron.com. Sponsors provide discounts, prizes, or cash and make their clients aware of the event in exchange for advertising and an optional discount for their clients. 

Additional Details

Changes and Updates

I will post additional details as they are finalized. Any changes will be updated here, on the Obatron Fitness Facebook page, in our Facebook group, and communicated through RunSignUp messaging.

Restroom Needs

There will be a portable toilet on site and a separate handwashing station near the aid station. Please note: temperatures in October can be rather chilly and the water will not be particularly warm. We'll add hot water as we're able to take the chill off without melting the water container. Camp safe soap will be provided.

Training

For those wanting formal training, contact us and we can get you on our schedule for group or personal coaching in Greece. Remote coaching also possible.

Join the fun of interacting with other racers and the joy of challenges. We offer several activity options for participants whether they are local or not! The challenges for will be added as the race weekend nears. Following we describe how to rack up points and what they're for.

Earned Extras

1. Who can earn points? Anyone registered for Nocturnal 12 can play along with the points challenge and earn extras.

2. What kind of things might I earn? Prizes include skin care items, sweeet treats, stress relief tokens, training or event registration from Obatron Fitness (us!), RunGoo by Foot Kinetics, and other items to be determined. Items are sorted into tiers.

3. How do tiers work? Typically, there are seven tiers with point values from 10 through 250. The first several tiers guarantee you a specific prize. The final two are for chances to receive the premier prizes (race entry and training, for example). Prizes increase in value as you make it to each tier. Items range from the funny frivolous to surprisingly useful to Oh, I WANT That! We sometimes change the number of tiers and point values based on the kind of race offered and amount of lead-up/follow-up that makes sense for a given race.

4. Where do we earn the extras? Racers with Facebook should join Obatron Fitness Conversation Space where they will find Points Posts. If you do not have Facebook, you can contact us for an alternate means of playing along. All who enter their race times automatically get the first tier of the Earned Extras. It's also possible that in-person races will vary from virtual races in how EEs work or that there is an alternative handling of EEs when offering a given race in both formats.

5. What kinds of things do we do to earn the extras? There are generally a few categories of items: Pre-Race, During Race, Post-Race, and Random Fun.

• Pre-Race Example: Post a picture of your flat racer, which is your intended race attire laid out. That can be just your shirt and shorts or your hat, sunglasses, shirt, jacket, tights, belt, bib, socks, shoes, and water bottle. You decide how elaborate you want to be!
• During Race Example: A picture you took of yourself or scenery while you were racing.
• Post-Race Example: Provide a race report telling us about your experience. It can be a few short sentences or a novella.
• Random Fun Examples: Post a picture of flowers in the snow. Tell us if you'd rather race on a hilly, flat, or half and half route.

Questions Answered Here (Scroll for Q&A.)

Can I race before the scheduled start?
Can I start late?
Can I race a given distance for a different virtual race and use it here, too, or race your in-person and use it for a virtual?
What's the Facebook group for all of the points stuff?
So, what is this about points and Earned Extras?
When will bibs be ready?
What advice to you have for fixed time/ultra distance races?
What about spectators?
What about pacers?
Do I have to do the whole thing?
Are there prizes?
What about parking?
What's the path like?
What if I sign up and don't show?
What about future dates?

Q. Can I race before the scheduled start?
A. No. If you start before the start, that's called a warm-up. ;) 

Q. Can I start late?
A. Yes!  However, you will have to wait until the RD or a volunteer can check you in. 

Q. What's the Facebook group for all of the points stuff?
A. We transitioned to https://www.facebook.com/groups/obatronfitnessconversationspace from our first series. This way, people won't have to join a new group every time we have a new race or series.

Q. So what is this about points and Earned Extras?
A. We used to award points for participation in activities prior to the race and have tiers where you got automatic goodies at each level. When we started having in-person races, we realized it didn't work as effectively or efficiently as we needed it to, so now you earn raffle tickets for participating and then choose what items you hope to win during the race.

Q. When will bibs be ready?
A. Printed bibs are provided on race day at packet pick-up.

Q. What advice to you have for fixed time/ultra distance races?
A. A lot! But we'll try to keep this relatively brief.

• Relax and have fun.
• Bring extra clothes in case you're super sweaty and dirty, get wet from weather, have a wardrobe malfunction, and/or need something to change into when you're done.
• Be prepared to walk and rest. Twelve hours is a long time, if you choose to go that long.
• Blisters and chafing hurt! Bring your favorite prevention items.
• If you take medicines, be sure to have them safely accessible for if you need them.
• Make friends! Even if it's only in your head (hey, not everyone is comfortable starting conversations with random people), sharing the same 2-ish miles for hours on end will make folks seem familiar at some point for most of us. Even giving a nod, wave, thumbs-up, or tired smile all lift our spirits and the recipients'. 
• Get sleep! Seriously, take a nap during the day before you head to the start, if at all possible.
• Alter your eating schedule in the 24 hours before the race to line up with what you normally do for a long race or workout that would start at a more customary time. (Don't eat anything unfamiliar, though. That can wreck your GI tract's process.)
• Don't bring so many extra things that you are worn out by the time you set up or that you'll regret having to haul back to your vehicle when you're done. Most people only need a chair, change of clothes/shoes, any medicines they normally take, and any special foods/drinks the race doesn't show they'll have. (But leave the alcohol or other recreational consumables at home; we're not interested in dealing with any of that!) And a tarp in case it rains. Some folks bring tents. Most barely use theirs. 

Q: What about spectators?
A: We love them! But they need to be mindful of other racers. No smoking, drinking, or other imbibing at the race. If they're going to hang out for quite a while, we'd welcome them to be volunteers, too! Then they get goodies for supporting you and chances at raffle items to boot.

Q: What about pacers?
A: We don't allow pacers. If you need someone to accompany you so you can reach your goal, that person needs to register for the race. That said, someone joining you for a lap or two throughout the race is reasonable.

Q. Do I have to do the whole thing?
A. No! It starts at 5 p.m. and that's the best time to start so you don't have to wait for the race director to check you in after the race has begun. However, you can come later and leave anytime. You can even come and go. However, raffles may be held for each hour a racer is present when it starts (so 5 p.m., 6 p.m., etc.) or randomly as the RD can get it done. Also, there is a special prize for those true night owls (See Prizes). Racers need to let the RD know when they are calling it quits if they aren't hanging in for the very end.

Q: Are there prizes?
A: Yes! We have an overall prize for first through third places, irrespective of gender. We also have mileage tokens as you hit various milestones. If you bring a personal aid station - whether it's as simple as a cooler or as complex as a 10x10 tent decked out with panels and tables - you can decorate it for our Decorating Contest. Finally, you can earn raffle tickets for showing up, bringing donations for our local food shelf, and participating in our Earned Extras posts at our Facebook group, Obatron Fitness Conversation Space. Oh! And there's a True Night Owl goodie. To earn that, you have to be getting your miles underway for at least a portion of each hour of the race. Simply still being there is not enough. (Ex. Someone can start a lap at 12:45 a.m. and finish it at 1:25 a.m. and rest until going out again at 2 a.m., and that would get them the 12 a.m. to 1 am., the 1 a.m. to 2 a.m., and 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. hours.) 

Q. What about parking?
A. Parking is along the west side of Island Cottage Road, facing the proper way (south, the same direction as if you were driving). There will be a section for loading/unloading near the start where drivers are asked not to park. To get to the unloading zone, Google Maps gives these coordinates: 43.270446, -77.660644. You can use the link from Bill Grey's on Latta to what Google is naming 390 Trail (not actually correct, but that's how they've labeled it) and change the Bill Grey's to your address. Do not block the crosswalk. See map image at Courses page.

Q. What's the path like?
A. The 2.06-mile path is paved and includes two bridges. We do not cross any roads! We use the stretch between Island Cottage Road and Dewey Avenue, making a U-turn after passing the posts in the middle of the path at each end. There are no streetlights in the area and no pedestrian lights along the path. When you get to the Dewey Ave. end, there is some light in the distance from the road and plaza. The entire path is along a wilderness preserve, other woods, and field. There are two brief stretches that are along Lake Ontario State Parkway where the surrounding areas are more open. Due to the number of deciduous trees, there is an excellent chance there will be leaves, twigs, nuts, and possibly even a few smaller branches on the path. Be mindful of such things. The path is open to the public, but we do not expect much traffic during the race. See aerial image at Courses page.

Q. What if I sign up and don't show?
A. It's like buying a ticket to a concert and not showing up: you miss out on whatever you would have experienced, including shirts that are race gifts - not purchases - and medallions that are finishers' tokens. Any shirts, swag, etc. not picked up by the end of the race may be offered to those looking to exchange sizes or who missed the shirt cutoff. For that reason, we strongly recommend buying the insurance. Another option is to transfer your registration to someone else. We do not charge for that!

Q. What about future dates?
A. Here are the expected dates for future races. Please note, we make every effort to host the race as scheduled, but ultimately, it's up to the approving authorities and the possibility that something unexpected occurs to alter the date. Generally, we aim for the third weekend of October.
2026: 10/17 & 18
2027: 10/16 & 17
2028:  10/21 & 22 
2029: 10/20 & 21
2030: 10/19 & 20

At Obatron Productions, we believe in friendly competition. To that end, following is a list of nearby fixed time races within the Greater Rochester area (Monroe County and its contiguous counties) that we've personally done or know the directors well enough to vouch for them putting on quality events. That said, our experience isn't a guarantee that you'll love them as much as we do, but we sure hope that's the case!

April - New in 2026 - ROCovery #OMAAT 24-Hour Run/Walk Challenge, Fairport, 24-hour race on mixed, mostly flat terrain in a public park; ROCovery has been a Nocturnal 12 sponsor in support of an event that provides a substance-free environment for all racers and volunteers

May - Mind the Ducks, Webster, 12-hour race on a paved 1-mile course; this is a Greater Rochester Running Club race where members get discounts

June - 9 Hours for 9 Lives, Shortsville, 9-hour race on predominantly cross-country and trail terrain with a light smattering of gravel and dirt stretches; former GRRC race still offering members discounts (also Medved team discounts)

July - Candlelight, Rush, 12- or 24-hour race on mostly paved or packed earth trails through Rotary Sunshine Camp; also offers a relay; sister race to Mind the Ducks, this is also a Greater Rochester Running Club race where members get discounts

September - Sleigh Me, 6- to 48-hour race on cross-country and relatively flat, rooty trail terrain at the Shortsville Reindeer Farm; former GRRC race still offering members discounts (also Medved team discounts)

October - Nocturnal 12 (that's us!), Greece, 12-hour overnight on a paved, 2.06-mile trail bordering a wilderness preserve; offers discounts to GRRC, Medved, RRC, and pretty much any club that's on RunSignup

November - Bound for the Hounds, Shortsville, 6-hour on a paved trail along a creek and through woods; former GRRC race still offering members discounts (also Medved team discounts)

Our races stared as virtual the year they were intended to debut in person. To differentiate ours from all the others, we developed Earned Extras: extra things people could earn by getting a certain number of points for doing various things to make the experience fuller and interactive. Since transitioning to in person only races, we've transformed the program to earning extra raffle tickets for our free racer raffle based on participation in various activities. All racers get tickets just for showing up! 

Following are images of the sorts of things you might find at the raffle table, in your packet, or as milestone tokens. 

Perfectly Posh Samples on Hats for Holiday Cookie 5 & 10 (above): An example of the kinds of things we've provided as Earned Extras and perks.

Holiday Cookie 5 & 10 Display Shared by Racer Debra Connell, 2021.

Spring Thaw Swag Display by Racer Debra Connell, 2021.

If you refer a participant using your personalized referral link, you will get a portion of your registration back and my appreciation when they register, up to $5, depending on early bird pricing, discounts, and number of registrants using your link. 

Although this is a virtual race, we recognize life happens and come race weekend, you may not be able to race. Following are our policies and options. If you still have questions, you can contact us via the contact link on the first page.

Refunds

Refunds are not offered. However, if you opt for insurance and need to cancel, your policy may cover you.

Deferrals

Deferrals will be offered only to if the race is cancelled for any reason.

Transfers

Transfers are permitted at NO charge if done seven or more days before the race. If you need to transfer seven or fewer days before the race, contact us. We'll see what we can do.

Insurance

This is offered at registration. If you have any qualms about the prospect of your race fee being forfeited because you can't make it as planned and you don't want to find someone to transfer it to, you should really get the insurance. It covers most things that aren't simply "I changed my mind." 

Nocturnal 12: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/4632090556 - In Greece, NY: Largely flat, wide, smooth paved path parallel to, but separate from Lake Ontario State Parkway. The section of Lake Ontario State Parkway Trail we are using is located between Island Cottage Road and Dewey Avenue in Greece, NY. On Google Maps, the trailhead is labeled as part of the 390 Trail, despite the onsite signage showing it as LOSP Trail. (Click the "On Google Maps" link and change the starting address to yours. Google Maps also shows 3.270446, -77.660644 at the coordinates. Compare the map below to what your GPS shows for best results.) Park on the west shoulder of Cottage Island Road before the trailhead, which would then be on your right. Be mindful of traffic as it comes up behind you!

Safety: The path is NOT lit. You will need a headlamp or flashlight. It is autumn. Wet leaves or fallen twigs/nuts could create a slipping hazard. There are two short segments with about 10-15' of grass between the nearest edge of the path and the shoulder of the parkway. We will have markings to alert drivers to the edge of the road out of an abundance of caution. The rest of the path is either blocked by trees, a guard rail, or much more distance from the road. See the map in satellite view to get a clear idea of the area.

Environment: This is in the wilderness. There is a nearby pond, marshy areas, a creek, two bridges, open field, and trees. It is possible bugs will still make a visit. Chances are good you'll hear nightlife such as frogs and toads. You may even hear an owl! The path is NOT closed to the public. It is possible you'll have cyclists and other pedestrians, especially before most folks' bedtimes.

Aid Station: The aid station is at the Island Cottage Road end of the path, which is also check-in. There will be a variety of typical ultra fare: cookies, chips, fruit, candy, flat soda, water, Gatorade, and pickles. There will be hot foods/beverages at specific times throughout the race. There will be additional items to be determined. There will be one port-a-potty unless we get enough racers to warrant a second one.

Turnaround: The turnaround points are the permanently installed posts in the path on each end between Island Cottage and Dewey. The Dewey end will have some light from the lamp across the street.

Tents (Personal Aid Station): You are permitted to bring a tent and set up near the aid station, but space may be limited, depending upon turnout. The grass may be tall, so bear that in mind. Most people really only need enough space for a chair and a few personal belongings, possibly covered by a tarp. Remember, whatever you bring in, you have to take out. After you're tired. In the dark. Maybe by yourself. There's also a decorating contest for your personal aid station.

Okay, if you really want to, you can stay after the race is officially over so you don't have to leave in the dark and so you can get some shuteye before hitting the road. But all the other stuff is still true!

Map of Race Headquarters (Aid Station, starting area, parking, etc.)

Aerial View of Course

PDF linked is to the headquarters/unloading map.

We are not setting up a donations page this time. However, following are the three locations we frequently encourage folks to consider. If you are interested in providing a physical donation or a check payable to Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf at packet pickup, we'll be happy to deliver it to the Greece location and give you some extra raffle tickets!

While not a non-profit, we want to take this opportunity to give back to the towns that served as inspiration for our first races. As walkers and runners, we know the importance of food to fuel our bodies to enable us to do our best. It's in that spirit that we invite you to contribute via the donation option upon registering or to bring one or more items from each organization's needs list to the race with you. We will do our best to provide the latest needs as we get closer.

Hilton: Hilton-Parma Emergency Foodshelf

URGENT NEEDS​

• Baked Beans
• Canned Pasta
• Canned Stew, Chili, Hash
  Macaroni and Cheese
• Rice

ADDITIONAL NEEDS

• Canned Fruit
• Oatmeal
• Peanut Butter and Jelly
• Paper Products (Toilet Paper, Paper Towels)
• Personal Hygiene Items (Deodorant (especially women's), Shampoo, Toothpaste)

Greece

Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf

Preference of normal (not family) size items as most consist of 1-4 people. Needs:

• Canned pasta
• Stew
• Chili
• Canned fruit
• Baked beans
• Instant mashed potatoes

Spencerport

Spencerport Cartons for Christmas

Although it's a Christmas program, any financial donations given at other times help the organization get ready for their next endeavor. 

Packet Pick-up: Packet Pick-up is on the day of the race only. The race starts at 5 p.m. Racers should be prepared to get their packets 4:15-4:45 p.m. so that they have time to don their bibs, stash their goodies, and put tickets into the raffle containers before they start their race. Racers can get there early to set up their personal aid stations and get the lay of the land. If you choose to come later, your start may be delayed as the RD will have to check you in when she has the chance.