
With the state of Nevada in “Phase 2” of its COVID-19 coronavirus reopening plan, Calico Racing announced its signature ET Full Moon 5K/10K/Half Marathon/Marathon will kick off the return to live racing.
On Aug. 1, participants will make their way to Rachel, Nevada for a midnight race start. Runners and fast walkers will then cruise along Highway 375, a.k.a. “The Extraterrestrial Highway” known for countless UFO sightings over the decades and its proximity to “Area 51.” A virtual race option for any distance is also available.
Each year, Calico Racing produces eight to 11 running events in iconic locations in the southern Nevada, and with a variety of distances on scenic courses.

Race Director Shares Event Details
In an email dated June 22, Calico Racing founder and race director Joyce Forier expressed her appreciation for the running community’s support, and explained how the race will be conducted, the safety measures she’s putting into place, and more:
“It has been an extremely long and challenging 4 months for all of us and we have all had our unique challenges. The challenges are not over yet, but Calico Racing is looking ahead to welcoming you to the start line at a LIVE event soon!
“During the past months I have been regularly attending bi-weekly Zoom calls and webinars with top industry leaders in the mass participation event space. Together I have collaborated with leaders from across the globe as we script and propose our own industry specific best practices going forward.
“I am grateful for the many of you who have participated in our Global Running Rox Relay, Vintage Vegas Virtual Slam, and the Virtual Purple Run. I’ve really enjoyed engaging with many of you and keeping each other focused and positive. I’ve missed seeing everyone, and I am beyond excited to return to the start line to welcome ALL of you!
“NEVADA’S PHASE 2: On May 29 Nevada entered our version of Phase 2 Re-Opening. As all states’ version of the phases is different, here is what it means as it pertains to Nevada racing: For events such as mine, there is not specific or clear guidance on outdoor participatory sporting events. Rather , the guideline is gatherings allowed up to 50 people. Phase 2 is in effect until June 30, at which time we are hopeful that restrictions will be lessened, and larger gathering numbers allowed.
“RETURN TO RACING: Even if we stay in Phase 2, Calico Racing anticipates being able to resume our calendar of events, starting on August 1 with ET! Based on the gathering sizes permitted at race time, we may need to implement smaller wave starts to be compliant. However, with our usual boutique sized races, with multiple distances and staggered starts, the implementation of wave starts will not differ too much from the race format you’ve always experienced with Calico Racing. Of course other safety measures will additionally be implemented, and shared publicly as race day approaches.
“RETURN TO RACE SPECIFIC EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS: The last 4 months I have paused any emails and promotions regarding live events, given the uncertainty. I am 90% confident we will be racing again, resuming our live race calendar with ET on August 1, unless we go backwards. Therefore in the coming days and weeks I will be resuming our event specific emails and reminders.
“I would like for you to register with confidence. As a reminder, please review our COVID-19 promise:
“COVID-19 PROMISE: As the COVID-19 global pandemic is still unfolding, Calico Racing’s promise to you:
- If we are forced to cancel or postpone the event, registrants will receive a 100% transfer of the net entry fee/ add-ons paid into ANY Calico Racing event, good for 1 year (USA), or 2 years (International), based on address on your registration. The entry fee of the race that you are transferring into will be determined by the pricing schedule for that event on the date you complete your registration into the new race. No refund of any difference, if applicable, will be issued.
- We will continue to keep you informed as information becomes available and decisions are made.
- Once we are finally able to race, we will continue to provide you with a clean and safe environment to race; and will implement additional measures to ensure the health and safety of our community as necessary.
- For all races going forward that are fully executed, we have also added another layer to our already generous transfer policy. We now additionally offer a percentage transfer voucher into another race if notice is received between 72 hours and 14 days prior to race day. This is to encourage participants to do the socially responsible thing and not race if they are feeling sick. You can find that complete policy here: www.calicoracing.com/policies
“I am counting down the days until I can see my Calico Racing Family again!”
For more information about the ET Full Moon and other races, visit CalicoRacing.com.