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Introduction: Raleigh's Night Nation Run at the Koka Booth Amphitheater
The Night Nation Run is more than just a race—it’s an electrifying fusion of fitness, music, and community that lights up the night in cities across the globe. Billed as the world’s first running music festival, it’s designed for those who love to run, dance, and party under the stars. I attended the Raleigh event at the iconic Koka Booth Amphitheatre, eager to experience the high-energy atmosphere, pulsing beats, and glowing neon, making this event a unique adventure. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just in it for the fun, the Night Nation Run promises an unforgettable evening of music, movement, and memories.
The Cause
Taken directly from the Stand Up To Cancer Facebook Page.
The Run supports Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), a nonprofit organization that funds innovative cancer research and treatments. A portion of the event's proceeds go toward this cause, helping to advance life-saving research in the fight against cancer.
Pricing
The website offers several ticket options to cater to different preferences. General Admission tickets provide access to the race and post-race party, including a race bib, glow necklace, and free giveaways. VIP tickets, priced higher, include all the benefits of General Admission plus perks like expedited packet pickup, a premium T-shirt, and exclusive access to a VIP area. Prices vary depending on when you purchase, with early bird rates offering the best deal. Discounts are often available for groups, making it easy to enjoy the event with friends.
For this race, I paid around $75 for a VIP ticket, while regular tickets were initially priced at about $35. As the event date approached, last-minute tickets were still available for around $40, making it an affordable option even for latecomers.
Before the Race
My friend GJ drove up early to catch the Georgia Tech game, so we decided to stop by the MacGregor Draft House, just five minutes from the Koka Booth Amphitheatre. The food and drinks were great, but what really made our visit memorable was a funny mix-up with my beer order.
I ordered an IPA, but just as the waitress went to pour it, the keg kicked. The bartender apologized and brought out the half-poured beer, saying I could have it for free. I then ordered another IPA, and when the waitress brought it out, I started sipping on the first beer. Moments later, the bartender showed up with yet another beer, leaving us all confused. It turns out the waitress had accidentally grabbed the wrong beer earlier, so the one in her hand was actually the one I had ordered.
In the end, I got one and a half beers for free and a good laugh with friends. Not a bad start to our evening!
Next up was a spot I’d been eager to try from my "want to go" list—Asali Desserts & Cafe. This beautiful dessert shop exceeded my expectations with its delicious array of treats and sparkling wine options. The atmosphere was charming, and I’m already planning a return visit. I’m even considering hosting a Meetup here for a delightful afternoon of cutesy desserts and bubbly.
Then GJ mentioned he spotted a gaming bar nearby and suggested we check it out—I'm so glad we did!
Gamers Geekery & Tavern turned out to be an absolute gem, whether you're a hardcore gamer or just a casual player like me. This cozy spot offers a welcoming atmosphere paired with an impressive selection of board games, card games, and video games, making it the perfect place to unwind with friends or family. Add to that their tasty craft beers, creative cocktails, and comforting snacks, and you’ve got the ideal setting for a laid-back evening. We ended up spending a fun-filled hour playing silly games like Exploding Kittens—it was the perfect way to relax and have a few laughs!
All of these venues can be found in what is called the MacGregor Village Shopping Mall.
Parking & Packet Pickup
Parking was right next to the event itself, with minimal walking, and it only cost $15 (not included with VIP). We arrived around 5:30 PM, just as the doors opened for packet pickup. While many had picked up their packets the day before, my VIP ticket allowed for day-of pickup. However, I was disappointed to find that the VIP line was unexpectedly long, with only one station available, while the other lines had more stations and shorter wait times. I paid extra for a smoother check-in, but my friends with lower-tier tickets were in and out while I stood in line for over 15 minutes. I hope the organizers address this issue for future events.
After picking up our packets, we headed back to the car and relaxed while we waited for the official event kickoff and pre-party to start around 6:30 PM.
Food & Drink
Just outside the concert area, there was a variety of food and drink vendors that I hadn’t expected. Had I known, I would have planned a little differently! It was a pleasant surprise, but I wish I’d been more prepared to take full advantage of it.
The Ampitheatre
The Amphitheatre itself (shown above), is a premier outdoor venue for music and concerts. With its picturesque lakeside setting (loved this), it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and top-notch acoustics, creating an unforgettable experience for concertgoers. The venue features a spacious lawn area for relaxed seating, as well as reserved seating closer to the stage. Equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, Koka Booth Amphitheatre provides an exceptional environment for live performances, making it a favorite spot for both artists and audiences alike.
Let the Party Begin!
As mentioned earlier, the pre-party kicked off at 6:30 PM, and it's definitely worth attending, especially if you're not a late-night person like me! This is where I got in most of my dancing, with plenty of energy and excitement in the air. They even tossed out extra T-shirts, glow batons, and other fun gear, making it an early highlight of the night!
Let's Go!
Around 8:00 PM, the race officially began! We were near the stage, which, as it turned out, was on the opposite side from the starting line. This meant it took us a bit longer to get going.
The organizers did a great job of managing the crowd, though—they funneled us into the start area in small groups and released runners in phases to prevent overcrowding and ensure everyone’s safety. While it was a bit of a wait, the process was smooth and well-organized.
The Course
Taken straight from the Night Nation Run Raleigh Website.
This is where I take issue, and why I’m unlikely to participate in the Night Nation Run in Raleigh again if it’s held at the same venue. The trails surrounding the Koka Booth Amphitheatre are rough and feature large, above-ground manholes that were poorly marked—there should have been giant orange cones around them for visibility. Unfortunately, someone near us ran straight into one and went down hard. It looked incredibly painful. Additionally, the pathways were narrow, and the dance stations were cramped, making it far from ideal for running. To top it off, the 5K course required two full laps to complete, which felt unnecessarily repetitive.
Overall, this venue just didn’t work well for this event (in my opinion).
I participated in this event in Norfolk years ago, and I have to say, I definitely preferred that course over the one we just did. The experience there was far more enjoyable and better suited for a run like this.
My Opinion
I had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed myself, but if I decide to do this run again, I'll definitely be exploring other cities for a better overall experience.
Dance Stations
The Night Nation Run is a never ending dance party! Along the route, you'll find dance stations to stop at and take a moment to continue the party.
Also… just between us… most of us only did one lap. It was late, I was tired, and honestly, I wasn’t feeling the whole “repeat the route” thing. Sometimes, you’ve just got to know when to call it a night!
Meetup
What you might not realize is that half of the people in these photos are folks I met just that day! I started a Meetup called "Adventures with Allie," and they decided to join me and my team for the event. The gentleman pictured with me actually runs my old Meetup group, "Bored Nevermore," back in Hampton Roads. I feel so lucky to have friends willing to drive such a long way just to hang out and make new memories together!
Special thanks to GJ and Ashley for being the bestest ever!
What is Meetup.com?
Meetup is an online platform that connects people with shared interests by organizing events and activities in their local communities. Whether you're into hiking, gaming, tech, or socializing, Meetup offers countless groups focused on nearly every interest imaginable. Members can join groups based on their passions, attend events, or even start their own group to bring like-minded individuals together. It’s a great way to make new friends, learn new skills, and explore new hobbies, all while being part of a vibrant community.
I've been doing it for years and love it!
After Party
After you complete the 5k, the night is not at an end!
The after-party is where the event truly shines—literally! After dark, the celebration kicks into high gear with a live DJ setting the tone for an epic dance party. The atmosphere is electric, with lights, fog, cryo effects, and confetti raining down on the crowd. As you dance the night away, giant inflatable balls bounce through the sea of glowing runners, and exciting giveaways add to the fun. The party culminates in a surprise headliner DJ that keeps the energy pumping until the very end. It’s the ultimate way to wrap up a night filled with fitness, music, and unforgettable memories.
We stayed and soaked up the energy for as long as we could, but eventually, we had to tear ourselves away from the fun. With an hour’s drive ahead and exhaustion setting in, it was time to call it a night, even though the party was still in full swing.
In Conclusion
What a fun night!
A big thank you to everyone who came out and made it truly unforgettable.
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