From the very first year with 350 runners to now welcoming over 1,600, this one-of-a-kind local favorite has grown into so much more than just a race—it’s a full-on experience.
This year’s course gave runners a little something new with a small hill on the course, followed by the tree-lined Mopac Trail that runners have come to love. Starting in the daylight, the race quickly transformed into an adventure under the harvest moon. Picture it: runners lining up with headlamps aglow, fog cannons blasting as the Pink Gorilla signals the start, and the contagious energy rolling through Elmwood, Nebraska. For one night each year, this small town becomes the epicenter of racing excitement.
The dark stretches of the trail lit only by the glow of headlamps brought an eerie, thrilling vibe—like autumn magic in motion. And then came the celebration: live music, cold beer, smoky barbecue, and the camaraderie of hundreds of runners soaking it all in. The post-race party is every bit as memorable as the run itself.
Behind the scenes, it takes a lot of people to make the Harvest Moon Hustle possible: 1,607 runners, 10 non-profits, 21 sponsors, 20+ vendors, 12 permit holders & facilities, 21 part-time staff, and 97 volunteers. Our Pink Gorilla team puts in over 700 hours of planning and 200 hours of setup, race day, and teardown—all so you can have the best possible experience.
We are so grateful you chose to make us part of your running journey, whether you chased a PR, soaked up the night run vibes, or simply came to celebrate with friends. Thank you for trusting us, cheering with us, and spreading the word about our races.
We love making this event special every year, and we can’t wait to see you at the next Pink Gorilla Event!
— Linda