The Nike After Dark Tour is returning in 2026, with Sydney once again hosting a major stop on the global race calendar.
Created to celebrate and inspire women in running, the series will bring nighttime race experiences to seven cities around the world: Shanghai, Sydney, Mexico City, London, Los Angeles, Manila and Mumbai.
The global tour combines running with music, culture and community, making each event a high-energy evening held under the lights. Each stop offers a unique experience designed to celebrate women in sport while encouraging runners of all levels to take part.
In Sydney, participants will tackle a half marathon distance, while other cities will host a mix of 10K and half-marathon events. The full lineup for 2026 includes:
- Shanghai — 10K
- Sydney — Half Marathon
- Mexico City — 21K
- London — 10K
- Los Angeles — Half Marathon
- Manila — 10K
- Mumbai — 10K
Now entering its second year, the series builds on Nike’s long history of supporting women’s running. Between 2005 and 2015, the brand hosted a series of women’s races across major cities worldwide. The launch of the After Dark Tour in 2025 revived that legacy, introducing a new generation of runners to events designed specifically with women in mind.
According to Nike Pacific Run Coach Lydia O’Donnell, the first year of the tour demonstrated just how powerful that focus can be.
“As a Nike Run Coach, I had the privilege of being part of the inaugural Nike After Dark Tour last year in Sydney, Mexico City and Los Angeles,” O’Donnell said. “The tour brought together more than 50,000 runners across seven races on five continents, with nearly half signing up because they were inspired by a series built for women — something I’ll always be proud to be part of.”
For 2026, the focus will remain on enhancing the race experience for female runners from start to finish.
“Nike continues to evolve and innovate for runners, and in 2026 we’re building on that momentum with an even stronger focus on enhancing the race experience for her — from registration through to the finish line — without ever losing the energy and atmosphere that makes it so special,” O’Donnell said. “Wherever you are on your running journey, we’re here to support you, and I hope to see you on the start line.”
Beyond the race itself, each event on the tour is designed to feel like a full celebration of running culture. Participants can expect curated pre-race moments, high-energy on-course entertainment and post-race celebrations that highlight movement, confidence and community.
More information about race dates and registration for the 2026 Nike After Dark Tour is available at the official event website.
