Stars at Night Half
About the event
Building on the success of the first two years of the Spa Girl Tri at the JW Marriott Resort and Spa, the race organizer envisioned a new event: a half marathon held on the resort’s golf course—famously home to the Valero Texas Open. But this race would offer a unique twist: it would take place at night, on an illuminated course beneath the vast Texas sky. Much like Spa Girl, it would be a “race-cation,” designed to offer a festive and memorable experience. Scheduled the weekend before Christmas, the event aimed to become a new tradition for families welcoming out-of-town guests. In 2013, that vision came to life with the launch of Illuminations, later renamed The Stars at Night Half. As with all the other running events, a 5k and 10k were added for a shorter option and named St. Nick at Night.
As the run kicks off at dusk, the vast Texas night sky gradually unfolds overhead, wrapping runners in a canopy of stars as the course comes alive with glowing lights. Participants embrace the nighttime and holiday spirit, arriving in bright, festive costumes that add to the
magic of the evening. Snaking their way through the illuminated path, runners create a moving ribbon of color and cheer. Along the way, the resort enhances the experience with winter-themed exhibits that entertain and delight, especially as runners weave near the resort lobby and make their way toward the glowing finish line.
After crossing the finish line, participants are rewarded with more than just a festive medal—they’re treated to delicious tacos, rich hot chocolate, and an array of mouthwatering culinary delights crafted by the resort, making for a truly celebratory and satisfying end to the night.
The resort’s stunning setting enhances the experience, adding a layer of warmth and familiarity that keeps the running tradition alive between runners and families who return to compete in the festive atmosphere every year.
About the race
Building on the success of the first two years of the Spa Girl Tri at the JW Marriott Resort and Spa, the race organizer envisioned a new event: a half marathon held on the resort’s golf course—famously home to the Valero Texas Open. But this race would offer a unique twist…
My role in this event
Proud to have collaborated with the race organizer/owner of this race from the ground-up from 2013 - 2022. I was the sole creator of all race swag and signage during those years.
I volunteered at every event we hosted, and when the race organizer mentioned the need to rename the race due to a new Christmas walk through light show also using that name, my mind immediately went to the vast Texas night sky that runners experience on the course. It felt only fitting to call it The Stars at Night, inspired by the iconic Texas song with the beloved lyrics: “The stars at night are big and bright (clap clap clap clap) deep in the heart of Texas!” It captured the spirit of the event—and the state—perfectly.
There’s something magical about Christmas time, and I’ve always felt that this race brought out some of my best creative work—including some of my favorite medal designs, like the half marathon globe. The festive spirit, paired with the nighttime setting, made it the perfect backdrop for imaginative and meaningful design.
Since the 5K and 10K runners finished well before the half marathoners, I designed the race bibs with intentional color cues: the 5K bibs featured the darkest tones, the 10K had slightly brighter designs, and the half marathon bibs used the brightest colors—typically yellow. This not only helped volunteers quickly identify and direct runners on course but also ensured half marathoners stood out, making it easier to direct them on the dark course.
I’ve always loved the festive energy and intricate details of Christmas patterns, which inspired the tree logo and the layered decorative elements within it. That same inspiration carried through to several medal ribbons over the years, adding a playful, joyful feel that paired the spirit of the season and the race perfectly.
My role in this event
Proud to have collaborated with the race organizer/owner from the ground-up between 2013 - 2022. I was the sole creator of all race swag and signage during those years.
Since the 5K and 10K runners finished before night fully set in and the half marathoners well after dark, I designed the race bibs with intentional color cues. The 5K bibs featured the darkest tones, the 10K had slightly brighter designs, and the half marathon bibs used the brightest colors. This not only helped volunteers quickly identify and direct runners on course but also ensured half marathoners stood out, making it easier to direct them on the dark course.
