Trail Running Calendar Arizona 2026-2027

Embark on an exhilarating journey through some of Arizona's most scenic routes with our comprehensive Trail Running Calendar for 2026-2027. With 89 diverse trail running events spread across the Grand Canyon State, you're sure to find the perfect race that aligns with your schedule and fitness level.

In the vibrant city of Phoenix, trail runners can explore the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert, with routes offering breathtaking vistas and challenging elevations. Not far behind, Tucson's trail running scene is adorned with the picturesque trails of Saguaro National Park and the Santa Catalina Mountains, promising runs that are as scenic as they are invigorating. Runners in Mesa and Chandler have the advantage of the sprawling trails in the Superstition Wilderness.

Trail enthusiasts in Scottsdale are spoiled with the McDowell Sonoran Preserve's extensive network of pathways, each offering a unique desert running experience. Meanwhile, Glendale's proximity to the White Tank Mountain Regional Park affords trail runners a chance to immerse themselves in the serene Arizona outdoors.

Run under the stars at Usery Mountain Regional Park. Choose from four distances on a flat, fast course through the desert trails. This event is part of the summer Insomniac Night Trail Run Series.

August 2026

This 50k trail run takes you through the Sierra Prieta mountains near Prescott, Arizona. It is scheduled for a late summer date in August 2026.

September 2026

Event Overview The Mogollon Monster is a trail running event held on the Mogollon Rim near Pine, Arizona, approximately 90 minutes northeast of Phoenix. It features two race distances: a 100-mile ultramarathon and a 42 km (marathon) race. T..

Event Overview Groovin' in the Aspens is a trail running event offering five distances: 6K, 10K, 20K, 30K, and 50K. It takes place on September 13, 2026, at the Fort Valley Trailhead in Flagstaff, Arizona. The race was formerly known as Gas..

Experience desert trail running under the stars at the Javelina Jangover Night Runs. This event is the finale of the Summer Insomniac Night Trail Run Series, offering distances from 7K to 75K at McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

A multi-event endurance weekend on the Arizona Trail from Flagstaff toward the Grand Canyon on September 19-20, 2026, featuring 100 mile and 55K runs, a 100 mile mountain bike race, and relay options.

Experience the desert landscape of Tucson at the Catalina State Park 50-Year Trail Race. Choose between a 5k or a 9.3 mile course and enjoy a post-race Mexican breakfast and professional photos.

Distances The event includes multiple race distances over the weekend of September 25-27, 2026. Friday, September 25: Hill Climb Saturday, September 26: 50 Miler, 50K, 6-hour fixed-time event, 12-hour fixed-time event, 26K, 11K, 5K Sunday,..

October 2026

Experience an off road trail race through the Coconino National Forest at high altitude. Choose from a marathon, half marathon, or 10k while supporting local college cross country programs in the Arizona Nordic Village.

The Saddles 100 is a loop trail event in Prescott, Arizona, offering 50-mile and 100-mile distances. For 2026, the course direction is clockwise. The 50-mile route does not include the dells section.

Experience the beauty of Kaibab National Forest with this charitable mountain trail race benefiting youth mentoring programs. Choose from 10K, 18K, or 30K distances in a limited field event hosted by the Northern Arizona Trail Runners.

A 55K journey through Canyon De Chelly on the Navajo Reservation. The point-to-point course passes ancient cultural sites on its way to the Spider Rock overlook. Runners face a mix of sand, single track, and a 1,200-foot climb.

Run under the stars at the Thrasher Night Trail in Cave Creek Regional Park. Choose from 5K to 33K distances on rolling desert single-track. It's the first of three night races in the series, held before the Cave Creek Thriller.

This point-to-point ultra event in Page, Arizona, offers three distances through dramatic desert landscapes. Runners traverse sand and slickrock to see iconic landmarks like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. The courses finish on smooth s..

Tackle the trails of Lake Havasu City at the Lizard Peak Scramble. This Arizona event features 10k and 5k races plus a kids dash, all finishing with medals and a post-race recovery zone. Registration opens on New Year's Day.

The Elden Ridge Run is a half marathon trail race in Flagstaff, Arizona, with a climb to the summit of Mt. Elden for panoramic views. The course includes technical descents and has strict time cutoffs. Limited parking encourages carpooling..

Run through the iconic red rocks of Sedona on a choice of four scenic trail distances. This point-to-point course showcases the southside trails of the Coconino National Forest. Participants receive a tech shirt and finisher's medal.

Event Overview The Cave Creek Thriller is a trail running event held in Cave Creek, Arizona. The event offers four different distances: 50K, 24K, 11K, and 5K. The 50K and 24K courses are point-to-point races that explore the Maricopa Trail..

Experience a unique clothing optional 5k trail run through the desert landscape of Shangri La Ranch. Enjoy a route featuring hiking trails and dry washes followed by full access to ranch amenities like pools and a clubhouse.

Man Against Horse is a unique endurance race in Arizona where runners and riders compete over 50-mile, 25-mile, and half marathon courses. The event, born from a 1983 bar bet, includes a banquet and supports local charities. It features a c..