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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 90 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.

Punisher Night Trail

Mesa

Experience the desert after dark at Usery Mountain Regional Park with several trail distances ranging from 5K to 30K. Enjoy a loop based course featuring well stocked aid stations and a festive nighttime atmosphere.

Pass Mountain

Mesa

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Experience the desert landscape of Mesa at Usery Mountain Regional Park with trail distances ranging from 5K to 50 miles. This event features technical single track and scenic climbs through the Goldfield Mountains.

Route 66 Ultrarun

Seligman

A Route 66 centennial ultramarathon in Arizona offering 140 mile and 100 mile solo and relay options along historic stretches, with crew and team rules and commemorative finisher gear.

The Margonaut

Prescott

Trail event in Prescott, Arizona on November 14, 2026 that focuses on the Dells section of the Saddles 100. It is listed as a 26 mile race and also described as a dells-only marathon possibly near 50k.

Fat Ox Endurance Runs

Buckeye

Test your limits at Estrella Mountain Regional Park on a flat one mile certified loop. This endurance festival features multiple timed and distance events including the 2026 USATF 24 Hour Road Championship.

Phoenix Spartan Weekend

Avondale

Experience a unique obstacle course race at the Phoenix Raceway where asphalt meets desert trails. Choose from 5K, 10K, and 21K distances or bring the whole family for the specialized kids races.

Thanksgiving XC Classic 5K

Tucson

A Thanksgiving cross-country event at Reid Park featuring a two-loop 5K and a one-loop 1.5 mile fun run with hay bale obstacles, participant shirts and ribbons, and awards including Brooks shoes; proceeds benefit Team Hoyt Arizona and Toys..

December 2026

Colossal Vail 50/50

Vail

Experience the high desert on the Arizona National Scenic Trail with rolling terrain and wide open vistas. Choose from 50 mile, 55K, or half marathon distances starting from Colossal Cave Mountain Park.

Mayhem Night Trail

Fort McDowell

Experience the desert after dark at McDowell Mountain Regional Park. This night trail event offers 5 mile, 10 mile, and 25 km distances illuminated by moonlight and headlamps.

Mcdowell Mountain Frenzy

Fountain Hills

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Experience the Sonoran Desert with trail runs ranging from 5 miles to 50 miles in McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Runners enjoy scenic single track paths and panoramic mountain views in a well supported race environment.

Southern Arizona Triple 50

Tucson

Complete three premier 50 mile ultra races along the Arizona National Scenic Trail in one season. Finished within 15 hours per race, this challenge rewards successful runners with exclusive performance apparel and supports trail conservatio..

Vail Jingle Trail

Tucson

Join a holiday tradition in Tucson with 5k and 1k runs starting at the Mica Mountain High School track. Support Toys for Tots by bringing a donation while navigating a varied cross country course.

Desert Solstice

Phoenix

Experience an elite invitational track meet in Phoenix designed for record breaking performances. Compete in 24 hour or 100 mile categories on a flat 400 meter track with full athlete support.

Across the Years

Peoria

A multi-day fixed-time running event in Peoria, AZ from December 28, 2026 to January 3, 2027 offering timed races and fixed distances including 6-day, 24/48/72-hour events, 100/200 miles, and Last Person Standing.

January 2027

Christiansen Trail Run

Glendale

A 14 mile trail run on Trail 100 in central Phoenix on January 2, 2027. Mostly single track with steep climbs, multiple aid stations, a technical race shirt, and a four hour time limit.

Scarface Mountain Trail Run

Mesa

The Scarface Mountain Trail Run will take place in Mesa on Saturday 9 January 2027. You can run between 3 and 20 kilometers.

Lost Dutchman Marathon

Apache Junction

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Experience the beauty of the Superstition Mountains with various distances including a full marathon and trail runs. Join this scenic Arizona winter tradition featuring mountain vistas and a supportive community atmosphere.

Saguaro Showdown

Mesa

Saguaro Showdown is a backyard ultra at Usery Mountain Regional Park where runners and ruckers complete hourly loops on trail and at night on an out and back road course until a single finisher remains in each division.

Empire Ranch Run

Sonoita

Experience Chihuahuan Desert beauty at the historic Empire Ranch with trail runs of 10k, 5k, and 1 mile. Enjoy a day of western heritage activities and scenic trails in the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area.

AZT Oracle Rumble

Oracle

A trail race near Oracle, Arizona on sections of the Arizona National Scenic Trail, offering distances from 12K to 50 miles with aid stations, a race shirt, and a finisher medal.