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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 93 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.

Jackass Night Trail

Fort McDowell

Run the original costumed trail party at the Javelina Jundred. Choose from 100-mile, 100K, or the night-time 31K Jackass Trail on rolling desert singletrack in Arizona's McDowell Mountain Park. The event features festive aid stations and is..

November 2026

Ragnar Trail Individual Arizona

Fort McDowell

Experience the Sonoran Desert at McDowell Mountain Regional Park with single loop or ultra endurance races. Enjoy a festival atmosphere featuring camping, music, and yoga under the Arizona stars.

Everyone Runs Catalina State Park 10 Mile

Tucson

Experience the natural beauty of Catalina State Park with trail races and a flat 5k road run. Enjoy a homemade Mexican breakfast and professional photos included with your registration at this Tucson event.

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

Run the historic Mother Road in Arizona for its 100-year centennial. Choose from a 140-mile or 100-mile ultra, tackling it solo with a crew or as a strategic relay team. Enjoy 60 or 48 hours to experience the diverse landscapes of Route 66.

The Margonaut

Prescott

Experience a marathon distance race through the iconic Granite Dells of Prescott Arizona. This event focuses exclusively on the technical and rocky Dells section of the local trail network.

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

Experience a European style cross country race at Reid Park featuring hay bale obstacles and a hilly grass course. Choose between a 5K Grand Prix event or a 1.5 mile fun run for a unique holiday tradition.

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

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

Across the Years is the original New Year's multi-day running event in Arizona. Runners choose fixed-time or fixed-distance races, from 24 hours to 6 days, with the freedom to rest at their own pace. An optional "Around the Clock" lap chall..

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.

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

The Saguaro Showdown is a last-person-standing Backyard Ultra at Usery Mountain Park. Runners complete a 4.1667-mile loop and ruckers a 2.3-mile loop every hour until only one remains. A unique 24-hour format offers a tied finish for all wh..