Articles

Belgian Ultrarunner Karel Sabbe's Record-Breaking Pacific Crest Trail Run Showcased in New YouTube Documentary

Explore Karel Sabbe's record-breaking Pacific Crest Trail run in a riveting documentary. Jour..

Trail Running: How it Can Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Trail running is an effective way to reduce stress, anxiety, and improve physical and mental he..

Trail Running vs. Road Running: Which One Is Right For You?

When it comes to running, there are two primary options to choose from: trail running and road..

Cave Creek Thriller

Name: Cave Creek Thriller
Start: 2025-10-11
End: 2025-10-11
Location: Cave Creek

Cave Creek, United States • 11 Oct 2025

The Cave Creek Thriller Trail Runs, held in Cave Creek, Arizona, is a celebrated event marking its 16th year as part of the Fall Desert Runner Trail Series. It offers four race distances: 50K, 24K, 11K, and 5K. The 50K and 24K races are point-to-point courses along the scenic Maricopa Trail, connecting Lake Pleasant and Cave Creek Regional Park, featuring rugged desert terrain with significant elevation gains and exposed, rocky sections. The shorter 11K and 5K races take place entirely within Cave Creek Regional Park on hilly mountain trails with expansive Sonoran Desert views. The event emphasizes sustainability with a cupless race format and provides well-stocked aid stations, shuttle services, and a vibrant post-race atmosphere including a charity beer garden. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

United States Arizona Cave Creek

Race information

Website Registration

50 km

50k

24 km

24k

11 km

11k

5 km

Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Trail runs nearby

Saturday Sep 20

Javelina Jangover Night Run

Scottsdale - 23 mi from Cave Creek

...

Javelina Jangover Night Runs, staged from McDowell Mountain Regional Park near Fountain Hills, Arizona, is the final race in Aravaipa Running’s Insomniac Night Trail Run Series. The event offers 7K, 15K, 25K, 50K, and 75K distances on rolling desert single-track and jeep-trail, built around the Pemb..

Friday Oct 10

Thrasher Night Trail

The Thrasher Night Trail is a nighttime trail running event held at Cave Creek Regional Park in Cave Creek, Arizona. It offers four distances: 33K, 22K, 11K, and 5K, all run on a scenic 11-kilometer loop featuring the Slate, Quartz, Go John, and Overton Trails. The course includes two climbs per loo..

Saturday Oct 25

Bare Buns Desert Run

New River - 11 mi from Cave Creek

5 km

The Bare Buns Desert Run is a unique 5K trail race held at Shangri La Ranch in New River, Arizona. Known as the only nude run in Arizona, participants are encouraged to run with minimal clothing—just tennis shoes—though nudity is optional. The course winds through the ranch property, including hikin..

Sat - Sun Oct 25-26

Javelina Jundred

Fort McDowell - 21 mi from Cave Creek

31 km

100 km

100 mi

Javelina Jundred is a unique and festive ultramarathon held annually at McDowell Mountain Regional Park near Fountain Hills, Arizona. The event features three race distances: 100 miles, 100 kilometers, and a 31-kilometer night trail run called Jackass Night Trail. The 100-mile race consists of five..

Saturday Nov 8

Pass Mountain

Mesa - 30 mi from Cave Creek

...

Pass Mountain Trail Runs is the second race in Aravaipa Running’s Desert Runner Trail Series, held at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa, Arizona. The event offers five distances: 50 Mile, 50K, 25K, 10K, and 5K. The 50‑mile course winds through the Goldfield Mountains and Hawes Trail via the Maric..

Saturday Nov 8

Phomo 50k

Camelback East Village - 24 mi from Cave Creek

50 km

The PhoMo 50K is a challenging ultramarathon held in the scenic Phoenix Mountain Preserves, Arizona, starting and finishing at the Piestewa Peak Trailhead. Covering 31.2 miles (50 km) with over 6,000 feet of elevation gain, the course features rocky, technical terrain with minimal shade, demanding s..