Cave Creek Thriller

Cave Creek Thriller Trail Runs : October 17, 2026

The Cave Creek Thriller is a multi-distance trail event held in Cave Creek Regional Park and along the Maricopa Trail. It serves as the opening race of the Fall Desert Runner Trail Series and marks the event's 17th year. The finish area and race headquarters are at Cave Creek Regional Park, 37900 E Cave Creek Parkway, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. The event limits entries to 500 runners.

Distances offered

• 50K
• 24K
• 11K
• 5K

The 50K departs near Lake Pleasant and follows the Maricopa Trail to Cave Creek, linking two regional parks. Terrain on longer courses is exposed, rocky, and steep with significant elevation gain; the 50K is listed at 31.2 miles with about 2,810 feet of climb. Aid stations are staffed on all courses and provide water, electrolyte drink, sweet and salty snacks, and fruit; spacing varies by distance with stretches up to about 9 miles between stations on the 50K. Runners are asked to carry at least one bottle and bring a reusable cup because the event is cupless.

Shorter distances remain inside Cave Creek Regional Park on the Go John, Quartz, and Overton Trails. Crews are allowed at specific points and drop bags are permitted at designated aid stations for the 50K and at the start/finish area for other distances. Pacers are not permitted. Shuttle buses are provided for routes that start away from the park and specific parking and shuttle instructions apply for each distance. Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers at each distance and all finishers receive a finisher award. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.