Cave Creek Thriller

Cave Creek Thriller Trail Runs : Cave Creek, AZ

Cave Creek Thriller Trail Runs is a multi-distance trail event held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, with start and finish areas centered at Cave Creek Regional Park. The event offers four distances:

• 50K : Lake Pleasant to Cave Creek on the Maricopa Trail.
• 24K : Anthem Trailhead to Cave Creek via the Maricopa Trail.
• 11K : Routes within Cave Creek Regional Park on Go John, Quartz, and Overton Trails.
• 5K : Course contained within Cave Creek Regional Park on mountain trails.

The 50K route connects two regional parks along the Maricopa Trail and includes long exposed, rocky, and steep sections; total listed distance for the 50K is 31.2 miles with 2,810 feet of elevation gain. The 24K follows the same corridor into Cave Creek and the shorter distances remain inside the park on hilly trails with scenic Sonoran Desert views. Aid stations are provided on all courses, spaced roughly every 3 to 9 miles and stocked with water, electrolyte drink, snacks, and fruit; runners are asked to carry at least one bottle of water.

Logistics include shuttle service from the park to remote starts, specified parking areas, and a required remote parking and shuttle for the 11K. The park charges a day entry fee; participants are advised to have exact change or a park pass. The event is cupless : competitors should bring a reusable cup or purchase one onsite. Medical staff and on-site physical therapy services are available. 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.