Cave Creek Thriller
Cave Creek, United States • 17 Oct 2026
Event Overview
The Cave Creek Thriller is a trail running event held in Cave Creek, Arizona. The event offers four different distances: 50K, 24K, 11K, and 5K. The 50K and 24K courses are point-to-point races that explore the Maricopa Trail before finishing inside Cave Creek Regional Park. The 11K and 5K courses stay entirely within Cave Creek Regional Park.
Course Details
The trails are described as hilly and pristine mountain trails. Portions are steep, rocky, and entirely exposed to the sun, offering views of the Sonoran Desert. Registration for the 50K and 24K distances includes a shuttle bus ticket to the start line. The event is a cupless event, encouraging participants to bring their own reusable cup or purchase one at registration.
Series Information
This event is the first race in the Aravaipa Running Desert Runner Trail Fall Series. The 24K race scores points in the series' "Trail" division, and the 50K race scores points in the "Ultra" division. A discounted series pass is available for the full series. The event is also held the morning after the Cave Creek Thrasher Night Trail Runs, and participants who finish both events can earn a unique medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.