Cave Creek Thriller

Cave Creek Thriller - October 17, 2026

The Cave Creek Thriller is a trail running event held at Cave Creek Regional Park in Cave Creek, Arizona. It offers four race distances and serves as the opening race of the Fall Desert Runner Trail Series.

• 50K - point to point on the Maricopa Trail connecting Lake Pleasant and Cave Creek
• 24K - point to point on the Maricopa Trail finishing inside Cave Creek Regional Park
• 11K - inside Cave Creek Regional Park on Go John, Quartz and Overton Trails
• 5K - inside Cave Creek Regional Park on hilly mountain trails

Trails include singletrack that is steep, rocky, and exposed to the sun. Aid stations are placed along the courses and are stocked with water, electrolyte drink, sweet and salty snacks, and fruit; runners are asked to carry at least one bottle. The event operates as a cupless race so participants should bring a reusable cup or purchase one on site.

Logistics note that parking and shuttle service are organized from Cave Creek Regional Park and that 11K runners use the Cave Creek Memorial Arena parking with shuttle service to the park. A vehicle park entry fee is required by the park; bring exact change or a valid park pass. Pacers are not permitted. Drop bags and crew access are permitted at specified aid stations for the 50K.

Entry is limited to 500 runners. Race features include chip timing, a gender specific cut race shirt, live tracking, on-course aid, and awards to the top three male and female finishers per distance. All finishers receive a finisher award. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.