Desert Runner Trail Series

Cave Creek, United States • 17 Oct 2026

Desert Runner Trail Series

The Desert Runner Trail Series is a sequence of trail and ultra running events organized by Aravaipa Running with Maricopa County Regional Parks. The series is scheduled to span the Valley of the Sun from October 2025 through March 2026 and uses several Maricopa County regional parks as venues.

Each race offers up to six distance options, with distances across the series ranging from 5 km to 100 miles. The 2026 segment of the series includes events at the following locations and distances:

  • San Tan Mountain Regional Park on January 10, 2026 with 50K, 26K, 17K, 9K and 5K.
  • Estrella Mountain Regional Park on January 17–18, 2026 with 100 mile, 100K, 60K, 40K, 10 mile and 5 mile options.
  • Cave Creek Regional Park, the Maricopa Trail and parts of Tonto National Forest on February 7, 2026 with 50 mile, 50K, 35K, 22K, 12K and 5K.
  • White Tank Mountain Regional Park on March 14, 2026 with 50 mile, 50K, 30K, half marathon and 8K.

The event materials note a Fall Series pass that provides a 20% reduction off individual race entries for those who commit to the Fall Series. Sponsors listed include a performance nutrition partner and physical therapy support among others. Archived standings and results are maintained for previous seasons. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

50 km
50k
24 km
24k
11 km
11k
5 km
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Six night trail races in Maricopa County parks from April to September with distances from 5 km to 75 km, series pass options with a 20% discount, and a points system that counts the best three results toward series prizes.

A point to point trail event from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff offering a full 252.9 mile route plus shorter 125, 100, 80 and 40 mile options. The courses cross desert, mountain and forest terrain with staffed aid stations and varied sing..

Honor fallen service members at this patriotic trail event in Black Canyon City featuring 5K and 10K options. Run or ruck the scenic out and back course while proudly carrying the American flag.

Seize the night at McDowell Mountain Regional Park with a series of desert trail runs ranging from 6K to 50K. Experience rolling single track and mountainous ridges under the stars in this chip timed nocturnal event.

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