Empire Ranch Run
Sonoita, United States • 23 Jan 2027
Empire Ranch Trail Run
The Empire Ranch Trail Run is a trail event held at the Historic Empire Ranch within the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area in Sonoita, Arizona. This event is a partnership between Run Tucson, the Empire Ranch Foundation, and the Bureau of Land Management. The run serves as a fundraiser to support the protection and restoration of the ranch's historical buildings and surrounding landscape.
Participants can choose from several distance options:
- 10k Run
- 5k Run/Walk
- 1 Mile Walk/Run (including specific categories for families and children 14 and under)
The course terrain consists of a mixture of dirt trails, Bureau of Land Management two-track paths, cattle paths, and ranch lands. The route is characterized by rolling hills and some rocky sections, though it is generally categorized as technical "green" terrain. Due to the rugged nature of the landscape, the course is not suitable for chair athletes. Dogs are not permitted on the running courses, and participants may encounter cattle along the route.
The event features on-site activities that highlight western heritage, such as branding demonstrations, leather bag lacing, reata making, and roping. Educational displays focus on the history of the ranch and its role as a filming location for numerous movies and television shows. Registered participants receive a race shirt and access to post-race snacks, with timed results and finisher videos provided for all distances. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.