Mayhem Night Trail

Event Overview

The Mayhem Night Trail is a night trail running event in the McDowell Mountain Regional Park near Fort McDowell, Arizona. It is part of the Insomniac Night Series and mirrors the fall Desert Runner Trail Series. It takes place on a Saturday in December.

Distances offered are a 25K, a 10 Mile, and a 5 Mile. Start times for the distances are staggered. There is a time limit for all distances and an overall cutoff time.

The race is held at night, requiring participants to navigate using their own light sources. It shares the trail and date with the daytime McDowell Mountain Frenzy race, and participants may encounter runners from that event.

Location and Venue

The event takes place at the Competitive Track Area in McDowell Mountain Regional Park. The start/finish line is located just beyond the park's Ranger Station.

Registration and Logistics

Registration is tiered with increasing entry fees as the event date approaches. Race swag is only guaranteed for registrations by a specific date in November.

Packet pickup is available on the Thursday before the race at the organizer's headquarters in Phoenix and on race day at the venue.

A park entry fee per vehicle is required for parking. Carpooling is suggested.

Race Details and Support

The courses are marked with orange plastic ribbons with reflective medallions and signs. All runners are responsible for knowing the course layout.

Each distance has one full remote aid station and one water-only station. The full aid station offers water, ice, electrolyte drinks, sweet and salty snacks, fruit, and hot food.

Medical support from a dedicated team is on-site at the start/finish. A specific race day phone number is provided for medical emergencies.

Crews are only allowed at the start/finish area. Pacers are not allowed for any distance. A personal drop bag area is provided at the start/finish.

The event is cup-less; participants must bring their own reusable cup.

Additional Information

Camping is available at the park's campgrounds. Pets are not allowed on the course but may be at the event if leashed and supervised.

Volunteers are needed for setup, aid stations, and breakdown. Perks for volunteers include race credits and merchandise.

Participants can attempt a "Double Down Challenge" by completing any distance at both the Mayhem Night Trail and the McDowell Mountain Frenzy on the same day, earning a unique custom medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.