Pemberton Trail

Pemberton Trail 50K and 25K

The Pemberton Trail events take place on trails in McDowell Mountain Regional Park, about 4 miles northeast of Fountain Hills, Arizona. The course follows the marked Pemberton Trail on well traveled singletrack with gently rolling hills and no large climbs. Runners should expect encounters with mountain bikes and horses; all trail users must yield to horses. The course runs clockwise, and the 50 km distance is completed as two loops.

Distances

• 50 km (50k): two clockwise loops on Pemberton Trail
• 25 km (25k): one clockwise loop on Pemberton Trail

Race logistics note a $10 per vehicle park entrance fee as of 2026. Parking is reached by following the main road past the Visitors’ Center on the right, then following signs to Pemberton Trail and turning right onto Shallmo Road to the large parking area at the end of the road; a large picnic shelter sits to the left of that lot. Participants must carry a water bottle; drop bags may be left at the start/finish. There is one on-course aid station at mile 8.7 (Jackass Junction) stocked with water, GU Hydrate, Coke, chips, cookies, boiled potatoes, bananas, and oranges. From that aid station it is 6.6 miles back to the start/finish.

Cutoff rules apply for the 50 km distance: an overall time limit of 8 hours, with up to 9 hours allowed for an early-start group; runners who do not choose the early-start option must complete the first loop in 4 hours or less. Lodging is available in Fountain Hills and nearby Scottsdale, and camping may be available in the park. In January, temperatures can range widely, from 30° to 90°, and participants are advised to bring sunscreen and any personal medications. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.