McDowell Mountain Frenzy
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About the race
McDowell Mountain Frenzy is a trail running event held Saturday, December 5, 2026 at McDowell Mountain Regional Park in Fountain Hills, Arizona. The event offers multiple distances on desert single track and marked trail systems, with late registration available at packet pickup and on race morning.
Distances include:
- 50 Mile
- 50K
- 25K
- 10 Mile
- 5 Mile
Courses use the McDowell Competitive Track, Escondido Trail, parts of the Pemberton loop, and sections that briefly enter the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The 50K is a single loop described as generally flat and fast. The 50 Mile route includes several out-and-back climbs on East End, Windgate, and Thompson Peak and is listed at 50.1 miles with 7,026 feet total elevation gain and a maximum elevation near 2,596 feet. Shorter distances run on winding single track with rolling terrain and short steep sections.
On-course support and logistics: chip timing with a timing chip on the race bib, well stocked aid stations roughly every 3 to 10.5 miles, designated drop bag locations for the longer distances, and crew access limited to the start/finish area. Courses are marked with orange ribbons, reflective medallions, laminated signs, and wrong-way flagging. Awards are given to top finishers at each distance and all finishers receive a finisher award. Live split tracking and post-race food are provided. Park entry requires a fee per vehicle. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
