Cave Creek Thriller
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Cave Creek Thriller Trail Runs
Cave Creek Thriller Trail Runs is a multi-distance trail event held at Cave Creek Regional Park with courses that also use the Maricopa Trail and nearby trailheads. The event offers four distances and acts as the first race of the Fall Desert Runner Trail Series.
- 50K, Lake Pleasant to Cave Creek via the Maricopa Trail
- 24K, Anthem Trailhead into Cave Creek Regional Park
- 11K, within Cave Creek Regional Park on park trails
- 5K, within Cave Creek Regional Park on park trails
Courses include rocky, steep, and exposed singletrack with views of the Sonoran Desert. The 50K is listed as 31.2 miles with about 2,810 feet of elevation gain; other distances have lower total distance and elevation. Aid stations are placed approximately every 3 to 9 miles and provide water, electrolyte drink, sweet and salty snacks, and fruit. This is a cupless event, so runners should bring a reusable cup or purchase one on site.
Logistics include shuttle service from the park to some start locations, a defined entrant limit of 500 runners, chip timing, gender specific shirts when ordered by the deadline, live split tracking, and finisher awards. Crews may access certain aid stations, pacers are not permitted, and medical staff are present at the start and finish. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
