Cave Creek Thriller
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About the race
Cave Creek Thriller Trail Runs is a multi-distance trail event held Saturday, October 17, 2026, in Cave Creek Regional Park, Arizona. It is the first race of the Fall Desert Runner Trail Series and marks the event's 17th year.
The event offers four distances:
- 50K
- 24K
- 11K
- 5K
The 50K links Lake Pleasant area trails and Cave Creek via the Maricopa Trail, including a short section of the Black Canyon Trail and finishing on the Go John, Quartz, and Overton Trails. The 24K follows much of the same corridor and also finishes inside Cave Creek Regional Park. The 11K and 5K remain entirely within the park on hilly mountain singletrack. Trails include steep, rocky, and exposed sections with Sonoran desert views.
Aid stations appear at regular intervals and are stocked with water, electrolyte drink, sweet and salty snacks, and fruit; runners are asked to carry at least one bottle of water. The event is cupless; participants should bring a reusable cup or may purchase one on site. Crews may access specific aid stations and a drop bag service is provided for the 50K at an identified aid station. Pacers are not permitted for any distance. Shuttle service and specific parking instructions are provided for out-of-park starts; park entry fees apply and participants are asked to have correct change or a park pass. Entrant limit is 500 runners. Race timing, finish awards, post-race food, and live split tracking are provided. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
