Cave Creek Thriller

Event overview

Cave Creek Thriller Trail Runs is a fall trail race that offers four distances:

• 50K
• 24K
• 11K
• 5K

The event is held at Cave Creek Regional Park and uses sections of the Maricopa Trail, with the 50K linking Lake Pleasant area to Cave Creek. The 2025 race was postponed and rescheduled to December 20, 2025. The event serves as the first race of the Fall Desert Runner Trail Series and is entering its 16th year.

Course and logistics

Courses run on hilly, exposed Sonoran Desert trails; many sections are rocky and steep. Key course facts: the 50K is listed as 31.2 miles with about 2,810 feet of elevation gain; the 24K is listed as about 15.6 miles with roughly 1,960 feet of gain. Aid stations provide water, electrolyte drink, snacks, and fruit; spacing varies by distance (for example, aid every 3.0 to 9.25 miles on the 50K). This is a cupless race; runners must bring a reusable cup or purchase one on site. Crews are allowed at specified locations for the 50K and at the finish; pacers are not permitted for any distance. Parking is at Cave Creek Regional Park (a $7 day entry fee per vehicle) and shuttle service is provided between the park and certain start areas. Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers at each distance and all finishers receive a finisher award. Volunteers receive race credits or merchandise. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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