Desert Peak Ultra
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Desert Peak Ultra
The Desert Peak Ultra takes place in Oracle, Arizona, near Tucson. The event features a course that transitions from the Sonoran Desert floor to the alpine environment of the Santa Catalina Range. Runners navigate a mix of smooth singletrack, rugged mountain climbs, and sweeping ridgelines.
The course features a significant ascent of Mount Lemmon, the highest peak in the range. Participants reach the summit at the town of Summerhaven, where the environment changes from cactus-lined trails to pine forests. The route includes steep, punchy climbs and long descents back toward the desert landscape.
Distances available at the event include:
- 100K: A single-day race featuring the climb up Mount Lemmon followed by a 50K desert loop.
- 50K: A mountain-focused course that summits Mount Lemmon before descending back to the finish.
- Summit Challenge: A multi-day event completing the 100K on day one and the 50K on day two.
The event is staged at Haycreek Ranch and functions as a trail festival. On-site amenities include camping, food trucks, and vendors. The finish area features a live DJ, guest speakers, and post-race yoga sessions. Aid stations are situated along the course providing water, electrolyte drinks, and food. Crew access and pacers are permitted for the 100K distance only. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
