Phoenix Phearsome Phour 70K
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Phoenix Phearsome Phour 70K
The Phoenix Phearsome Phour 70K is a continuous out and back route through the Phoenix Mountain Preserve that links the four major summits: Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, North Mountain, and Shaw Butte. The course covers 70.4 km (about 43.8 miles) with 11,312 ft of elevation gain and loss and requires eight summit hits using the designated trails. Start and finish are at street parking on 36th St at Pima Canyon Dr.
The outbound sequence begins with a Camelback double summit near the start, proceeds north through Piestewa, then Trail 100 to the 7th Street Trailhead for the North Mountain out and back, and continues to a Shaw Butte double summit turnaround. The return follows the same corridor in reverse. The route is officially defined by an available TCX/GPX file; runners must follow the recorded line and return via the same trail corridor. No pacers are allowed and the route is unsupported.
Seven confirmed public water sources are available on the outbound leg and are accessible again on the return, for 14 total access points. Despite that coverage, long exposed sections remain between stops. The route is fully exposed desert terrain with technical rocky sections, cactus, and wildlife. Attempts are subject to an 18 hour solo time limit and a separate shorter limit for the organized field. Organizers advise running only in the cool season, October through April, and note gated trailhead closures and heat-related risks. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
