About This Race
The 25K offers a substantial night running experience without the full ultra commitment, covering enough ground to fully immerse runners in the nocturnal forest environment. This distance strikes a balance between adventure and accessibility, providing ample time to develop rhythm and confidence in nighttime trail navigation. Perfect for runners looking to step up from shorter night races or experienced trail runners seeking a challenging evening workout.
The courses utilize McDowell Mountain Regional Park's trail network, featuring classic Sonoran Desert terrain with singletrack paths winding through saguaro cactus forests, over rolling hills, and across desert washes. The Escondido, Scenic, Cinch, and Shallmo trails combine to create loop configurations for each distance, with the longest efforts requiring multiple loops.
Runners can expect typical desert trail conditions including rocky sections, sandy washes, and moderate elevation changes characteristic of the Sonoran landscape. The nighttime format adds navigation complexity while showcasing the desert's nocturnal character, from wildlife sounds to the interplay of artificial light against natural desert features.
Elevation Profile
Elevation profile estimated from terrain data. Actual course may differ.
The course gains 1,811 ft over 16 miles, with the steepest section between mile 8–mile 8.
Location
Practical Info
Late May desert conditions with warm daytime temperatures cooling to comfortable running weather after dark, typically 60-75°F during race hours.
PHX - Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Fountain Hills and nearby Scottsdale offer various lodging options, from desert resorts to standard hotels, approximately 30-45 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
- Headlamp
- Handheld light
Best For
Notable Features
The race's nighttime format transforms the desert experience, with runners' headlamps creating moving constellations across the landscape while revealing the Sonoran Desert's nocturnal character. As part of the Insomniac Night Trail Run Series, it offers runners the opportunity to pursue a unique six-race challenge focused entirely on night running, making it particularly appealing to those seeking something different from typical daytime trail races.