About This Race
The 10K provides a focused night trail experience that emphasizes technical skills over endurance, making it perfect for runners new to nocturnal trail adventures. This distance allows participants to concentrate on headlamp techniques and night navigation without the fatigue that might compromise safety or enjoyment. An excellent choice for trail runners curious about night running or those seeking a shorter challenge in the atmospheric forest setting.
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 719 ft over 6 miles, with the steepest section between mile 2–mile 2.
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.