Trail running course through singletrack trails in Arizona
Adrenaline Night Runs

Adrenaline Night Runs 25K

·552m gain·Scottsdale
nighttraildesertloopmarathon

Photo by Kameron Simpson on Unsplash

Distance—
Gain552m
DateDate TBA
Difficulty2/5

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.

Practical Info

Weather

Late May desert conditions with warm daytime temperatures cooling to comfortable running weather after dark, typically 60-75°F during race hours.

Nearest Airport

PHX - Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Accommodation

Fountain Hills and nearby Scottsdale offer various lodging options, from desert resorts to standard hotels, approximately 30-45 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

Required Gear
  • Headlamp
  • Handheld light

Best For

Night running enthusiastsDesert trail runnersFirst-time ultra runners (shorter distances)Series completers

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.

Other Distances at This Event

50K

4,062 ft gain

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.

Adrenaline Night Runs 15K

334m gain

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.

Adrenaline Night Runs 10K

219m gain

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.

Adrenaline Night Runs 6K

49m gain

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.