2026 Mesquite Canyon
The 2026 Mesquite Canyon Trail Runs will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Waddell, Arizona, at White Tank Mountain Regional Park, located at 20304 W White Tank Mountain Road. The event is set against the backdrop of the challenging desert terrain, offering participants a mix of technical descents, climbs, and scenic views. Weather conditions are expected to be mild to warm, with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 65°F during the day, creating ideal conditions for trail running. Participants can expect a variety of race distances, well-stocked aid stations, and a competitive yet scenic course that showcases the unique desert landscape.
What is the event schedule for the 2026 Mesquite Canyon Trail Runs?
- →6:15 AM – 50 Mile Start
- →6:30 AM – 50K Start
- →6:45 AM – 30K Start
- →7:30 AM – Half Marathon Start
- →8:00 AM – 8K Start
- →10:30 AM – Kid's Fun Run
What distances are available for this event?
- →50 Mile – 49.57 Miles
- →50K – 30.67 Miles
- →30K – 19.11 Miles
- →Half Marathon (21K) – 12.65 Miles
- →8K – 4.43 Miles
- →Kid's Fun Run – Family-friendly distance
What are the time limits for each race distance?
- →50 Mile – 15 Hours (9:15 PM cutoff)
- →50K – 14+ Hours (9:15 PM cutoff)
- →30K – 14+ Hours (9:15 PM cutoff)
- →Half Marathon – 13+ Hours (9:15 PM overall cutoff)
- →8K – 13+ Hours (9:15 PM overall cutoff)
What are the course details for the 50 Mile race?
- →Distance: 49.57 Miles
- →Elevation Gain: 7,725 ft
- →Max Elevation: 3,227 ft
- →Hazardous Ford Canyon section with rock scrambling
- →Well-stocked aid stations every 1.8 to 8.8 miles
What are the course details for the 50K race?
- →Distance: 30.67 Miles
- →Elevation Gain: 5,171 ft
- →Max Elevation: 3,224 ft
- →Well-stocked aid stations every 1.8 to 8.8 miles
What are the course details for the 30K race?
- →Distance: 19.11 Miles
- →Elevation Gain: 2,555 ft
- →Max Elevation: 3,226 ft
- →Well-stocked aid stations every 1.8 to 8.8 miles
What are the course details for the Half Marathon?
- →Distance: 12.65 Miles
- →Elevation Gain: 1,895 ft
- →Max Elevation: 2,894 ft
- →Well-stocked aid stations every 1.8 to 8.8 miles
What are the course details for the 8K race?
- →Distance: 4.43 Miles
- →Elevation Gain: 257 ft
- →Max Elevation: 1,632 ft
- →Well-stocked aid stations every 1.8 to 8.8 miles
What is included in the race registration?
- →Gender-specific race shirt (Men's & Women's styles)
- →Chip-timed race results displayed at finish line
- →Scenic and challenging course on desert trails
- →Well-stocked aid stations every 1.8 to 8.8 miles
- →Finisher Award (50 Milers receive a custom finisher's award)
- →Live Tracking with split points throughout race day
What are the race records for the 50 Mile?
- →Women's Record: 8:47:18 – Zuzana Trnovcova (2024)
- →Men's Record: 7:25:45 – Joshua Brimhall (2016)
What are the race records for the 50K?
- →Women's Record: 4:24:37 – Kerrie Bruxvoort (2012)
- →Men's Record: 3:40:43 – Jim Walmsley (2025)
What are the race records for the 30K?
- →Women's Record: 2:26:28 – Lauren Coury (2017)
- →Men's Record: 2:09:59 – Travis Swaim (2017)
What are the race records for the Half Marathon?
- →Women's Record: 1:37:06 – Janelle Lincks (2022)
- →Men's Record: 1:29:27 – Richard Sanchez (2022)
What are the race records for the 8K?
- →Women's Record: 30:45 – Tracy Campagnano (2024)
- →Men's Record: 26:17 – Matt Doresy (2024)
What are the packet pickup locations and times?
- →Thursday, March 12 | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Aravaipa Running Headquarters ↗
2401 S 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
- →Saturday, March 14 | 5:30 AM - 10:30 AM
White Tank Mountain Regional Park – Competitive Track
20304 W White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell, AZ 85355
What volunteer opportunities are available for this event?
- →Volunteers help make the Mesquite Canyon Runs possible!
- →Perks include Aravaipa race credits and race swag.