2026 Snakebite
The 2026 Snakebite event will take place on March 1, 2026, in Fountain Hills, Arizona, at the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Participants can expect a challenging yet scenic trail run through the park’s desert landscape, with temperatures ranging from 35°F to 95°F in February and March. The event features two distances—10K and 20K—on well-traveled hiking trails, with a focus on safety, including awareness of desert wildlife. Runners will experience gently rolling hills and well-maintained singletrack and dirt paths, with a start and finish at the Youth Group Campground area. The race includes a course briefing at 7:45 AM, with the start time set for 8:00 AM. A cutoff time of 4 hours ensures an organized and safe race day for all participants.
What distances are available for this event?
- →10K race
- →20K race (two loops of the 10K course)
What is the course like?
- →The course follows marked hiking trails: Verde, Pemberton, Escondido, and Minx trails (brown trail signs)
- →Additional race markings at key intersections
- →Terrain consists of gently rolling hills, well-maintained singletrack, and dirt paths
- →Watch for snakes and desert wildlife
What is the race day schedule?
- →Course briefing: 7:45 AM
- →Start time: 8:00 AM
- →Cutoff: 4 hours total (finish line closes at 12:00 PM); must complete first loop within 1.5 hours
What aid and support is provided?
- →Aid stations at the start/finish line and one at the ~3-mile mark (20K runners pass twice)
- →Provided items: Water, Gu products, Coke, and light food items
- →Recommended: Carry your own water bottle; bring sunscreen, ibuprofen, or personal medications
- →Drop bags are accepted at the start/finish area
What are the fees and logistics?
- →Park entrance fee: $10 per vehicle
- →Camping at Youth Group Campground (Saturday night pre-race): $15 per camper/tent (reserved by Race Director Brian)
- →Packet pickup: At the start/finish area; follow Snakebite signs
What is the weather guidance for this event?
- →February/March Arizona temperatures can range from 35°F to 95°F
- →Participants are advised to dress in layers and prepare for variable desert conditions
What are the registration details?
- →Register via UltraSignup ↗
- →Early-bird pricing available through November 30
- →Race shirt guaranteed for registrations by December 10
- →No refunds; race-day registration may be available (contact RD Brian)
What awards are given?
- →Overall male and female winners
- →Masters and Super Masters category winners
- →McDowell Mountain Cup series awards announced at 11:00 AM
What are the course records?
20K:
- →Men: Zach Bush (2021) — 1:19:59
- →Women: Marisa Asplund (2024) — 1:33:12
10K:
- →Men: Peyton Kohnke (2024) — 38:05
- →Women: Hudson Towler (2025) — 43:33
What is the McDowell Mountain Cup Series?
- →Snakebite is Race #3 (final leg) of the series
- →Complete all three events (Pemberton Trail 50K/25K on Jan 24, Stoneman Trail 14K on Feb 7, Snakebite 10K/20K on Mar 1) in the same year to qualify for special Cup prizes
- →Runners may choose either distance at Pemberton Trail and Snakebite to remain eligible