Cave Creek Thriller Trail Runs

The Cave Creek Thriller plays host to 4 different distances with the 50K and 24K options exploring the Maricopa Trail in point-to-point races before finishing inside Cave Creek Regional Park. The 11K and 5K distances stay entirely within Cave Creek Regional Park on hilly and pristine mountain trails. Portions of the trail are steep, rocky, and entirely exposed to the sun with great views of the expansive Sonoran Desert. The 50K & 24K registration includes your shuttle bus ticket to the start line.
NOTE: It never fails that each year 50K runners go out too fast during the first 15 or so miles as it is very runnable and end up in trouble as they begin climbing around mile 18 and the sun starts beaming down on them. Please race smart and you’ll find yourself crossing our finish line with an Ultra finish!
The 24K is also be point to point. Runners will start from the Anthem Trailhead, following the same route as the 50K runners from there into the finish.
Expect hot conditions (we typically see temps into the 90’s)! Portions of the trail are steep, rocky, and entirely exposed to the sun with great views of the expansive Sonoran desert.