Cave Creek Thriller

The Cave Creek Thriller returns for its 15th anniversary, offering runners four distinct distances that cater to various levels of endurance and adventure. Set against the backdrop of Arizona’s breathtaking Sonoran Desert, this race is more than just a run; it's an immersive experience through rugged terrain.
For those seeking longer journeys, the 50K and 24K routes follow the Maricopa Trail in a point-to-point format before concluding at Cave Creek Regional Park. These courses traverse steep and rocky paths, providing runners with panoramic views of the expansive desert landscape. The shorter distances—11K and 5K—are contained within the park’s pristine mountain trails, offering hilly terrain that challenges even the most seasoned trail runners.
Participants in both the 50K and 24K races receive a complimentary shuttle bus ticket to transport them from the start line back to Cave Creek Regional Park. This ensures a seamless transition for those traveling long distances or looking to conserve energy before their journey begins.
The event is part of the Aravaipa Running Desert Runner Trail Fall Series, with points awarded in either the "Trail" series (for the 24K) and the "Ultra" series (for the 50K). This makes Cave Creek Thriller a crucial step for competitors aiming to accumulate enough points across multiple races.
Adding an extra layer of excitement is the opportunity to double down on your trail running experience by participating in both the Cave Creek Thriller and the preceding Insomniac Night Trail Run Series event, known as the Cave Creek Thrasher. Completing both challenges earns runners a unique commemorative medal.
To align with environmental sustainability efforts, this year’s race will be cupless, encouraging participants to use UltrAspire reusable cups or bring their own hydration containers from home. This initiative aims to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices among trail running communities.
For all the latest updates on course maps, schedules, crew information, and other essential details, visit the official Cave Creek Thriller website. Race entries are non-refundable and cannot be transferred; however, a race withdrawal policy is available for those who need it.
The Cave Creek Thriller invites runners to immerse themselves in the beauty of Arizona’s natural landscape while testing their limits on challenging yet rewarding trails.