The Desert Runner Trail Series - Fall Pass returns to Cave Creek, Arizona on October 17th, offering four series options for runners of all levels: Ultra, Long, Middle, and Short. Each pass includes three races across different terrains in the Sonoran Desert region, starting with the Cave Creek Thriller and ending with the McDowell Mtn Frenzy. Runners can expect hard and dry trail conditions on race day, typical for this time of year near Cave Creek. The morning will be crisp but comfortable as temperatures hover between 19.4°C and 29.9°C at sunrise before climbing to an average high of around 25°C by mid-morning. Humidity is low with only a slight risk of rainfall, making for ideal racing conditions. The Desert Runner Trail Series has been a staple event in the Cave Creek running community since its inception, encouraging runners to maintain their training and fitness levels throughout fall into early winter. This year marks another iteration of keeping participants active while reducing environmental impact through cupless events that promote reusable cups at aid stations.
In an effort to cater to all types of trail runners, the Desert Runner Trail Series offers a variety of distances: Ultra (50 kilometers) with a fee of $348.00; Long (24-25 kilometers), costing $252.00; Middle (16.1 kilometers for 10K or approximately 10 miles, priced at $168.00); and Short (8 kilometers for 5K or about 5 miles with a fee of $112.00). Each pass grants access to three events in the series. Registration can be completed online via [https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=134116](https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=134116) for early bird pricing until August 28th, after which prices increase to standard rates. Bib pickup is available at the Cave Creek Recreation Center from October 9-15 during business hours with a valid photo ID and confirmation email. The race starts in multiple locations within Cave Creek that are clearly marked on event day maps distributed upon registration or at bib pick-up stations. Participants should be prepared for trails ranging widely in difficulty, so age requirements vary by distance but generally start around 14 years old depending on the length of the run chosen. Desert Runner Trail Series - Fall Pass takes place in Cave Creek, Arizona on October 17th. This race series is essential not just as a test of endurance and skill across varied desert landscapes but also for its environmental commitment to reducing waste through reusable cups at aid stations along each course.
Races Offered
Ultra (50Ks)
Oct 17, 2026
straighten
Distance —
50K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$348.00
Long (24K - 25K)
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
24K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:30
sell
$252.00
Middle (10K - 10 Mile)
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
16.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:45
sell
$168.00
Short (5K - 5 Mile)
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
8K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
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$112.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Cave Creek.
thermostatTemperature
19.4° / 29.9°
wb_sunnyFeels like
15.5° / 26.3°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
10h 32m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
1.3 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
10.8 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Hard and dry surface
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (4.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
28.1%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:33
nightlight
Sunset
17:52
About Cave Creek
Learn more about the host city, Cave Creek.
Cave Creek is a small town north of Phoenix and part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It is a popular destination for equestrians, bikers, and those seeking high-end resort lifestyles.
