Elder Creek Night Runs

About the Event

The Elder Creek Night Runs return to Anza, California on July 25th, drawing runners for a unique desert evening experience under the full moon. Located in the western Riverside County at Cahuilla Road near the reservation of the Cahuilla Band of Indians, this event offers various distances over challenging yet scenic terrain. Runners traverse single-track trails and wide dirt roads through manzanita trees and rock formations with stunning views of Cahuilla Mountain.
On race morning, participants will gather around 6:30 p.m., as temperatures cool down after the midday heat but remain warm enough for evening activities in the desert landscape. The sunset at 7:58 p.m. marks the start of an illuminated run through the night. Aid stations are set up every loop to cater to runners' needs with water and snacks, ensuring participants can enjoy their route without worry.
Since its inception, Elder Creek Night Runs has become a beloved tradition among local trail running communities, celebrating not just athletic achievement but also honoring the sacred land of the Cahuilla Band of Indians. With limited spots available for up to 200 runners, this event offers a rare opportunity to experience Southern California's unique desert environment during twilight hours.
The course winds through trails and roads in a looped format that accommodates various distances from shorter races like the 9 Miler (14.5K) to longer endurance challenges such as the 30 K (20.9K). Each lap includes an aid station, where runners can refill on water or grab snacks before continuing their journey under starlit skies.
Weather conditions in July typically see average temperatures around 24.8°C with a minimum of 17.6°C and maximum reaching up to 32.0°C by early evening when the race begins. With an expected UV index rating at very high levels, participants should prepare for warm but not overly humid nights (humidity averages 31.3%). No precipitation is forecasted during the event period.

50 K
50K • Start: 17:00:00 • Fee: $160.00

9 Hour
9 Hours • Start: 17:00:00 • Fee: $165.00

TEAM 9 Hour Relay
9 Hours • Start: 17:00:00 • Fee: $350.00

30 K
30K • Start: 18:30:00 • Fee: $140.00

6 Hour
6 Hours • Start: 18:30:00 • Fee: $150.00

13 Miler
20.9K • Start: 19:30:00 • Fee: $120.00

9 Miler
14.5K • Start: 19:30:00 • Fee: $110.00

Registration for Elder Creek Night Runs can be completed through https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=129302 with fees varying by distance as listed above. Deadlines are strict, so interested runners should register early to secure a spot in this limited-entry event. Bib pickup will take place at Cahuilla Road on July 24th from 5 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., where participants must show proof of registration.
For newcomers or those requiring more information about the race, all runners should plan to start their journey at Cahuilla Road in Anza, California by sunset on July 25th. Age requirements for each distance vary; however, it is important that entrants adhere to these guidelines strictly. Ensuring proper footwear and hydration packs are key considerations given the desert terrain and evening temperature fluctuations.
The Elder Creek Night Runs invites participants back to Anza, California on July 25th, highlighting an exceptional opportunity to run through a unique landscape under moonlight while respecting indigenous heritage. This event celebrates both athletic challenge and cultural appreciation in one unforgettable experience.

Races Offered

50 K

Jul 25, 2026

straighten

Distance — 50K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

17:00

sell

$160.00

9 Hour

Jul 25, 2026

straighten

Distance — 9 Hours

terrain

Type — Running

timer

17:00

sell

$165.00

TEAM 9 Hour Relay

Jul 25, 2026

straighten

Distance — 9 Hours

terrain

Type — Running

timer

17:00

sell

$350.00

30 K

Jul 25, 2026

straighten

Distance — 30K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18:30

sell

$140.00

6 Hour

Jul 25, 2026

straighten

Distance — 6 Hours

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18:30

sell

$150.00

13 Miler

Jul 25, 2026

straighten

Distance — 20.9K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

19:30

sell

$120.00

9 Miler

Jul 25, 2026

straighten

Distance — 14.5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

19:30

sell

$110.00

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for July in Anza.

thermostat Temperature

17.6° / 32.0°

wb_sunny Feels like

15.5° / 27.7°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

13h 44m

water_drop Avg rainfall

—

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

9.5 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Moderate

terrain Course conditions

Hard and dry surface

sunny Max UV Index

Very High (8.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

31.3%

wb_twilight Sunrise

05:48

nightlight Sunset

19:55

About Anza

Learn more about the host city, Anza.

Anza is a census-designated place in Riverside County, California, in the Anza Valley, a semi-arid region at a mean elevation of 3,921 feet (1,195 m) above sea level. It is located 13 miles (21 km) south of Idyllwild, 32 miles (51 km) east-northeast of Temecula, 40 miles (64 km) southwest of Palm Springs, and 90 miles (140 km) northeast of San Diego, being traversed by State Route 371. Anza is on the Pacific Crest Trail and the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. The population was 3,075 at the 2020 census.

Hotels & Places to Stay

Race Results

All-time top performances and historical records for Elder Creek Night Runs.

Place	Name	Gender	Age	Year	City	Time
🥇	Jose Nunez	M	32	'25	—	4:43:13
🥈	Nathaniel Kola	M	25	'22	—	4:48:14
🥉	Robert Loveridge	M	54	'22	—	4:56:08
4	Jose Nunez	M	31	'24	—	5:13:33
5	Dane Hilsher	M	22	'22	—	5:16:31
6	Marshall Nolen	M	28	'21	—	5:30:18
7	Colton Carter	M	34	'24	—	5:34:08
8	Aiden Baker	M	23	'25	—	5:35:29
9	Kenneth Canlas	M	31	'21	—	5:36:30
10	Travis Burleson	M	29	'23	—	5:38:08

Place	Name	Gender	Age	Year	City	Time
🥇	Paloma Ortiz	F	33	'25	—	5:30:29
🥈	Erin Cartaya	F	40	'24	—	5:59:24
🥉	Brittany Poor	F	37	'25	—	6:05:18
4	Andrea Martinez	F	44	'25	—	6:12:51
5	Iris Martinez	F	34	'25	—	6:16:51
6	Karin Strickland	F	31	'23	—	6:30:57
7	Laurence Denis	F	48	'24	—	6:33:54
8	Selina Nordberg	F	53	'21	—	6:38:41
9	Kendall Borrell	F	30	'23	—	6:39:48
10	Amanda Mazzenga	F	32	'22	—	6:47:07