Mesquite Canyon Trail Runs returns to Waddell, Arizona on March 13th, offering a series of challenging races through rugged terrain. The event takes place in the heart of Mesquite Canyon Park, located off White Tank Mountain Road west of Phoenix. On race morning at sunrise around 6:40 AM MST, runners can expect clear skies and mild temperatures with no precipitation forecasted according to local weather services. The trail conditions will be firm but slightly soft underfoot due to recent dry spells. This year marks the fourth iteration of Mesquite Canyon Trail Runs, a beloved event in the Arizona running community that supports environmental conservation efforts through its registration fees. Each race distance attracts participants from across the country and features unique challenges like steep climbs, rocky descents, and scenic overlooks along Ford Canyon’s White Tank rock formations. The course winds through single-track trails with significant elevation changes and technical sections such as large boulders and desert vegetation. Runners will traverse a hazardous yet awe-inspiring section of trail/wash down Ford Canyon where 50 Mile & 50 Km participants must navigate the famed “White Tank” rock formations during downhill scrambling. The morning's weather conditions are expected to be comfortable for racing, with temperatures ranging from around 68°F (20°C) at sunrise to a high of approximately 79°F (26°C). Humidity levels will remain low throughout the day. Wind speeds should not exceed light breezes and there is no risk of precipitation.
The race offers distances including the challenging 50 Miler, covering 80.5 kilometers; the equally demanding 50K at 50 kilometers; a more manageable but still tough 30K option for those looking to test their limits on rugged trails without committing fully to an ultra-distance event; a half marathon distance of 21.1 kilometers suitable for runners seeking a solid endurance challenge; and an 8K race designed specifically for trail enthusiasts who prefer shorter, faster runs through the desert landscape. For logistics details, participants can register online at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=138341 until the Monday before the event. Late registration is available during packet pickup times leading up to March 12th and 13th. Fees for each distance are listed on the website: $170.00 for the 50 Miler, $130.00 for the 50K, $90.00 for the 30K, $70.00 for the half marathon, and $40.00 for the 8K. Bib pickup will take place on March 12th from noon to 6 PM at Mesquite Canyon Park’s visitor center located off White Tank Mountain Road in Waddell, Arizona or immediately before race start times on race day starting at 5:30 AM MST. All participants must show a photo ID and confirm their registration details during pickup. The event starts promptly at 7 AM MST from the intersection of Mesquite Canyon Park’s main trailhead near White Tank Mountain Road in Waddell, Arizona (20304 W White Tank Mountain Rd). Age requirements vary by distance but generally range between open to all ages for shorter distances and minimum age restrictions around mid-teens for longer events. Participants should arrive prepared with proper hydration, nutrition, and appropriate gear based on the challenging terrain described. Mesquite Canyon Trail Runs in Waddell, Arizona on March 13th stands out as a must-attend event for trail runners due to its unique combination of technical challenges and breathtaking desert vistas along White Tank Mountain Road.
Races Offered
50 Miler
Mar 13, 2027
straighten
Distance —
80.5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
06:15
sell
$170.00
50K
Mar 13, 2027
straighten
Distance —
50K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
06:30
sell
$130.00
30K
Mar 13, 2027
straighten
Distance —
30K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
06:45
sell
$90.00
1/2 Marathon
Mar 13, 2027
straighten
Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:30
sell
$70.00
8K
Mar 13, 2027
straighten
Distance —
8K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
sell
$40.00
Kid's Fun Run
Mar 13, 2027
straighten
Distance —
0.8K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
10:30
sell
$10.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for March in Waddell.
thermostatTemperature
9.6° / 22.3°
wb_sunnyFeels like
6.7° / 18.4°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
10h 6m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
1.6 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
7.6 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (4.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
44.1%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:37
nightlight
Sunset
18:37
About Waddell
Learn more about the host city, Waddell.
Waddell is an unincorporated community in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States, northwest of Phoenix. Waddell is named after Donald Ware Waddell, a native of Ohio, who was a partner in the New York City investment firm Brandon, Gordon, and Waddell. This firm organized the private financing for construction of the dam for the water reclamation project that creates Lake Pleasant. The intended Waddell town site was laid out by Donald Waddell in 1935, on property he owned on the northeast corner of Waddell Road and Cotton Lane. Waddell moved to the area to oversee the firm's interests in the project. He served on the board of the Maricopa Water District and invested in land through his interests in the Arizona Citrus Land Company and the Waddell Ranch Company.
