The Punisher Night Trail returns to Mesa, Arizona on November 14th, offering a challenging yet scenic experience for runners of all levels along the trails within Usery Mountain Regional Park. Participants can expect to start their run as early evening sets in, with temperatures gradually cooling down. The park’s well-maintained trail system includes sections named Noso Trail, Blevins Trail, Moon Rock Trail, Levee Trail, Spillway Trail, Cat Peaks and Pass Trails, providing a diverse mix of terrain that runners will navigate through multiple loops depending on their chosen distance. Established as part of the Fall Sunset Series, this event has been growing in popularity over recent years. The Punisher Night Trail supports local running communities by connecting participants with other races like the Pass Mountain Trail Runs, fostering camaraderie and competition among trail enthusiasts across Arizona’s landscape. Runners are encouraged to participate not just for personal achievement but also to contribute to a vibrant tradition of outdoor adventure. The course winds through Usery Mountain Regional Park on a 9-kilometer loop featuring smooth trails with minimal elevation changes and occasional rocky sections that add character to the run. The exact layout varies slightly each year based on park maintenance schedules, yet remains consistent in its challenging nature for both novice and seasoned runners alike. Aid stations are strategically placed along the route to cater to hydration needs during this evening event. On race day, participants will experience typical November weather conditions characterized by firm trail surfaces with a slight give underfoot, making traction reliable but not overly soft. UV index levels remain low at 2.0 (Low), ensuring comfortable exposure even as daylight fades into twilight hours. Precipitation is unlikely given the time of year and evening start times. The Punisher Night Trail offers multiple distance options:
30K 30K • Start: 18:00:00 • Fee: $90.00
20K 20K • Start: 18:15:00 • Fee: $80.00
10K 10K • Start: 18:30:00 • Fee: $60.00
5K 5K • Start: 18:45:00 • Fee: $45.00
Registration for all distances must be completed online via https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=134101 by the Monday preceding race day, with late registration available during packet pickup at designated locations. Fees vary from $45 for a 5K to $90 for the full 30K distance. For those planning ahead, bib pick-up is scheduled on November 12th and 13th between specific hours (details provided via race website). Participants are advised to bring their confirmation email or digital registration receipt. Start location addresses can be found at Usery Mountain Regional Park’s main entrance in Mesa. Age requirements stipulate that participants must be aged ten years old or older for the shorter distances, with no upper age limit. The Punisher Night Trail is an integral part of the Arizona running calendar, bringing together runners and volunteers to celebrate the beauty of trail running under the evening sky at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa on November 14th. The event's blend of community spirit and challenging terrain makes it a must-attend for any serious trail runner looking for a memorable race experience.
Races Offered
30K
Nov 14, 2026
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Distance —
30K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
18:00
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$90.00
20K
Nov 14, 2026
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Distance —
20K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
18:15
sell
$80.00
10K
Nov 14, 2026
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Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
18:30
sell
$60.00
5K
Nov 14, 2026
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Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
18:45
sell
$45.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for November in Mesa.
thermostatTemperature
12.5° / 24.4°
wb_sunnyFeels like
9.1° / 21.5°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
9h 9m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
1.4 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
7.7 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (2.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
37.5%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:59
nightlight
Sunset
17:24
About Mesa
Learn more about the host city, Mesa.
Mesa, population 518,000 (2019), is in Maricopa County. It is Arizona's third-largest city, and is part of the Greater Phoenix urban complex.
