The Sinister Night Runs is the inaugural event of the Insomniac Night Trail Run Series, scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, at San Tan Mountain Regional Park in Queen Creek, Arizona. Designed to showcase the Sonoran Desert under the night sky, the race follows a 9-kilometer loop consisting of the San Tan, Hedgehog, and Littleleaf trails. The course is noted for being smooth and runnable with mild rolling elevation, making it accessible for night-running novices while remaining a fast track for veterans. Distances range from a 6K short course to a 54K ultramarathon, with runners passing through the central start/finish area after every lap.
| Race Distance | Laps | Start Time | Top Performance ('25) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54K Ultra | 6 Loops | 6:30 PM | 3:50:29 (Ethan Koza) |
| 27K | 3 Loops | 6:45 PM | N/A |
| 18K | 2 Loops | 7:00 PM | N/A |
| 9K / 6K | 1 Loop | 7:15 / 7:30 PM | N/A |
Queen Creek is a rapidly growing town located primarily in Maricopa County, Arizona, with a population of approximately 71,000 residents. The demographic profile of Queen Creek is 72.4% White (non-Hispanic), 17.8% Hispanic or Latino, 3.4% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 0.7% Indigenous (primarily Pima and Maricopa heritage). The median annual household income is approximately $115,000. Geographically, the San Tan Mountain Regional Park encompasses over 10,000 acres of lower Sonoran Desert landscape, featuring unique desert vegetation such as Saguaro and Creosote. In late April, the Arizona desert begins its transition toward summer; average daytime highs can reach 31°C (88°F), but evening race starts benefit from a rapid cooling effect, with overnight lows typically around 14°C (57°F). Runners should be alert for nocturnal desert wildlife and the arid conditions which necessitate consistent hydration.
The event is organized by Aravaipa Running and offers a unique "Double Down" opportunity for those who wish to participate in the Sinister Ride mountain bike event on Friday night before running on Saturday. Registration for the Sinister Night Runs closes on April 20, 2026. The race is supported by an extensive volunteer team, and participants are encouraged to explore the full Insomniac Series pass for discounts on all six summer night events. Due to the desert environment and the night-time schedule, specific requirements for lighting and hydration are managed through the official runner manual. As a cup-less and environmentally conscious event series, Aravaipa emphasizes trail stewardship and safety, particularly regarding the park's fragile desert ecosystem during high-traffic race hours.
Apr 25, 2026
Distance — 54K
Type — Running
18:30
$150.00
Apr 25, 2026
Distance — 27K
Type — Running
18:45
$100.00
Apr 25, 2026
Distance — 18K
Type — Running
19:00
$80.00
Apr 25, 2026
Distance — 9K
Type — Running
19:15
$60.00
Apr 25, 2026
Distance — 6K
Type — Running
19:30
$70.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Queen Creek.
Learn more about the host city, Queen Creek.
Queen Creek is a town in far southeast of the East Valley the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
Explore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on Gilbert, Arizona, US
calendar_today May 16, 2026
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