Thrasher Night Trail

The Thrasher Night Trail returns to Cave Creek, Arizona on October 16th as the inaugural race of the Fall Sunset Series, leading straight into the following day's Cave Creek Thriller Trail Runs. This evening event begins at dusk and continues under the glow of trail lights through the night. Participants will navigate a loop course featuring rugged terrain with notable climbs along Quartz and Go John Trails. The start line is located on E Cave Creek Parkway near the heart of Cave Creek, setting runners off into the wilderness as twilight descends.
Thrasher Night Trail has been established to kickstart an exciting season for trail runners in Arizona's Sonoran Desert region. It serves not only as a challenging race but also as part of a larger tradition that encourages endurance and community spirit among local athletes. By completing both Thriller and Thrasher races, participants can earn unique medals marking their achievement.
The 11-kilometer loop incorporates various trails including Slate, Quartz, Go John, and Overton Trails. For the longer distances, runners tackle three loops for a total of 33 kilometers or two loops amounting to 22 kilometers, each time crossing through the start/finish line after every lap. Aid stations are strategically placed along the route providing essential hydration and energy boosts.
Typically in October, temperatures hover around an average of 24.7°C with minimal chance for rain at only 1.3mm expected throughout race day. The weather is generally dry and comfortable under moderate UV conditions, ensuring trails remain hard yet runnable without excessive humidity or wind to hinder progress.
The Thrasher Night Trail offers a variety of distances: the challenging 33K looped course; the equally rigorous but slightly shorter 22K option; as well as a more accessible 11K and a family-friendly 5K event. Each distance comes with its own unique registration fee reflecting the effort required.
Registration for Thrasher Night Trail is available online at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=134092 until Monday before race day, after which late registration can be completed during packet pickup times. Fees range from $60 for the 11K up to $90 for the full marathon equivalent of 33 kilometers.
Packet pick-up will occur at Cave Creek Community Center on October 15th between noon and 8 PM or alternatively early morning hours on race day starting at 4 AM sharp. Runners must present a government-issued ID with their name matching that used during registration to collect bib numbers, timing chips, and event information packets.
The start location is situated precisely at the intersection of E Cave Creek Parkway in Cave Creek's northern reaches. For those under eighteen years old, parents or guardians will need to sign liability waivers on behalf of young participants prior to race day. All first-time attendees should arrive prepared with appropriate gear such as reflective clothing and adequate hydration supplies for running through night conditions.
The Thrasher Night Trail returns to Cave Creek, Arizona on October 16th, presenting a unique opportunity for trail runners seeking an evening challenge amidst the scenic beauty of the Sonoran Desert trails.