The Whiskey Basin Trail Runs 2026 is a premier endurance event scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in the high-desert landscape of Prescott, Arizona. Organized by Aravaipa Running, the signature 91K distance follows the Prescott Circle Trail, a point-to-point loop that encompasses the entire city. All race distances conclude at Watson Lake Park, featuring a finish line set against the iconic Granite Dells—a geological landmark of ancient, rounded Precambrian granite boulders. The event is renowned for its technical variety, ranging from smooth forest paths to rugged, boulder-strewn scrambles.
| Race Distance | Start Time | Course Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 91K | 05:00 AM | Full Prescott Circle Trail loop |
| 60K / 33K | 07:00 / 08:00 AM | High-desert single track |
| 1/2 Marathon | 09:00 AM | Rugged Granite Dells terrain |
| 10K | 09:30 AM | Watson Lake scenic circuit |
Prescott is a historic mountain city in Yavapai County with a population of approximately 48,000 residents. Located at an elevation of 5,300 feet, it is known for its "Whiskey Row" and Victorian-era architecture. The demographic composition of Prescott is approximately 86.2% White (Non-Hispanic), 9.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Two or More Races, 1.1% Native American, and 0.8% Asian. The median annual household income for the city is roughly $63,000. Geographically, the trails transition from ponderosa pine forests into the high-desert chaparral and riparian zones around the lakes. The climate in mid-April is typically dry and sunny; average temperatures range from a low of 3°C (37°F) to a high of 19°C (67°F). Because of the high altitude and low humidity, runners often face high solar intensity and significant temperature swings throughout the day.
Registration for the 2026 event closes on Monday, April 13, at 11:59 PM MT. While the official race camping at Watson Lake Park is already sold out, the venue serves as the central hub for the event village and post-race celebrations. Aravaipa Running relies on an extensive volunteer team, offering race credits and merchandise as incentives for those assisting with aid stations and timing. For those competing in the 91K, the course record stands at 7:41:32, set by Nick Coury in 2024. For further information regarding the specific course GPX files or the mandatory gear list for the ultra distances, participants should consult the Aravaipa Running website or the UltraSignup portal.
Apr 18, 2026
Distance — 91K
Type — Running
05:00
$245.00
Apr 18, 2026
Distance — 60K
Type — Running
07:00
$205.00
Apr 18, 2026
Distance — 33K
Type — Running
08:00
$145.00
Apr 18, 2026
Distance — 21.1K
Type — Running
09:00
$130.00
Apr 18, 2026
Distance — 10K
Type — Running
09:30
$95.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Prescott.
Learn more about the host city, Prescott.
Prescott is a city in Arizona, and the county seat of Yavapai County. It is home to the world's oldest rodeo, and to the famous Whiskey Row
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
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