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McDowell Mountain Trail Run 2026

McDowell Mountain Trail Run 2026

Presented by Xterra Planet · Updated December 2025
Trail Running
Morristown, AZ
Dec 5, 2026
Solo Moderate Mid-Distance Rolling Singletrack Technical Trail Mixed Surface

Half Marathon

Distance
24km
Terrain
singletrack
Mid-Distance

About This Event

The McDowell Mountain Trail Run 2026 takes place annually at McDowell Mountain Regional Park which is a paradise destination for a trail runner. Strambecco rates the McDowell Mountain Trail Run 2026 as one of the Best Trail Running Race Events in the Southwest and Best Trail Running Race Events in Arizona.

The McDowell Mountain Half Marathon (24K) offers trail runners a stunning 15-mile journey through Arizona’s McDowell Mountain Regional Park, a true paradise with over 80 miles of trails. This scenic course features a steady climb through cholla forests and fields of beaver tail cactus, with a mix of cruising climbs and gentle descents. Runners will navigate from Cinch to Scenic, over to Pemberton, through Tonto, and finish with a fast descent down Shallmo Wash. The course closes at noon, and awards will be given to the top three finishers in each age group, with 28 XTERRA Trail Run World Series Passes available, qualifying for the XTERRA World Championships.

The XTERRA Trail Run World Series invites all trail enthusiasts to join the XTERRA community with over 30 races in 20+ countries, offering qualification opportunities for the annual XTERRA Trail Run World Championship.

XTERRA Planet is a globally recognized brand that promotes outdoor adventure through its wide-ranging off-road endurance events, primarily triathlons and trail running. The organization was founded with the vision of bringing athletes closer to nature, combining elements of swimming, mountain biking, and trail running in the case of triathlons, and offering a global platform for trail runners through the XTERRA Trail Run Series. The ethos of XTERRA Planet is rooted in encouraging people to embrace nature’s rugged, unpredictable, and beautiful aspects while challenging themselves both physically and mentally.

XTERRA Off-Road Triathlon:

The cornerstone of the XTERRA brand is its off-road triathlon series, which combines open-water swimming, mountain biking on technical trails, and trail running. This sport was born in 1996 on the island of Maui, Hawaii, as the “Aquaterra” race, which later evolved into the XTERRA World Championship. This race is still held annually in Maui, marking the pinnacle of the XTERRA triathlon seriesToday, XTERRA triathlons take place worldwide, providing athletes with opportunities to compete in diverse environments, from tropical beaches to alpine forests.

XTERRA Trail Run Series:

The XTERRA Trail Run Series offers runners the chance to experience trail running at its finest, with events spanning more than 20 countries. These races typically offer multiple distances, allowing both elite athletes and amateur runners to participate. Points are accumulated throughout the season, and top performers qualify for the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. The series promotes a sense of community and adventure, and it emphasizes the importance of preserving and enjoying natural landscapes​.

Philosophy and Community:

XTERRA Planet goes beyond competition by fostering a strong sense of community among participants. Their events focus on outdoor adventure and embody a “live more” philosophy, encouraging people to push their limits, engage with nature, and connect with other like-minded individuals. Athletes of all levels, from professional competitors to weekend warriors, are welcomed into the XTERRA community, creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

In addition to its global race events, XTERRA Planet promotes environmental sustainability and engages with local communities to ensure that their events leave a positive impact on both people and the environment. The brand’s commitment to outdoor adventure and sustainable sports culture has garnered a loyal following around the world.

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