Location
The start/finish area is located in the competitive loop parking lot, the first parking lot on the left when entering McDowell Mountain Regional Park north of Fountain Hills, AZ.
Course Summary
All runs start on the competitive track loops. The 50K course will feature the 25K course plus a trip out to the Dixie Mine on the far West side of the park and other trails within McDowell Mountain Regional Park. The 50 Mile includes other park trails including the Scenic Loop and a trip into the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to the top of Thompson Peak in addition to the 50K! The road up to the top of Thompson Peak and back down is EXTREMELY steep!
Weather
Forecast for Fountain Hills, AZ
Bib/Shirt Pickup
Thursday, December 5
Packet Pickup 4:00-7:00PM
Group Run 5:30-6:30PM
iRun Phoenix
4730 E. Indian School Rd. #125
Phoenix, AZ 85018
(602) 368-5330
-or- Saturday, December 7
Packet Pickup 6-8:15AM
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Host Hotel
We are proud to partner this year with the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort. The Radisson has special rate rooms available for race participants this year. Call for a reservation at (480) 789-5300 ~ and ask for the McDowell Mountain Frenzy room block in order to get the discounted rate.
Radisson Fort McDowell Resort
10438 North Fort McDowell Road
Scottsdale/Fountain Hills, AZ 85264
(480) 789-5300
Aid Stations
Aid stations every 3-6.4 miles including water, electrolyte drink, sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit. Please plan to run with at least one bottle of water. Aid Station Helpers – Sign Up Here
Our finish line aid station will feature hot food made with Daiya Cheese. Daiya cheese melts, stretches, and tastes just like dairy-based cheese! It is free of dairy (casein and lactose), soy, gluten, eggs, rice, peanuts, and tree nuts (except coconut oil). If you’ve never given Daiya a try, you’ll have your chance at McDowell Mountain Frenzy!
Race Perks
Gender specific cut race shirt
Chip timed race results displayed at finish line
Scenic and challenging course on desert trails
Well stocked aid stations every 3-6.4 miles
Post race food (bagels, fresh fruit) & socializing
Awards
Awards to top male & female finishers at each distance. Winners of 25 km and 50 km/mile races will earn free entry into the DRT Series Championship in March at Mesquite Canyon.
Entry Fees
| Until 10/12 | Until 11/9 | Until 12/4 | Race Day | |
| 5 Mile | $35 | $40 | $45 | $55 |
| 10 Mile | $40 | $45 | $50 | $60 |
| 25 KM | $45 | $50 | $55 | $65 |
| 50 KM | $60 | $65 | $70 | $80 |
| 50 Mile | $80 | $85 | $90 | $100 |
Save $10 with our no-shirt option! Shirts guaranteed on race day if ordered by 11/9, otherwise shirts will be sold on race day if available.
Registration Options
Online via Ultra Signup
Mail-In Entry Form
Online registration closes on 12/4. Registration available after at packet pickup and race day.
Cut-Off
14 Hour Cutoff applies to all races
50 Mile Cutoffs:
Mile 45 (Start/Finish) – 12.5 hours (7:30pm)
Mile 50 (Finish) - 14 hours (9:00pm)
Courses
The 5 mile, 10 mile and 25km runs take place on the rugged, rolling, and beautiful McDowell Competitive Track desert trails. The McDowell Competitive Track varies from 2 to 10 feet wide and is designed for challenging one’s skills. The 50km course includes the 25km course and a trip out to the Dixie Mine on the far West side of the park. The NEW 50 Mile includes two trips into the McDowell Sonoran Preserve going up to the top of Thompson Peak and a loop around the Windmill, Bell Pass and Prospector Trails. All courses will be marked with orange ribbon and flagging. All junctions will be signed with colored arrows corresponding with your race bib (different color for each race). Course Photos
Course Detail (Maps, Elevation Profiles, GPS Tracks)
50M | Elevation Profile | Topo Map | McDowell Sonoran Preserve Detail | GPX
50K | Elevation Profile | Topo Map | 3D | GPX
25K | Elevation Profile | Topo Map | 3D | GPX
10M | Elevation Profile | Topo Map | 3D | GPX
5M | Elevation Profile
*Note on GPX files: Right click and select “Save link as…” to download GPX files. GPX files may be opened by downloading the demo version of TopoFusion for free.
Course Records
50 Mile | Male – 7:26:27 – Korey Konga (’12) | Female – 8:19:13 – Emily Robbins (’12)
50 Km | Male – 3:22:54 – Rob Krar (’12) | Female – 4:25:42 – Lauren Besenfelder (’12)
25 Km | Male – 1:37:09 – Joshua Trevino (’12) | Female – 2:00:44 – Lauren Besenfelder (’11)
10 Mile | Male – 1:04:31 – Forrest Boughner (’12) | Female – 1:20:14 – Susan Barrows (’10)
5 Mile | Male – 39:38 – Benjamin Krakoff (’12) | Female – 48:27 – Dana Prosser (’12)
Results
2012 | 50 Mile | 50 Km | 25 Km | 10 Mile | 5Mile
2011 | 50 Km | 25 Km | 10 Mile | 5 Km
12/2010 | 50 Km | 25 Km | 10 Mile | 5 Km
1/2010 | 25 Km | 10 Mile | 5 Km
2012 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery | Justin Lutick
2011 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery
12/2010 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery
1/2010 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery
Race Day Schedule
Please arrive early to park, check in and warm up prior to your run. Restroom facilities are located at the start line at a permanent park facility.
6:00 AM – Packet pickup / race day registration begin
6:52 AM – Begin civil twilight
7:00 AM – 50 Mile Start
7:19 AM – Sunrise
7:30 AM – 50 Kilometer Start
8:00 AM – 25 Kilometer Start
8:15 AM – 10 Mile Start
8:30 AM – 5 Mile Start
5:20 PM – Sunset
5:47 PM – End civil twilight
7:30 PM – Mile 45 Cutoff for 50 Mile Distance at Start/Finish (Must begin final 5 mile loop by 7:30PM)
9:00 PM – 50 Mile Final Cutoff at Finish
Park Entry Fee
Remember the park charges a $6 park entry fee per vehicle. Please arrive early and have correct change (cash) available on race morning for a smooth entry process. Carpool to save!
Trail Running & Trash
Please respect the trails and the beauty of the desert by disposing of any trash at one of our aid stations.
Race Timing
We will be utilizing a chip timing system at this event to record your time at the finish. Results will be posted using “gun time” only. You will be provided with a timing chip embedded in your race bib number. Please wear this bib on the front of your clothing on race day.
Drop Bags
A drop bag will be allowed at the Dixie Mine Aid Station for 50K runners. Drop bags for 50 Mile runners will be allowed at Pemberton Aid, Dixie Mine, and Gate Aid Stations. Please have your drop bags labeled with your name, bib number and aid station location and place in the appropriate signed location by 6:45 AM on race morning.
Aid Station Helpers
We cannot produce these trail runs without the help of our amazing volunteer team. If you are interested in helping with the San Tan Scramble, we have opportunities to help with setup, registration, aid stations, finish line, course sweep and breakdown. All volunteers will receive an Aravaipa Running shirt and a discount on a future race entry! You can even help and run on race day.
Premium volunteer - we now have a premium volunteer position available in the timing tent. Must be technologically minded and be able to multitask. $150 race credit for a 14.5 hour shift.
Sign Up Here with iVolunteerOnline
Course Markings
Each course will be well marked with orange plastic ribbons with black polka dots. Trail junctions and turns will be well marked with colored laminated signs. Please pay attention to these signs at each junction as there are multiple race distances and race courses! Course signs will correspond with your race’s color (5M = Blue, 10M = Green, 25K = Yellow, 50K = Red, 50M = White). In addition, blue & white checkerboard plastic flagging and pink WRONG WAY signs will be posted to designate non-race trails. All runners are responsible for understanding the layout of the courses. Please familiarize yourself with the course maps on our website prior to race day and/or print a map to bring along with you.
Parking / Start Area
The start/finish line is located at the competitive track parking area.
Camping
McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers 76 individual sites for tent or RV camping. Each site has a large parking area to accommodate up to a 45′ RV and is a “Developed Site,” with water and electrical hook-ups, dump station, a picnic table and a barbecue fire ring. All restrooms offer flush toilets and showers. The south loop of the campground also offers handicapped-accessible restrooms. All sites in the campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping Fees
You may also camp with us on Friday night at the start/finish. Camping passes for Friday night run $17 which includes your vehicle entry and may be purchased at the entry gate or visitors center.
Directions
From central Phoenix, take Loop 202 east to Beeline Highway (SR 87). Continue northeast on SR 87 to Shea Blvd. Travel west on Shea Blvd. to Saguaro Blvd.; turn north. Continue through Town of Fountain Hills to Fountain Hills Blvd; turn right and travel four miles to the McDowell Mountain Regional Park entrance.
Address
16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr.
MMRP Arizona 85255
Turn Sheet & Aid Station Distances
Distances are estimates based upon GPS track.
