Saturday, March 9, 2024

50 Mile | 50K | 30K | 1/2 Marathon | 8K | Kid’s Fun Run
White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Waddell, AZ

6:15 AM – 50 Mile Start
6:30 AM – 50 Km Start
6:45 AM –  30 Km Start
7:30 AM – 1/2 Marathon Start
8:00 AM – 8 Km Start
10:30 AM – Kid’s Fun Run

Register

Mesquite Canyon is the seventh and final race in the Aravaipa Running – Desert Runner Trail Series, Arizona’s premier trail & ultra run series.
Hummingbird = 8 Km | Quail = 1/2 Marathon | Roadrunner = 1/2 Marathon | Owl = 30 Km | Hawk = 50 Mile & 50 Km

Quick Links: Race Info | Registration | Course Info | Results | Photos | Race Day

RACE INFORMATION

Location
Competitive Track Parking Lot at White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Waddell, AZ. Directions

Course Summary
Enjoy challenging climbs and epic views of Phoenix across the White Tank Mountain Range. All runs take place on single track trails within White Tank Mountain Regional Park.  Expect typical desert trail conditions including rocks, sand, cactus and gravel.

50 mile & 50 Km runners will travel through a two mile section of wash in Ford Canyon featuring several downhill granite rock scrambles, sand and boulders.

Weather
Forecast for Waddell, AZ

Bib/Shirt Pickup

Friday, March 8
Packet Pickup 12:00PM-5:00PM

Aravaipa Running Headquarters
2401 S 24th St
Phoenix, AZ 85034

———————————

Saturday, March 9
Packet Pickup 5:30AM-10:30 AM
White Tank Mountain Regional Park – Competitive Track
20304 W White Tank Mountain Road
Waddell, AZ 85355

Aid Stations
There are aid stations every 1.8 to 9.3 miles including water, electrolyte drink, sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fresh fruit. Due to the remoteness of the course, there is a 9.3 mile stretch in the 50 mile, 50 Km, and 30 Km with NO AID, so please be prepared (run with AT LEAST 2-3 bottles (50-70 ounces) of fluids). Plan for sun and hot temperatures. Additional notes about our aid stations at this race:

  • The Waddell aid station will service the 8K, 1/2 Marathon, 30 Kilometer, 50 Kilometer, & 50 Mile races.
  • The Mesquite aid station is our most remote aid and also sponsored by the Surprise Running Club. We haul all supplies up the mountain with backpacks including all water. There will be no ice at this aid station.
  • The Black Canyon aid station will service the 50 mile, 50 Km, and 30 Km runners and will have drop bags, water, food and ice.
  • Ford Canyon aid station will also be a minimal remote aid station accessed by the 50 mile & 50 Km runners. Do not plan for ice at this station, but there will be plenty of water and food for your final miles into the finish.

Cupless Events

In an effort to continually lessen our race footprint, we are expanding our cupless events to the Desert Runner Trail Series. We will have UltrAspire reusable cups available for purchase at registration and on race day or feel free to bring your own!

Aid station distance chart:

Race Perks
Gender specific cut race shirt (Men’s & Women’s styles)
Chip timed race results displayed at finish line
Scenic and challenging course on desert trails
Well stocked aid stations every 1.8 to 8.8 miles
Finisher Award
50 Milers receive a custom finisher’s award

Awards
Awards to the top 3 male & female finishers at each distance.
All finishers will receive a finisher award.
Points earned in the Desert Runner Trail Series (additional weight given to this race).

Volunteer Helpers
If you would like to join our volunteer team, we are looking for help with event setup, aid station captains, aid station helpers, timing, photography, videography, social media, course sweep and event breakdown. Volunteer perks include a piece of Aravaipa merchandise or race goody and Aravaipa Race Credits. You can see our current opportunities and sign up here: Mesquite Canyon Volunteer Form

Charity Beer Garden

For the 2023-2024 Desert Runner Trail Series, Aravaipa Running will be working with the Wilderness Volunteers. Wilderness Volunteers has been providing affordable and meaningful volunteer service opportunities that conserve and protect America’s wild lands since 1997. Working in cooperation with the US Forest Service, National Park Service, the BLM, the US Fish & Wildlife Service and others to maintain our trails and wild areas. 

Proceeds from the beer garden will go directly to this Association. The  Beer Garden is being sponsored by a local brewery: Huss Brewing.

REGISTRATION

Entry Fees*

  Until 10/2 Until 2/12 Until 3/4 Race Week
50 MILE $170 $185 $200 $210
50KM $130 $145 $160 $170
30KM $90 $105 $120 $130
Half-Marathon $70 $80 $90 $100
8KM $40 $45 $50 $55
*Pricing does not include tax or any additional fees charged by Ultrasignup.
 
Save $7.97 with our no-shirt option! Shirts guaranteed on race day only if ordered by 2/17, otherwise shirts will be available on race day if there are extras.
 
Entrant Limit
600 Runners

Registration Options
Online via Ultra Signup
Mail-in Form

Online registration closes on Monday, 3/4, at 11:59 PM. Registration will be available after online registration closes at all packet pickup locations and race day as long as we have not reached our capacity.

COURSE INFORMATION

Courses
All runs take place on rugged, single track trail with significant challenging climbs, incredible views, steep descents, large boulders, rocks, and desert vegetation. The courses offer a challenging but rewarding experience for all, from the beginning trail runner to the most experienced ultra marathoner.

Cut-Off Times
*All cut-off times are for leaving an aid station
10:30 AM – 50 Km Runners must leave the Black Canyon Aid Station at mile 14.1
1:30 PM – 50 Mile Runners must leave the Mesquite Canyon Aid Station at mile 22.9
2:00 PM – 50 Km Runners must leave the Mesquite Canyon Aid Station at mile 22.9
3:15 PM – 50 Mile Runners must leave the start/finish at mile 30.5
4:30 PM – 50 Mile Runners must leave the Black Canyon Aid Station at mile 36.2
9:15 PM – 50 Mile final cutoff (15 hours)

Medical –      

We will have medical staff based at the start / finish headquarters. This team is here to help you with most basic and advanced first aid right on site. We reserve the right to pull you from the race if medical officials deem it necessary. Please understand that these decisions are made for your safety and do not argue. Continuing on in a state where you cannot safely navigate is a recipe for disaster and we are here to prevent that.

NOTE: If something happens to you or another runner, do NOT call 911 right away. Our medical team is highly trained in these scenarios, has been with us at this race the last four years and understands the terrain and driving access points. Please call their 24-hour number that will be answered by a real human being and they will dispatch accordingly.

MedStar Solutions Race Day Number: 480-269-4126

Crews & Pacers
Crews are permitted at the start/finish line and the Black Canyon Aid Station.

Pacers are permitted for 50 mile runners after they have come through the 50K mark at the start/finish line or starting at Black Canyon Aid, mile 36.

Drop Bags
A drop bag will be allowed at the Black Canyon Aid Station for the 50 mile & 50 Km runners. All drop bags MUST be at the start line in the appropriate area by 6:30 AM to be transported over to the Black Canyon Aid Station. Drop bags should be back to the start/finish line by 6 PM or you can pick them up on your way out of the park if you finish early.

Course Descriptions

50 Miles | Elevation Gain 7,359 Feet | 2,243 Meters
50K | Elevation Gain 4,795 Feet | 1,462 Meters

The 50 Km & 50 Mile courses are designed for experienced trail runners only since you travel through a hazardous (but incredibly awesome) section of trail/wash down Ford Canyon that requires basic navigational skills (see Ford Canyon video). 50K & 50 Mile participants will be required to execute some downhill rock scrambling over the famed “White Tank” rock formations.


This is the exit point from the wash area of the Canyon, rejoining single track on the right.

The 50M & 50K courses run the same route for the first 31 miles as you both will have now have around 3 1/2 miles of windy, rolling single track to warm up before hitting the Waddell Aid Station. There will be two road crossings in this section now (new in 2020) as you follow Ford Canyon Trail to the trailhead, turn right in the parking lot and hop on the Mesquite Canyon Trail from the beginning, following it up to the Waddell Aid Station.
From here you’ll begin your first real climb of the day as you travel switchbacks all the way up Mesquite Canyon climbing just about 1,000 feet in less than two miles before hitting the Mesquite Canyon aid, once again manned by Surprise Running Club.

From the aid you’ll keep heading west on the Willow Trail where you’ll be treated to another quick climb, followed by more great views of Willow Canyon, eventually connecting with the Ford Canyon Trail junction where you’ll head left down into a small wash before climbing again for about half a mile onto the Goat Camp Trail. You will continue climbing single track trail until you finally reach the point where you’ll begin the two mile descent down Goat Canyon towards the Black Canyon aid. This is a long section and can take much longer then your typical “8.7 mile section” so please keep this in mind when leaving the Mesquite Aid.

Once you reach the Black Canyon aid, you’ll head right back up the trail you just came down. We told you there was a lot of climbing on this course, didn’t we? Anyway, you climb the switchbacks for 2+ miles and wind your way around Dripping Springs Canyon on your right and Slick Rock Canyon to your left. It’s gorgeous. The descent back to the Mesquite trail junction includes some fantastic single track that was recently groomed by the park and will get you back to the Mesquite Aid station 22 miles into your race.

Willow Canyon Trail

From here, you’ll head back up the Willow Canyon Trail you traversed earlier in the day which brings you back to the Ford Canyon junction. This time, you will head RIGHT which will climb for a short while, followed by a fun descent that drops you into a large sandy wash area. This is where it gets fun. The next couple miles follows Ford Canyon through a massive wash area with large boulders, sandy areas and “tanks” of (possibly) water. While we’ll mark this section well, much of this section is open to your interpretation of which route to take until you reach the actual turnoff to depart the wash and climb onto a trail to the right just before Ford Canyon “cliffs-out” to a 30+ foot drop-off. Follow the course back to the finish line where you 50K runners are done!
50 milers will head back out to run the same 18 ish miles as the 30K course which will send you on a rather pleasant 5.8 mile stretch to the Black Canyon aid station before climbing back up Goat Camp which you descended and subsequently climbed around miles 11-14. Yes, it will be just as hard as you remember. But hey, then you have a beautiful downhill into the Mesquite aid station, a nice 2 mile down hill stretch looking through Mesquite Canyon out towards your finish line to the Waddell Aid where you’ll then wind your way on relatively flat trail the final two miles. Course Photos

30K | Elevation Gain 2,367 Feet | 721 Meters

The 30K course heads out on Grey Fox like every other distance but shortly into the run you will make a hard LEFT turn onto the Ford Canyon Trail, crossing over the main park road and then onto the Mule Deer Trail which you’ll take to the Black Canyon Aid station just under 6 miles into your race. You will make two road crossings in this first section so please be aware of oncoming traffic. This section is mostly flat with small rolling hills and is a great time to get the legs going before you begin your Goat Camp climb. To get to Black Canyon aid, you’ll do a quick 1/4 mile out and back- you must hit this aid station. Do NOT skip this out and back!!!

Next, continue on the South Trail until it dead ends at the Goat Camp trail where you’ll begin the long climb up Goat Canyon. This section includes a series of switchbacks and you will likely see runners heading in both directions. This stretch of trail also typically includes an impressive array of wildflowers and sweeping views of both Dripping Springs Canyon looking towards Phoenix on your right and Slick Rock Canyon on your left. It’s a gorgeous section of your course so take a second and enjoy it before descending on some newly groomed single track to the Mesquite Aid station. From here you’ll just follow the Mesquite Canyon Trail all the way down the mountain to the Waddell Aid where you’ll wind your way down and around the Waddell Trail to the Grey Fox trail you began your day on.

 1/2 Marathon | Elevation Gain 1,710 Feet |  521 Meters

This is an amazing half marathon course. Designed as a “lollipop” touching parts of Mesquite Canyon, Willow Canyon, and Slick Rock Canyon, this course is sure to test your skills. You will get to enjoy some incredible single track on this course, get a hefty climb up Mesquite Canyon, and enjoy a two mile descent to Waddell Aid before following the rolling trails of Waddell and Grey Fox back to your finish line.

8K Course

Our 8K course is a great course to get your feet wet in the trail world. With minimal climbing or technical trails, it allows you to navigate up the Waddell trail enjoying foothill views of the White Tank Mountains. When you reach your aid station, you turn around and make your way back to the finish line.

Kid’s Fun Run

We’re bringing back the fun run for a third year where your kiddos will get to rip up some trails in their own race. We will have them head out on the Competitive Track trails (all to themselves) on an out-and-back style run that’ll total around 1.5 miles. The run will be $10 and is and is available for registration on Ultrasignup. This will help streamline the process for you (and us) come race day.

Registration for the kids include their own kid’s bib, finishers medal and option to purchase a kid’s race shirt with Mesquite Canyon logo on it. Parents are allowed to run this race with their kids too.

Course Maps

Elevation Profiles

GPS Files

50 Mile | Strava Route | Interactive CalTopo Map
50K | Strava Route | Interactive CalTopo Map
30K | Strava Route | Interactive CalTopo Map
Half Marathon | Strava Route | Interactive CalTopo Map 
8 Km | Strava Route | CalTopo Map

*Note on GPX & KML files: Right click and select “Save link as…” to download files.

CalTopo Review
Desktop: Top of the screen will have an “Export” drop down menu. Select from GPX, KML, etc. in the top left. Click Export.
Phone: On left side of screen there will be 4 icons. Click the folder with pin drop, then Export. On the top will be a drop down menu title “Format.” Set it to the file type you want and then click Export. The export will load, and if you have a tracking app on your phone already (Gaia for example), it should ask to export directly to your app. Once the export is complete, you can use this during your race in airplane mode and always know where you are. ​

NOTE: It is important to make sure you set the file format appropriately or the file will not download as a GPX or KML.

RACE DAY INFORMATION

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.

Timeline
5:30 AM – Packet pickup / race day registration begin
6:15 AM – 50 Mile Start
6:20 AM – Begin civil twilight
6:30 AM – 50 Kilometer Start
6:45 AM – 30 Kilometer Start
6:53 AM – Sunrise
7:30 AM – 1/2 Marathon Start
8:00 AM –  8  Kilometer Start
10:30 AM – Kid’s Fun Run Start
10:30 AM – 50 Km Runners must clear Black Canyon Aid at mile 14.1
1:30 PM – 50 Km Runners must clear Mesquite Aid at mile 22.8
3:15 PM – 50 Mile Runners must clear start/finish at mile 30.6
4:30 PM – 50 Mile Runners must clear Black Canyon Aid a 2nd time at mile 36.2
6:35 PM – Sunset
6:59 PM – End civil twilight
9:15 PM – 50 Mile Cutoff (15 hours)

Park Entry Fee
Remember the park charges a $7 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.
Yes, the tab you rip off your gel counts as trash.

Trail Etiquette
Remember to always remain on designed trails, no short cutting.
If you decide to use headphones, please be respectful of runners behind you attempting to pass. Also, remove ear buds as you approach aid stations or a road crossing.
Please do not listen to music on course without headphones.

This course includes some legit single track. If you are fast and attempting to pass, please alert the runner in front of you before flying past them. Likewise, if you hear a runner approaching you from behind, attempt to find a spot to allow the runner to pass.

As a general rule, when passing a runner, announce, “on your left.”
Uphill runners/hikers have the right of way to downhill runners. Remain in control as you descend and respect the other runners.
Everyone is after the same goal here so let’s be respectful of each other’s races and have fun. Please.

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 and do not bend the timing chip. There will be remote timing points on course which may offer live tracking points IF we have a strong enough internet connection at the park. To follow along, family and friends can visit our Aravaipa Running website and click on “Results” and then “Live Tracking.”

Drops / Withdrawals

If you have to withdraw from your race, it is imperative you let a volunteer and/or race official know you are done. If we are unaware you’ve left the course, we will be waiting for you to come through to the next aid and will have to send a team out on course looking for you.

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 Mesquite Canyon Trail Runs, 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.
Sign Up Here

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 bib color (8K = Blue, Half Marathon = Green, 30K = Yellow, 50K = Red, 50 Mile = White). In addition, blue & white checkerboard plastic flagging and pink WRONG WAY signage 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 Lot on the North side of the park. Just follow the main park road all the way (maybe 10-15 minutes) until it ends at a dirt parking lot.

Camping

See the park entry station or visitor center to pay for a camp spot or visit their site. For Fees click here.

RESULTS

Course Records
50M | Male – 7:25:45 – Joshua Brimhall (’16) | Female – 9:29:50 – Sarah Emoto (’19)
50K | Male – 4:01:22 – Jason Griffiths (’10) | Female – 4:24:37 – Kerrie Bruxvoort (’12)
30K| Male – 2:09:59 – Travis Swaim (’17) | Female – 2:26:28 – Lauren Coury (’17)
1/2 Marathon | Male – 1:29:58 – James Bonnett (’11) | Female – 1:41:29 – Abbie Tuomi (’21)
8K | Male – 27:30 – Brian Pasero (’19) | Female – 30:45 – Tracy Campagnano  (’22)

Results

2024 | Live Results
2023 | Results
2022 | Results
2021 | Results
2020 | Results
2019 | Results
2018 | Results
2017 | 50M | 50K | 30K | 1/2 Marathon | 8K
2016 | 50M | 50K | 30K | 1/2 Marathon | 8K
2015 | 50M | 50K | 30K | 1/2 Marathon | 8K
2014 | 50M | 50K | 30K | 1/2 Marathon | 8K
2013 | 50M | 50K | 30K | 1/2 Marathon | 8K
2012 | 50K | 30K | 1/2 Marathon | 8K
2011 | 50K | Marathon | 1/2 Marathon | 5M

PHOTOS

2023 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery | Arnold Begay Photography
2022 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery
2021 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery |
2020 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery
2019 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery
2018 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery | Aravaipa Course Photos
2017 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery | SweetM Images
2016 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery | SweetM Images
2015 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery | SweetM Images
2014 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery
2013 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery
2012 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery
2011 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery
2010 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery | Course Photos

Directions
White Tank Mountain Regional Park is located at the very west end of Olive Ave about 15 miles west of the 101 (Agua Fria Highway).

Address
20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road
Waddell, AZ 85355

 

MC Web Photo 2015 2 MC Web Photo 2015 6 MC Web Photo 2015 5 MC Web Photo 2015 4 MC Web Photo 2015 3

Video Credit: Michael Carson