Sonoran Desert Cup
Maricopa County Regional Parks
October 2025 - April 2026
The Sonoran Desert Cup is a single, continuous competition spanning eight races within the Desert Runner Trail Series. Runners will earn points at each event based on their finish place, with the Grand Final at Dam Good Run carrying extra weight. At the end of the series, we’ll crown the ultimate champions — the Cactus King & Queen.
The eight races that make up the Sonoran Desert Cup are all part of the Desert Runner Trail Series, including: Cave Creek Thriller, Pass Mountain, McDowell Mountain Frenzy, San Tan Scramble, Coldwater Rumble, Elephant Mountain, Mesquite Canyon. The Series Championship will take place at Dam Good Run.
Series Breakdown
How It Works
- Qualification: Runners must complete at least 3 of the 7 regular-season races to be eligible for series scoring.
- Scoring: Each race awards up to 1000 points based on placement.
- Championship: The Dam Good Run is worth 1500 points and serves as the series finale.
Dam Good Run Championship
- Eligibility: Anyone who completes 3 of the 7 regular-season races in the series can compete at Dam Good Run.
- Invitations: The top 10 men and top 10 women in the standings after Mesquite Canyon will earn comped entries to the Championship.
- Cactus King & Queen: Only runners who qualify and compete at Dam Good Run are eligible for the titles.
Prizes
- 1st Place (Male & Female): Invitation to the Aravaipa Racing Team (includes free race entries for one year) + $500 cash
- 2nd Place (Male & Female): $1000 race credit + $250 cash
- 3rd Place (Male & Female): $500 race credit
Additional gear and prizes to be announced
Sonoran Desert Cup Series Pass
The Series Pass is the best way to experience the Sonoran Desert Cup:
- Includes entry into any 3 series races of your choice
- Includes entry into Dam Good Run
- Offers a discounted rate compared to individual registration
- Qualification rules for the Championship still apply
Sonoran Desert Cup Calendar:
Saturday - November 8, 2025
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Website
2024 Results
Saturday - December 6, 2025
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Website
2024 Results
Saturday - December 20, 2025
Cave Creek Regional Park
Website
2024 Results
Saturday - January 10, 2026
San Tan Regional Park
Website
2025 Results
Saturday - January 17-18, 2026
Estrella Mountain Regional Park
Website
2025 Results
Saturday - February 7, 2026
Cave Creek Regional Park
Website
2025 Results
Saturday - March 16, 2026
White Tank Mountain Regional Park
Website
2025 Results
Sonoran Desert Cup Championship
Sunday - April 12, 2026
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
Website
2025 Results
Sonoran Desert Cup Series Media
Point to point run on the Maricopa Trail beginning in Anthem, AZ and finishing in Cave Creek Regional Park
One loop around Pass Mountain (AKA Scarface Mountain), entirely within beautiful Usery Mountain Regional Park
The largest event in the Desert Runner Trail Series, these courses provide a fun mix of smooth single-track and technical terrain.
Sonoran Desert Cup Championship Race at Dam Good Run, taking place on the trails of Lake Pleasant Regional Park
Thank you to our sponsors!
