XTERRA Papago Urban Desert Trail Run

XTERRA Papago 36k Course

The 36k has a little bit of everything: desert, water, nature and even a glimpse of urban life. Take a jaunt up the historic Crosscut Canal and don’t forget to check for the big horn sheep on the buttes as you pass the Phoenix Zoo.  Continue up the canal right behind the gorgeous Desert Botanical Garden, return to wind your way through the scenic buttes and back to North Linear Park, and then . . . do it all again!  Now it is time to fly through the 10k course to the finish!

  XTERRA Papago 26k Course

The 26k has a little bit of everything: desert, water, nature and even a glimpse of urban life. Take the 10k course and add a jaunt up the historic Crosscut Canal.  Don’t forget to check for the big horn sheep on the buttes as you pass the Phoenix Zoo.  Continue up the canal right behind the gorgeous Desert Botanical Garden, return to wind your way through the scenic buttes and back to North Linear Park, and then . . . do it all again!

XTERRA Papago 10k Course

The 10k XTERRA trail run course takes you through the same trails as the 5k and beyond to the Papago Buttes north of Curry Road, just south of the Phoenix Zoo and Botanical Garden. You’ll feel like you’re out in the middle of the desert and red rocks, right in the middle of town! Turn around near Evelyn Hallman Park to wind your way back through the northern portion of the Lizard Trail.

XTERRA Papago 5k Course

The 5k course only has a few moderately steep sections, making it great for beginners, those bouncing back from an injury, or runners transitioning from road to trail racing. Starting from the north boat ramp of Tempe Town Lake, you’ll cross under the 202 to run the Canal, Lizard and Loma trails just south of Curry Road.

Post Race Benefits

All participants will receive a huge post-race breakfast, a super cool race tee and finisher medal, as well as entry into fun post-race festivities. Awards for the top 3 in each age group.

Event details and schedule

0k Start Time: 08:00; For those who prefer a course with pain and punishment, the long course is 20k of grueling single track with over 1500 feet of climbing. Starting from the group campground, runners wind their way up Ironwood to the Waddell trail. Once you reach the first aid station be prepared to go up, the next three miles are all climbing. Follow a counter-clockwise loop from the next aid station up Willow Canyon and hit another aid station before you head down the Mesquite Trail and follow your tracks home.

5 Aid Stations with water/gels/Gatorade.
4 with water/gels/Gatorade.
Aid station #3 at the top of the hill, water only. 8k Start Time: 08:15; Prefer to leave the climbing to the monkeys? The short course is perfect for those new to trail running or those who just want to show off their speed. Following the same start as the long course but going the opposite direction at the first aid station, this course may not have the elevation chart of the long course, but the rocky trails will keep you on your toes.

2 aid stations with water/gels/Gatorade.