Pemberton Trail 50K & 25K

Saturday, January 18, 2025 | 8:00 am

McDowell Mountain Regional Park, near Fountain Hills, Arizona

Sunrise greets 2022 runners
(photo courtesy Nancy Oster)

Race description: The Pemberton Trail 50k and 25k are run completely on trails in the beautiful McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 4 miles NE of Fountain Hills, Arizona. This is a fast course with gently rolling hills (no big climbs). You might set a PR here! You’ll also love the unique, keepsake trophies for overall and age-group winners. With our great volunteers, good food, mild weather and a fun, low-key vibe, it’s always a great day in the desert.

Want a 3-race winter challenge? This is race #1 in the McDowell Mountain Cup. Read more about the series at bottom of this page!

Register at UltraSignup ~ Early Bird pricing through Nov. 30, 2024. Sorry, no refunds. Shirts guaranteed for those registered by mid-December (*date TBD*).
50K: $95 [ $110 on or after Dec. 1, 2024 ]
25K: $70 [ $85 on or after Dec. 1, 2024 ]

Race-day registration may be available! Bring cash (no checks) to the packet pickup table. Please arrive no later than 7:30.

Race Day Details

ENTRANCE FEE: There is an entrance fee of $7 per vehicle for McDowell Mountain Regional Park. The main gate opens at 6:00 am. Please obey the posted speed limit.

DIRECTIONS TO PARKING LOT: Follow the main road inside the park. Continue past the Visitors’ Center (right side of road) and watch for signs pointing to Pemberton Trail. Turn right (Shallmo Rd) and proceed to the large parking area at end of road. Look for the large picnic shelter on the left.

Covid-19 status: Check this page closer to race day for any updates.

50k/25k PACKET PICK-UP and COURSE BRIEFING: Race day, 7:00 AM – 7:50 AM under the picnic shelter. Course briefing at 7:50 AM. If you’re a 50k runner who will do the 7:30 AM early start, please arrive by 7:15 am for check-in.

START TIMES: 50k/25k starts at 8:00 AM (50k runners who may be unable to finish in 8 hours may request to start at 7:30. There is no early start for 25k race.)

CUTOFF: 8 hours for 50k (up to 9 hrs allowed for those in early start group). Runners in the 50k must complete the first loop in 4 hours or less.

AID: You will need to carry a water bottle. You are welcome to leave a drop bag at start/finish. Water and some snacks are available at the start/finish, and there is one aid station on the course at mile 8.7, stocked with water and GU Hydrate, Coke, chips, cookies, potatoes, bananas, and oranges. From there, it is 6.6 miles back to the start/finish.***

Please bring your own sunscreen as well as ibuprofen or other medications you might need. These are not provided by the race.

COURSE: This is a well-traveled hiking trail marked with brown signs that say “Pemberton Trail.” You will pass several junctions, but stay on Pemberton Trail. The course runs in the clockwise direction, with 50k runners completing two loops. Watch for mountain bikes and horses (you must yield to horses).

Map of Pemberton Trail course — PLEASE NOTE: The course no longer has two aid stations as shown on this map. There is ONE aid station at mile 8.7 (known as “Jackass Junction”). CLICK HERE for elevation profile and trail info on Alltrails.com

Lodging: There are a few hotels right in Fountain Hills, including Comfort Inn and Lakeshore Hotel & Suites, with many more options in Scottsdale and the surrounding area. Many private rentals also are available through Airbnb and VRBO, but book early! Camping may be available in the park, see park details and camping fees HERE.

Weather: In January, Arizona weather can be 30° to 90°. Be prepared for all weather conditions and dress accordingly.

This is Race #1 in the McDowell Mountain Cup Series.
After the Pemberton Trail races, this three-race series continues with the Stoneman Trail 14k and finishes with the Snakebite 20k / 10k. These three events are all two weeks apart, and all take place in McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Join us for one, two, or all three events and get early-bird pricing by signing up no later than November 30, 2024!