Pemberton Trail 50K & 25K

Saturday, February 10, 2024 | 7:00 am

McDowell Mountain Regional Park, near Fountain Hills, Arizona

Results are available below and at UltraSignup.com


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.

This is now race #2 in the McDowell Mountain Cup. Those looking for a 3-race challenge in the winter months can read more about the series at bottom of this page.

Register at UltraSignup ~ Early Bird pricing through Dec. 31, 2023 Sorry, no refunds. Shirts guaranteed for those registered by January 7th.
50K: $95 | $110 on or after Jan. 1, 2024 
25K: $70 | $85 on or after Jan. 1, 2024

Race-day registration will be available! Bring cash (no checks) to the packet pickup table. Please arrive no later than 6:30.


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, 6:00 AM – 6:50 AM under the picnic shelter. Course briefing at 6:50 AM. If you’re a 50k runner who will do the 6:30 AM early start, please arrive by 6:15 am for check-in.

START TIMES: 50k/25k starts at 7:00 AM (50k runners who may be unable to finish in 8 hours may start at 6:30.  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 will be available at the start/finish. *** NOTE: There will be one aid station this year, at mile 8.7. From there, it is 6.6 miles to the start/finish. The aid station will be stocked with water and GU Hydrate, Coke, chips, cookies, potatoes, bananas, and oranges. ***

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. Watch for mountain bikes and horses (you must yield to horses).

Map of Pemberton Trail course
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 February, Arizona weather can be 35° to 90°. Be prepared for all weather conditions and dress accordingly.


This is Race #2 in the 2024 McDowell Mountain Cup Series
This three-race challenge, launched in 2017, now starts with the Stoneman Trail 14k, followed by the Pemberton Trail event, and finishing with the Snakebite 20k / 10k. All races in the series are two weeks apart, and all take place in McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Run one, two, or all three races — participation in the entire series is not required.


L-R: Tim Langdon, course record smasher Jim Walmsley, Sean Meissner, and Justin Lutick displaying their overall and age-group awards [2020]
Ailsa Macdonald [2019] was the overall winner!

50k COURSE RECORDS
Men: Jim Walmsley [2020]  2:49:03
Women: Ailsa Macdonald [2019]  3:41:21

25k COURSE RECORDS
Men: Bryce Richards [2020] 1:30:32
Women: Brianna Trokas [2023] 1:45:04

RESULTS

2024 50k results (pdf) 2023 25k results (pdf)

2023 50k results (pdf) 2023 25k results (pdf)

2022 50k results (pdf) 2022 25k results (pdf)

2021 50k results (pdf) 2021 25k results (pdf)

2020 50k results (pdf) 2020 25k results (pdf)

2019 50k results (pdf)  2019 25k results (pdf) [click here for 2019 McDowell Mountain Cup finishers]

2018 50k results (pdf)  2018 25k results (pdf)  [One intrepid runner, Timothy Lubbers, participated in all 3 McDowell Mountain Cup Series races!]

2017 50k results (pdf)  2017 25k results  (pdf)  [and click here for 2017 McDowell Mountain Cup finishers]

Previous results on UltraSignup:

2016 •  2015  •  2014  •  2013  •  2012  •  2011 • 2010 •  2009 •  2008
2007  •  2006 •  2005 •  2004 •  2003 •  2002 •  2001

Photos from past races

2014 – Ian Torrence
2013 – Ian Torrence
2011 – Ian Torrence
2010 – OfficialIan Torrence