Saturday, January 18, 2025 | 8:00 am
McDowell Mountain Regional Park, near Fountain Hills, Arizona
>>> Scroll to bottom of page for 2024 results
(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).
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!
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 – Official, Ian Torrence