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Experience the beauty of Cave Creek Regional Park on an array of fun and fast courses at the Thrasher Night Runs. Our new 22K distance is perfect for filling in the gap between our 11K and 33K for you night trail runners ready for a new challenge.

This race is part of the 2022 Insomniac Night Trail Run Series with events all across the state of Arizona. Join us and “Carpe Noctem” to “seize the night”!

Registration for the 2022 event closes on Monday, December 12th at Midnight.

 

COURSE INFO

Course Summary
Thrasher is the seventh race in the Insomniac Night Trail Run Series. This race will be held on the same day as the Cave Creek Thriller Trail runs, part of the Desert Runner Trail Series.

Rolling desert trails on single track with fast smooth sections and challenging mountainous sections. The 11 kilometer loop features the Slate, Quartz, Go John and Overton Trails.
The 33K runners will complete 3 loops, 22K runners make two loops, each passing through the start/finish line after each lap!
The course features two climbs per loop (Quartz & Go John).

 

RACE INFORMATION

Race Day Schedule
Please arrive early to park, check in and warm up prior to your run. Restroom facilities are located along the start/finish area.

5:00 PM – Packet pickup / race day registration begin
5:24 PM – Sunset
5:50 PM – End Civil Twilight
6:00 PM – 33 Kilometer Start
6:15 PM – 22 Kilometer Start
6:30 PM – 11 Kilometer Start
6:45 PM – 5 Kilometer Start
10:00 PM – 33 Km runners must leave on third and final loop
12:00 AM – Overall cutoff / Race ends

Location
Cave Creek Regional Park
Ramada 2 & 3 Group Picnic Area
37900 E Cave Creek Pkwy
Cave Creek, AZ 85331

You do NOT have to turn onto Lava Lane to reach our start line. Follow the main park road to the group picnic area (ramada 2 & 3) which is the next left hand turn after the Nature Center.

Parking
Remember the park now charges a $7 park entry fee per vehicle.
Please arrive early and have correct change (cash) available on race evening for a smooth entry process. Carpool to save!

Weather
Expect excellent running conditions at the start with temperatures typically in the 60’s as the night progresses. We will have plenty of ice and water on course to keep you hydrated.

Course Marking
The race courses will be well marked with orange plastic ribbons with black polka dots and reflective medallions. Trail junctions and turns will be well marked with laminated signs. In addition, blue & white checkerboard plastic flagging will be hung to designate non-race or “WRONG WAY” trails. All runners are responsible for understanding the layout of the course. Please familiarize yourself with the course maps on our website prior to race day and/or print a map to bring along with you.

Aid Stations
In addition to a fully stocked aid station at the start/finish line at the Group Picnic Area, there will be one fully stocked remote aid station- Go John Aid- located along the Long Loop course that runners will pass by every loop. The Go John & main aid stations will be stocked with water, ice, electrolyte drinks (Gnarly Hydrate), salty and sweet snacks, fruit, pb&j, bean rollups, hot food (quesadillas, grilled cheese), and more.

Cutoffs
33 Km Runners must leave for their final Loop by 10:00 PM.
Final cutoff is 12 AM (6 Hours for the 33K).

Medical –       

We will have our MedStar Solutions medical staff based at the start / finish headquarters. This team is here to help you with most basic and advanced first aid right on site. We reserve the right to pull you from the race if medical officials deem it necessary. Please understand that these decisions are made for your safety and do not argue. Continuing on in a state where you cannot safely navigate is a recipe for disaster and we are here to prevent that.

NOTE: If something happens to you or another runner, do NOT call 911 right away. Our medical team is highly trained in these scenarios, has been with us at this race the last three years and understands the terrain and driving access points. Please call their 24-hour number that will be answered by a real human being and they will dispatch accordingly.

MedStar Solutions Race Day Number: 480-269-4126

Dropping from the Race
Don’t drop. You’re stronger than you think you are. Keep Going. HOWEVER, if you drop from the race, you MUST do so at an aid station and notify the timing tent or aid station captain or volunteer.

Crews & Pacers
Pacers are not allowed for any distance. Crews are allowed at the race start/finish only.

Drop Bags
We will have an area specified for your personal drop bag at the start/finish area that will allow for easy and quick access.

Camping
For overnight camping outside the race, The park features 44 developed campsites for tent and RV camping, with water and electrical hookups, a picnic table, and a barbecue fire ring. Restrooms are nearby with flush toilets and hot water showers. All sites in the campground may be reserved online at maricopacountyparks.org

Trail Running and Trash
Please respect the trails and the beauty of the desert by disposing of any trash at one of our aid stations.

Reminder: All Insomniac Night trail runs will be CUPLESS. Bring your own or Aravaipa branded reusable cups will be available for purchase!

Trail Etiquette
Remember to always remain on designed trails, no short cutting.
If you decide to use headphones, please be respectful of runners behind you attempting to pass. Also, remove ear buds as you approach aid stations or a road crossing.
Do Not listen to music without headphones.
This course includes some legit single track. If you are fast and attempting to pass, please alert the runner in front of you before flying past them. Likewise, if you hear a runner approaching you from behind, attempt to find a spot to allow the runner to pass.

As a general rule, when passing a runner, announce, “on your left.”
Uphill runners/hikers have the right of way to downhill runners. Remain in control as you descend and respect the other runners.
Everyone is after the same goal here so let’s be respectful of each other’s races and have fun. Please.

Pets
For the safety of all runners, no pets are allowed on-course at the night runs. Any pets at the race must be on a leash at all times, respect park rules, and be supervised.

Volunteers
If you would like to join our volunteer team, we are looking for help with event setup, aid station, and event breakdown. Volunteer perks include a piece of Aravaipa merchandise or race goody and Aravaipa Race Credits. You can see our current opportunities and signup here: Thrasher Night Runs Volunteer Form.

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