Trail Running in Arizona
Arizona has 10 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026. Tucson is the busiest city with 4 races, ahead of Parks (1) and Lake Havasu City (1).
Showing all 10
Trail Running
Everyone Runs Catalina State Park 50-Year Trail Race and 5k Trail Run & Walk
October 4, 2026
Tucson, AZ
Trail Running
Grand Canyon Trail Marathon, Half-Marathon, & 5k Run/Walk
October 24, 2026
Grand Canyon Village, AZ
Trail Running
Everyone Runs Veterans Day Catalina St. Park 10.6 & 5.3 Mile Trail Races + 5k Road Run
November 8, 2026
Tucson, AZ
Trail Running in Nearby States
Frequently asked questions
What is trail running?▾
Trail running takes place on unpaved surfaces like dirt paths, mountain trails, and forest roads. Distances range from 5K to 100+ miles. Trail running emphasizes scenery, elevation, and technical terrain over pace.
What shoes do I need for trail running?▾
Trail running shoes have aggressive lugs for traction, rock plates for protection, and a more durable outsole than road shoes. Popular brands include Hoka, Salomon, and Altra. Choose shoes based on your local terrain.
How is trail running different from road running?▾
Trail running involves more elevation change, uneven footing, and slower paces than road running. Expect to run 20-40% slower on trails compared to roads. The focus shifts from pace per mile to effort and time on feet.
What are the best trail running destinations in the US?▾
Colorado, California, Oregon, and Utah offer world-class trail running. Iconic areas include the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest forests, and Appalachian trails. Browse trail events by state on RACE.