5K races near Black Canyon City

Cave Creek Thriller is a desert trail race in Arizona with four distances: 50K, 24K, 11K, and 5K. The long races are point-to-point runs that finish inside Cave Creek Regional Park, while the 11K and 5K stay fully inside the park. It opens the Desert Runner Trail Series, and runners should expect a hard, exposed course with steep and rocky sections, full sun, and temperatures that can reach the 90s. The 50K starts at the Agua Fria Trailhead near Lake Pleasant, follows the Maricopa Trail, uses a short stretch of the Black Canyon Trail, passes through Anthem on a desert corridor, climbs past Spear S Ranch, and finishes on the Go John, Quartz, and Overton Trails. The 24K starts at the Anthem Trailhead and follows the same final route into Cave Creek Regional Park. Shorter-distance runners get hilly mountain trails inside the park, with wide Sonoran Desert views instead of much shade.

The Bare Buns Desert Run is a 5 km desert trail race held at Shangri La Ranch in New River, Arizona. It's a casual, clothing-optional event where nudity is permitted, though participants may wear attire if they prefer. The race organizers suggest running attire can be limited to just tennis shoes. The course circles the ranch property, incorporating hiking trails and dry washes before crossing the grounds. Registration grants participants a full day's access to the ranch, allowing them to enjoy the pools, cafe, clubhouse, game room, and additional hiking trails post-race. The event is promoted as Arizona's sole nude run.

Medal Madness in Phoenix is a morning 5K and 10K starting at 8:00 AM. Participants must register via RunSignup prior to race day, as on-site registration is unavailable. Packet pickup is limited to the 30 minutes before the start until 10 minutes before the start. Both distances share an out-and-back course. The complete out-and-back segment measures 1.56 miles, meaning the 5K covers it twice and the 10K covers it four times. The race has a 2-hour time limit, ensuring a concise event with a simple course layout for both distances.

The Anthem Turkey Trot begins Thanksgiving Day at the Anthem Community Center, located on North Freedom Way in Anthem, Arizona. Participants can opt for a timed 10K or a timed 5K run/walk. A free, non-timed half-mile dash is available for children. This event is designed for local families and racers alike, accommodating competitive runners, walkers, casual strollers, and children. All finishers receive medals, and awards are presented to overall and age-group winners. Disposable RFID chips on bibs will be used for published results. The event also gathers non-perishable food for The St. Rose Food Pantry; donors are entered into a prize raffle.

The Holiday 5K & 10K in Phoenix is a US Road Running event. Both distances begin at 8:00 AM. Participants select the $30 5K or the $45 10K. Registration is handled in advance via RunSignup, with packet pickup occurring in the brief period before the start. Race-day registration is not available at the venue. Both races follow the same out-and-back course near the start. Parking is provided in a nearby lot. The 5K covers the out-and-back section twice, whereas the 10K covers it four times. All participants must complete the course within a two-hour time limit. Finishers are awarded medals, and prizes are given. Series points are tallied, and a best costume award encourages participants to embrace the holiday theme.

The 8th Annual PTSD Awareness 5K Run/Walk adds a running chair for disabled individuals. Participants receive a t-shirt, a limited edition finisher challenge coin, goody bag, and refreshments. The event takes place at Copper Hills Church.