White Shendo Cat logo

Shendo Cat Racing and AZ Trail Race LLC is a local event company that has been putting on the best trail running events in the valley since 2010.

PHONE:           602.363.7725

E-MAIL:           info@aztrailrace.com

ADDRESS:     

AZ Trail Race LLC

P.O. Box 36983, Phoenix, AZ 85067

XTERRA EVENTS LOGO

XTERRA Arizona Trail Run Series

Series Overview

The XTERRA Arizona Trail Run Series is a 6 event series with distances ranging from 5k-43k.  All events take place within Maricopa County and are within an hour’s drive from central Phoenix.

All 6 XTERRA Arizona Trail Run events have qualifying marathon and half-marathon slots for the 2024 XTERRA Trail Run World Series Championship.  The XTERRA Trail Run World Series includes both half-marathon (15-34km) and full-marathon (35km+) races, with individual and team (duo) categories available.

Slots awarded for full-marathon and half-marathon races are only valid for Championship races of the same distance category. However, those who have qualified for the half-marathon World Championship race may apply for the full-distance race in cases where a full-marathon race was not available within the region.

Check out the Arizona runs!  They promise to leave you wanting more!

Tempe, AZ

Description

Papago Urban Desert Trail Run

You won’t have to travel far to enjoy beautiful sights and challenging heights in this kick-off to the 2023-2024 season. Join us in Tempe for either a 26K, 10K, or 5K run through the scenic Papago Buttes. All participants will receive a huge post-race breakfast, a super cool race tee and finisher medal, as well as entry into fun post-race festivities. Awards for overall top male and female finishers all three distances. Awards for the top 3 finishers in each age group.

Queen Creek, AZ

Description

San Tan Trail Run

XTERRA is headed to San Tan Regional Park in the Sonoran Desert outside Phoenix, Arizona on Sunday, November 5. In addition to a 14-mile race, we also have 41K for the long-distancers, and 10K and 5k runs so that everybody can enjoy. Enjoy a tough but scenic trek through San Tan Regional Park‘s 10,000 acres of Sonoran Desert. All participants receive a huge post-race breakfast, a super cool race tee, and a finisher medal, as well as entry into fun post-race festivities.

Goodyear, AZ

Description

Estrella Mountain Trail Run

Once again, XTERRA Estrella Mountain Trail Run falls in the cool Arizona December, so join us for the third race in Arizona’s XTERRA Trail Run Series.  Hit the desert at Estrella Mountain Regional Park for some tough races at any distance. We have a range of courses, 42k, 15mile, 12k, and 5k options, to cater to and challenge the beginner and experienced trail-runner alike.

Waddell, AZ

Description

White Tank Trail Run

Next on this adventure, race number four in the Arizona XTERRA Trail Run Series takes place at White Tank Mountain Regional Park on Sunday, January 14, 2024. This nearly 30,000-acre park is made up of the rugged and beautiful White Tank Mountains, named for depressions cut into white granite. 40k, 20k, and 8k courses will bring a challenge and a smile to any runner.

Fountain Hills, AZ

Description

McDowell Mountain Trail Run

With over 80 miles of trail to choose from, McDowell Mountain Regional Park is a trail runner’s paradise. Similarly, our venue for the fifth running event of Arizona’s XTERRA Trail Run Series has courses for all trail runner levels.  No multiple loops necessary here, the 43k, 15mile, 10k, and 6k will keep you on a new trail the entire way.

Black Canyon City, AZ

Description

Black Canyon Trail Run

XTERRA Black Canyon Trail Run offers all the challenge and adventure one could ask for. Choose from the 42k, 21k, 10k, 6k on the National Recreation Black Canyon Trail.  With river crossings, spectacular views of the Sonoran Desert, and post-race pie, how can you resist?

EARN YOUR POINTS!

HOW XTERRA POINTS WORK

So you want to contend for the XTERRA ARIZONA TRAIL RUN Series title? You need to race in as many events as possible within the series to score maximum points. There are six races in the XTERRA Arizona Trail Run BLACK and RED Series. There are five races in the XTERRA Arizona Trail Run BLUE and GREEN Series.

 

All final scores are calculated based on your top four finishes.  Moreover, you must participate in at least three events in the series to be eligible to win.

Additionally, the FINAL Point Series Standings will be determined separately for the BLACK, RED, BLUE, and GREEN series. As such, if you mix and match the distances, you will earn points in each series.  For instance, if you win a race in the BLACK series at San Tan and win a race in the RED series at Estrella, you earn 100 points in the BLACK series and 100 points in the RED series.

Series points standings will be posted after the second event, and updated series standings will be updated with three days of each subsequent event.  Final series awards will be presented at the Black Canyon season finale.

HOW XTERRA SERIES POINTS ARE AWARDED

At each XTERRA Arizona Trail Run, the top 15 finishers in each age group earn points. Points stay within ARIZONA and do not transfer to other series in other states. Points are awarded as follows.

Place Points Place Points
1st 100 9th 49
2nd 90 10th 45
3rd 82 11th 41
4th 75 12th 37
5th 69 13th 34
6th 63 14th 31
7th 58 15th 28
8th 53

Final Point XTERRA Arizona Trail Run Series Standings

All final scores are calculated based on your top four finishes. You must participate in at least three events in the series to be eligible to win.  As such, your chances of winning improve the more you run.  Moreover, if you do not attend, you will be allocated “0” points for that race.

TIES IN POINTS STANDINGS

We settle ties in point standings by:

1. Head-to-Head competition (order of finish from the most recent race in your Series where both/all competitors participated.)

2. Winner of the most recent race breaks the tie (the highest placing athlete at the most recent race in your Series).

Race Age

XTERRA Racing Age is your age on December 31, 2024. Yes, we realize this may age you up sooner than you’d like (and maybe even by two), but we need to fix a firm age for the Series. So you stay in the same age group for the entire Series. XTERRA Trail Run Series age groups are: <9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+. After the last race in the Series, the athlete with the most points – by gender and age group – earns the title of XTERRA Arizona Trail Run Series Champion.

BLACK SERIES: 6 EVENTS - 40k to 43k

The BLACK SERIES champions will be crowned based on total points after five races.  These races are in the 40k – 43k range at San Tan, Estrella Mountain, White Tanks, McDowell Mountain, and Black Canyon.

RED SERIES: 7 EVENTS - 20k to 26k

The RED SERIES champions will be crowned after six races. These races are in the 20k -15 mile range at Papago, San Tan, Estrella Mountain, White Tanks, McDowell Mountain, and Black Canyon.

BLUE SERIES: 7 EVENTS - 7k to 12k

The BLUE SERIES champions will be awarded points at six events. The distance for these races are between 8k – 12k, which includes Papago, San Tan, Estrella Mountain, White Tanks, McDowell Mountain, and Black Canyon.

GREEN SERIES: 6 EVENTS - 5k to 6k

The GREEN SERIES winners will be determined after five events. These races have distances between 5k – 7k (Papago, San Tan, Estrella Mountain, McDowell Mountain, and Black Canyon). Winners receive series awards, AND we promise you’ll have just as much fun.

XTERRA Trail Run Americas

Series Standings

2022-23 Series Points Standings

2021-22 Series Points Standings

2019-20 Series Points Standings

  • Long Course Series Points Standings
  • Short Course Series Points Standings

2018-19 Series Points Standings

2017-18 Series Points Standings

2016-17 Series Points Standings

2015-16 Series Points Standings

2014-15 Series Points Standings

2013-14 Series Points Standings

2012-13 Series Points Standings

2010-11 Series Points Standings

Race Results

Mar 17, 2024 XTERRA Black Canyon Trail Run 2024

Feb 4, 2024 XTERRA McDowell Mountain Trail Run 2024

Jan 14, 2024 XTERRA White Tanks Trail Run 2024

Dec 17, 2023 XTERRA Estrella Trail Run 2023

Nov 5, 2023 XTERRA San Tan Trail Run 2023

Oct 8, 2023 XTERRA Papago Urban Desert Trail Run 2023

Mar 12, 2023 XTERRA Black Canyon Trail Run 2023

Feb 05, 2023 XTERRA McDowell Mtn Trail Run 2023

Jan 08, 2023 XTERRA White Tanks Trail Run 2023

Dec 11, 2022 XTERRA Estrella Mountain Trail Run 2022

Nov 13, 2022 XTERRA San Tan Trail Run 2022

Oct 09, 2022 XTERRA Papago Urban Desert Trail Run 2022

Mar 13, 2022 XTERRA Black Canyon Trail Run 2022

Feb 06, 2022 XTERRA McDowell Mountain Trail Run 2022

Jan 08, 2022 XTERRA White Tanks Trail Run 2022

Dec 11, 2021 XTERRA Estrella Mountain Trail Run 2021

Nov 14, 2021 XTERRA San Tan Trail Run 2021

Oct 10, 2021 XTERRA Papago Urban Desert Trail Run 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT ARE YOUR REFUND POLICIES? WHAT ARE YOUR EVENT TRANSFER REQUIREMENTS?

There are NO REFUNDS, NO DEFERRALS, NO EXCEPTIONS.

IS THERE ANYWAY TO ENSURE A REFUND IF I CAN'T MAKE IT TO AN EVENT?

Please purchase the event insurance. This will eliminate any worries of being refunded for entry fees if not able to make it. This is available during the checkout process during registration.

CAN I PICK UP MY FRIEND’S/SPOUSE’S/ AMAZON DRIVER’S RACE BIB?

Yes, if and ONLY if they signed their online waiver.

THEY DID NOT SIGN THEIR WAIVER, CAN I PICK IT UP ANYWAY?

NO! However, if they go to the registration confirmation email right now and sign their waiver, it will show up on our end as “signed.” Then you can pick it up. Welcome to the digital age!

HOW EARLY SHOULD I GET THERE?

That depends. Are you a gambler??? That’s a personal question, but the later your race is scheduled, the earlier you should probably get here. Traffic, parking, and porto lines elongate the later you arrive.

I DON’T THINK THIS SHIRT IS GONNA WORK, CAN I EXCHANGE IT FOR A DIFFERENT SIZE?

PROBABLY! But not until after the race. Once everyone has had the chance to pick up the shirt size they signed up for, we will happily swap sizes with you, provided the size you need is still available.

DO I HAVE TO PAY TO GET IN (TO THE PARKS)?

Yes. Although this is an event, for all events in the Maricopa County Parks, there is a $7 entry fee per vehicle. The cost isn’t much, but if you want to lower it: Carpool.

SWAG BAG?

Swag? Yes. Bag? No. Although we have a few bags available for those of you picking up multiple bibs and shirts, we discontinued them. We are doing our part to reduce wasteful and environmentally harmful plastics. But we still have the swag that goes in them!

CAN I DOWNGRADE TO A SHORTER DISTANCE IN THE SAME EVENT?

Yes. You have until race morning to make that call. We can put you in a shorter distance with no problem.

CAN I UPGRADE TO A LONGER DISTANCE IN THE SAME EVENT?

Yes. You have until race morning to make that call. You tell us which distance and pay the price difference. Then, we can put you in a longer distance race with no problem.

CAN I TRANSFER MY REGISTRATION TO SOMEONE ELSE?

Sorta. IF and ONLY IF the event is sold out.  If the event is sold out, you may transfer your registration to another runner so long as it is at least 2 WEEKS before the event.  Current registration fees will apply + an additional $25 administrative fee.

AM I ABLE TO GET A REFUND?

If you think you might not be able to attend, we suggest you look into this.

Nope. Shendo Cat Racing spent that money. Your registration fees make these events possible. ACTIVE.com offers race entry insurance that can help mitigate your funds should you not be able to participate.

AM I ALLOWED I WEAR EARBUDS?

Absolutely NO speakers (no one wants to listen to your music but you). It is just us out there, so for your safety and the safety of other athletes, we ask that you be mindful of your volume and surroundings.

Maybe! Although we discourage headphone use, we understand some of you running longer distances could use a few jams. Please keep the volume low enough to hear others around you and just one earbud in when applicable.

CAN I START LATE?

Nope. A few minutes is one thing, but for safety’s sake, we cannot accommodate custom race starts that fit personal schedules. Please be on time.

WHAT’S GOING TO BE AT THE AID STATIONS?

Besides our incredible volunteers, you can count on water, electrolytes, and by popular request from our ultra-runners, SNACKS! And a little first-aid, just in case.

CAN I RUN WITH MY DOG/CAT/DONKEY?

Donkey? Awww but no. For their safety and the safety of other runners, we cannot permit pets, leashed or otherwise, on the race course with you. They can spectate with a responsible loved one but not participate.

IS THERE A CUT-OFF TIME?

Maybe. Depending on your distance and the venue, your event may have a cutoff time. Please check the specific event page for that info.

WILL THERE BE AID STATIONS? HOW MANY?

Yes, and that depends. The longer courses will have several, and the shorter courses will have just a few. Please check the specific event pages for a list of aid stations and a map of where you can expect to run across them (pun intended!).

CAN MY FRIEND/FAMILY/BESTIE GO ON THE COURSE TO WATCH?

Of course! All our races are held on trails that remain open to the public during racing. They need to be mindful of others on the trails, but they can absolutely hike up or over to heckle, er, uh, cheer you on.

WHEN WILL MY RESULTS BE AVAILABLE?

Right now. Results go live right after you cross that finish line. You can find them on each event page: XTERRA Arizona Trail Run SeriesFat Turkey Trail Run, and Chino Grinder.

WHAT RACE DISTANCES ARE PART OF THE XTERRA TRAIL RUN WORLD SERIES?

The XTERRA Trail Run World Series includes both half-marathon (15-34km) and full-marathon (35km+) races, with individual and team (duo) categories available. More to come on team events at Shendo Cat Racing.

WILL THERE BE SERIES POINTS FOR THE SHORTER RACE DISTANCES?

Yes. Although not part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series, our “Blue” and “Green” races also accumulate Shendo Cat Racing series points just like the longer “Red” and “Black” distances.

IS THE COURSE WELL MARKED?

You better believe it! The trail is marked with signs, arrows, tape & chalk to make sure you’re headed the right way. Just follow the arrows that are the same color as your bib number, and you’ll never get lost, probably.

Refunds & Transfer Policy

  • NO REFUNDS, NO DEFERRALS.
  • Please purchase the event insurance to eliminate any worries of being refunded for entry fees if you’re not able to make it. This is available during the checkout process during registration.
  • Transfers to another participant may be available, IF and ONLY IF the event is sold out.  If the event is sold out, you may transfer your registration to another runner so long as it is at least 2 WEEKS before the event.  Current registration fees will apply + an additional $25 administrative fee.
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