Trick or Tri at Merrill Ranch • 2026

Launch your 2027 season at the Merrill Ranch Triathlon! Whether you're a seasoned athlete shaking off the off-season rust or a first-time triathlete ready to jump in with both feet, this race offers the perfect spring challenge. Tackle a 400m pool swim, a speedy 12-mile bike ride, and a 3-mile run to the finish — all set in a welcoming, fun environment. It’s the perfect way to launch into a new year of racing!

Event details and schedule

Cupless Events

REMINDER: In an effort to continually lessen our race footprint, we are expanding our cupless events to the Desert Runner Trail Series. We will have UltrAspire reusable cups available at registration and on race day or feel free to bring your own!

Hummingbird (Mini) Series*

San Tan Scramble - 1/9 - 5KmElephant Mountain - 2/6 - 6KmMesquite Canyon - 3/13 - 8KmDam Good Run - 4/4 - 4 Mile

Quail (Short) Series*

San Tan Scramble - 1/9 - 9KmElephant Mountain - 2/6 - 12KmMesquite Canyon - 3/13 - 1/2 MarathonDam Good Run - 4/4 - 4 Mile

Roadrunner (Middle) Series*

San Tan Scramble - 1/9 - 17KmElephant Mountain - 2/6 - 22KmMesquite Canyon - 3/13 - 1/2 MarDam Good Run - 4/4 - 13K

Owl (Trail) Series*

San Tan Scramble - 1/9 - 26KmElephant Mountain - 2/6 - 35KmMesquite Canyon - 3/13 - 30KmDam Good Run - 4/4 - 26Km

Event's current local time: 2:16 AM MT

2025 Race Video Registration Options Online registration closes the Monday before the race. Late registration is available at either packet pickup location. Details are on the race website. Course Description Tour the foothills of the San Tan and Goldmine mountain ranges. San Tan Mountain Regional Park is tucked away in the Southeast Valley and the courses feature rolling single track trails through Saguaro cactus studded mountains and valleys. 50K, 26K, and 17K runners will experience the famed Goldmine climb- a very steep, rocky trail that offers sweeping desert views. Discover this hidden jewel of mountains and trails in the desert! 5K & 9K Shuttle Due to the number of participants in 2025 we will be utilizing a shuttle for 9K & 5K runners from outside the park. Please meet at the Mountain View Church (4815 W Hunt Hwy, San Tan Valley, AZ 85142) from 700-715am to catch the shuttle into the park. We will have four school buses that will leave when full. The buses will drop you off in the

parking lot of the San Tan Mountain Regional Park and will be staged there during your event. After the event we will run continuous shuttles back to MV Church until 11:30am. Participants on the shuttle will gain free entry into the park. Cupless Events In an effort to continually lessen our race footprint, we are expanding our cupless events to the Desert Runner Trail Series. We will have UltrAspire reusable cups available at registration and on race day or feel free to bring your own! Frequently Asked Questions For additional information including our race withdrawal policy, please visit our FAQ Page! Event's current local time: 2:16 AM MT