16 events in Maricopa County, Arizona

🌵 The Cactus Cup is Back — With an All-New 2-Day Format! 🌵

Get ready for a fresh take on Arizona’s Original Mountain Bike Stage Race, now packing all the action into an epic 2-day weekend of desert riding, fast racing, and good times.

Since 1991, The Cactus Cup has been the season kickoff for mountain bikers of all levels — and this year, we’re mixing it up with new formats, fresh challenges, and even more ways to race!

🔥 What's New?

We’ve packed the fun into two stacked days of racing — with something for everyone.

For the Pros:

• Saturday:

• XC 40-Mile Big Loop

• Short Track Showdown (evening throwdown!)

• Sunday:

• XC 20-Mile Sprint

• 🏆 Pro Cup Winner = Aggregate Time of all 3 races

For Age Groupers – Two Cup Options:

• The Cactus Cup

• Saturday: XC 40-Mile (same course as the pros)

• Sunday: XC 20-Mile Sprint

• 🏆 Winner = Combined Time from both days

• The Mini Cup

• Saturday: XC 25-Mile

• Sunday: XC 20-Mile Sprint

• 🏆 Winner = Combined Time from both days

👯‍♀️ New Team Category – Ride with a Friend!

• Duo: Ride both days together — just finish within 2 minutes of each other!

Whether you’re chasing the Cup, teaming up with a buddy, or just out for a desert rip — you can race 1, 2, or both days.

This Is the Cactus Cup Like You’ve Never Seen It.

Same iconic trails. Same Cactus Cup vibe. Now with more ways to play. Let’s ride!

Join us for the 5K to Feed the 5K—an exciting and meaningful Easter fun-run hosted by the Gavilan Peak Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

This family-friendly event combines fitness, community spirit, and the joy of giving. Just as Christ used the miracle of the five loaves and two fish to feed the masses, we’re coming together to help feed those in need in our community. Runners will participate in a 5K fun run, with the goal of helping collect items for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, St. Rose Campus. The entry fee is just 10 pantry items per runner, so bring your donations and run with a purpose!

For those who may not be ready for the 5K or prefer something family-friendly, we’re excited to offer a special Half-Mile Kids Run. This .5-mile run will take place entirely around the church property, creating a safe and supportive environment for our youngest runners. Parents are welcome to cheer along the route or run alongside their child. The entry for this run is just 10 pantry items per family, making it possible for everyone to join in the fun while supporting a great cause. It’s the perfect way for kids to build confidence and be part of this meaningful day of giving and community.

Head inside post-race for refreshments and a collection of Easter displays. The morning will wrap up with an Easter egg hunt for the kids, making this event fun for the whole family!

Please note: This event is designed to be a fun run, not a competitive race. We'll be running on sidewalks, so please follow all traffic and pedestrian rules for safety. Whether you’re walking, jogging, or running, we’re all here to have fun, support a great cause, and enjoy a wonderful Easter weekend together!

St. Vincent de Paul's Current Wishlist:

• Cold Cereal (9-12 oz. preferred)

• Powdered Milk, Pancake Mix & Syrup, Jelly

• Canned Chicken, Canned Chili, Spam, Beef Stew

• Vienna Sausages, Corned Beef Hash, Pasta Sauce

• Canned Fruit and Applesauce-multi packs

• Gallon Water bottles (for homeless)

• Paper Towels, Kleenex, Laundry Pods, Dish Washer Pods

• Deodorant, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Conditioner

We are returning to the comp track at McDowell Mountain Regional Park for another great Onyx event. All skill and experience levels welcome.

About the Onyx Race

Onyx completely reimagines the concept of a trail race. Competing for points rather than the quickest time, you'll discover this race challenges you in new ways. Runners can select their preferred route mix with diverse terrain, distance, and challenge levels, then earn points by opting to bring back either a flag or a sandbag from the route's turnaround point.

The Onyx Race has been purposefully crafted to offer a personalized experience for each participant. Opt for shorter or lengthier routes, bear sandbags or flags, and take advantage of our Recovery Zone when necessary. The diverse scoring opportunities ensure that athletes of all capabilities can excel and thoroughly enjoy their time with Onyx.

Select a Race

This Onyx will have 2 timed divisions to choose from: Onyx (4 hours), and Onyx Ultra (8 hours). Choose the time frame that favors your strengths!

Run and Score

During the race, feel free to mix and match any of the 5 trails available, repeating as many times as you'd like. Choose to bring back a flag for the standard points or a sandbag for 1.5 times the points value for each route. Earn wristbands for each route you complete. Trail routes will range from 0.5 miles to up to 12 miles roundtrip.

Fuel Up

Upon finishing each out-and-back lap, you'll arrive back at our Points Tent and Recovery Zone, where you can fuel up before heading back out.

Climb the Leaderboard

Should you join for the competitive element, you'll have the ability to monitor your score and view the leaderboard after each lap. Awards will be given to the top 3 male/female finishers in each timed category.

Know your strengths, set your strategy, and challenge yourself.

What's Included:

• Ticket for our post-race raffle

• Free finisher swag

• Nutrition items from our sponsors

• Finisher awards

• Well-stocked aid stations and recovery area

• Access to free photos and videos from the race

*Please Note: a $7 entry fee to McDowell Mountain Regional Park is required at the gate by the county. Card or exact change only.

Course Map:

Official course map will be released two weeks prior to the event.

Race Day Program:

An official race day program will be sent out one week prior to the event. It will include everything you need to know in order to have a great day.

Ready for an exciting adventure in the desert? 🏜️ The "Dam Good Run (Sonoran Desert Cup)" in Morristown is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself while discovering the wonders of Arizona! 🤩 Whether you're a beginner on a 6 km course or an ultra runner taking on a 40 km challenge, there's something for everyone. You'll find yourself running between the desert and Lake Pleasant, surrounded by the majestic beauty of the desert 🌵.

As of April 13th this event has

sold out of finisher's medals.

Discounted registrations are available below but do not include a finisher's medal.

Join us for the 5th annual

OdySea Aquari-RUN: An Ink-Credible Dash for Conservation!

The OdySea Aquari-RUN – 'An Ink-Credible Dash for Conservation’, is an octopus themed 5k and kids race fundraiser to support the OdySea Aquarium Foundation. As the non-profit partner at OdySea Aquarium, the OdySea Aquarium Foundation seeks to educate, engage, enrich and inspire all ages to conserve and protect our planet by supporting local education programs and conservation work!

This year’s race is all about celebrating the octopuses and their ‘ink-credible’ adaptability and curiosity! Runners are encouraged to wear their best octopus themed running attire to this family friendly event!

We hope to ‘sea’ you there!