About Elder Creek Trail Runs
WHO'S READY FOR A PARTY IN THE DESERT?
Elder Creek Night Runs is back for the July 2026 Buck Moon! Come experience a few of our favorite things - a desert sunset, some great single track surrounded by red shank and manzanita trees, and a run with all our friends under the stars. We are especially thankful to the Cahuilla Band of Indians for the use of this beautiful land.
COURSE INFO
The 4.6 mile looped course is a mix of single track trail and wide open dirt road. Runners hit an aid station after every loop, and most will pass their parked car. Sunset is at 7:55 p.m and then it's ALL fun and games through the night.
50K: 7 Loops
30K: 4 Loops
1/2 Marathon: 3 Loops
9 Miler: 2 Loops
All runners will receive a finishers medal, a sticker, and a commemorative shirt.
1st Place 50k Male & Female receive a free entry to Elder Creek Night Runs 2027 (or Riley Park 2026-2027 / Whiting Ranch 2027) + entry to the 2026 ANF 25k/50k + Special Podium Award
Required Gear: You MUST have a headlamp to participate. No Exceptions!
Recommended Gear: We HIGHLY recommend trail shoes.
WE'RE THANKFUL FOR ....
The Cahuilla Band of Indians is Mountain Cahuilla (Qawishpa Cahuillangnah), one of the original peoples of Southern California. The Mountain Cahuilla have lived in the high mountain valleys and canyons, running up from the Coachella Valley, San Gorgonio Pass, and San Jacinto Mountains region of Southern California since time immemorial. Cahuilla history in stories and songs tells how the Cahuilla were given these lands as their homeland since the beginning of time by their Creator. The Cahuilla reservation of approximately 20,000 acres of Trust Land was established in 1875 and is located near Anza, California in what is now western Riverside County. We thank tribal council chairman Daniel Salgado for the opportunity.
RD extraordinaire and an incredible female pioneer and role model in the sport, Keira Henninger, gave us the opportunity to continue holding this special trail race after she founded it in 2021. We continue to be woman-led.
Thankful also for the use of photos by the super talented:
James Lugo: https://www.instagram.com/lugo_lugo
and Jake Melham Designs, who created the Elder Creek artwork.
Course Maps & 2025 Race Guide
Course Maps
2025 Race Guide
2025 Race Guide
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SOCAL RACES!
WHITING RANCH TRAIL RACES
WHITING RANCH TRAIL RACES
WHITING RANCH TRAIL RACES
RILEY PARK TRAIL RACES
WHITING RANCH TRAIL RACES
WHITING RANCH TRAIL RACES
Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park
5k - 10k - 10 mile - 1/2 Marathon - 30k
August 1, 2026
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