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RACE EVENT

8K Trail Run

5.0 Miles | 8:30 AM Start

About the Race

The only trail race in the Lost Dutchman Festival! Held annually over President's Day weekend, this scenic desert trail run starts and ends at Prospector Park in Apache Junction, Arizona.

The race starts at 7:45 a.m. The course is mostly on dirt trail in the northern and eastern portions of Prospector Park. The only elevation changes are where the course crosses dry washes — otherwise the course is relatively flat and should be considered easy as trail courses go. Watch the stunning sunrise over the Superstition Mountains as you head out onto the desert trails.

Registration includes chip timing via ChronoTrack, and athletes receive a commemorative medal at the finish.

QUICK INFO

DISTANCE:
5.0 Miles
START ELEVATION:
1,840 ft
FINISH ELEVATION:
1,740 ft
NET DESCENT
~100 ft
COURSE TYPE:
Loop Course
SURFACE:
Desert Trails

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Registration
Course
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Packet Pickup
Aid Stations
Awards & Medals

Registration

Registration for the Lost Dutchman 8K Trail Run is available online through ChronoTrack or in person on race day at Prospector Park.

Limited to 800 Trail Runners!

Our only trail race — experience the Sonoran Desert on foot.

Early
$54
Through Jan 2, 2026
BEST VALUE
Regular
$59
Jan 3 – Jan 30, 2026
Late
$64
Jan 31 – Feb 15, 2026

What's Included

  • ChronoTrack chip timing
  • Commemorative finisher medal
  • Long sleeve tech tee shirt
  • Desert trail running experience
  • Aid station with water & sports drink

Requirements & Policies

  • Time limit: No official cutoff
  • Race day registration available at Prospector Park
  • No refunds or deferrals

8K Trail Course

A scenic desert trail run starting and ending in Prospector Park — the only trail race in the Lost Dutchman Festival!

8K
~5 MILES
1,840'
START ELEV
TRAIL RUN
7:45
AM START

Trail Terrain

The course is mostly on dirt trail in the northern and eastern portions of Prospector Park. The only elevation changes are where the course crosses dry washes — otherwise the course is relatively flat and should be considered easy as trail courses go.

1

Start: Prospector Park

7:45 AM

The 8K trail run begins at Prospector Park near downtown Apache Junction. Watch the stunning sunrise over the Superstition Mountains as you head out onto the desert trails.

2

Desert Trail Loop

UNDEVELOPED TERRAIN

Navigate the dirt trails through the undeveloped northern and eastern portions of the park. The only elevation changes come from crossing dry desert washes — otherwise expect a flat, fast course.

Finish: Prospector Park

FINISH LINE

Return to Prospector Park to cross the finish line. Collect your finisher medal and enjoy the post-race festivities with other Lost Dutchman participants!

Course Features

Only trail race in the festival
Mostly flat desert terrain
Scenic Superstition Mountain views
Loop course — start & finish same location

‍

Packet Pick Up Schedule

Pick up your race packet at one of the following locations and times.

Race Day Pickup Available!

8K Trail Run participants can pick up packets on race day at Prospector Park.

Thursday
FEB 12
2026

Road Runner Sports – Tempe

43 S McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281

3:00 PM – 7:00 PM View Map
Friday
FEB 13
2026

Road Runner Sports – Tempe

43 S McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281

11:00 AM – 6:30 PM View Map
Saturday
FEB 14
EXPO DAY

Multi-Generational Center

1035 N. Idaho Rd., Apache Junction, AZ

8:00 AM – 3:00 PM View Map
2-Mile Fun Run/Walk starts 9:30 AM from this location
Sunday
FEB 15
RACE DAY

Prospector Park

3015 N. Idaho Rd., Apache Junction, AZ

Starting at 5:45 AM View Map
Race day registration also available!

What's In Your Packet

  • Race bib with ChronoTrack timing chip
  • Safety pins
  • Long sleeve tech tee shirt
  • Race information sheet

Pickup Requirements

  • Photo ID required
  • Someone else may pick up for you
  • Race packets will NOT be mailed

Aid Station & Course Support

The 8K trail course features one strategically placed aid station that you'll pass twice.

Aid Station Location

AID STATION
1 Station
Passed twice during the loop
HYDRATION
Water + Sports Drink
Perfectly positioned for your desert run
Water
At aid station
Sports Drink
At aid station
Restrooms
At Prospector Park
Volunteers
Staffing the station

Medical & Facilities

  • Medical support available
  • Course marshals on site
  • Finish line medical tent

Trail Running Tips

  • Watch footing at wash crossings
  • Trail shoes recommended
  • Stay on marked course

Good to Know

No Time Limit: The 8K trail run has no official cutoff time — enjoy the desert at your own pace!
Chip Timing: Your timing chip is integrated into your bib — do not remove it.

Awards & Medals

Every finisher receives a commemorative medal, with awards for top performers in all age groups.

Trail Finisher Medal

All 8K Trail Run finishers receive a beautiful commemorative medal. Custom-designed with the iconic Superstition Mountains theme — unique design each year!

Age Group Awards

Awards will be presented to the top 3 male and female finishers in each age group.

10 & under 11-14 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+

Awards Ceremony

  • Held as soon as results are available
  • Location: Prospector Park finish area
  • Pick up award before leaving if possible

Unclaimed Awards

  • Pick up Mon Feb 16: 8 AM – 2 PM
  • Or any time through Fri Mar 6
  • Location: Multi-Generational Center
  • After Mar 6: donated to charity

Supporting Local Youth

Lost Dutchman Marathon, Inc. is a public charity — since 2002, over $980,000 has been donated to local youth organizations!

Location

115 N. Apache Trail, Suite A
Apache Junction, AZ 85119

RUNNING Since 2002

Race Info

RegistrationMarathonHalf Marathon8K Trail Run10K Trail Run2-Mile Fun Run / WalkDirections and ParkingAward & Medals

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