Event Description
"Are we having fun? Who doesn’t like a little mud and cow pies? Seriously it was GREAT to be out, gorgeous views and the weather was perfect. The weather forecasters wanted to stress us but it didn’t work. Thank you and the Ranch for all the work in organizing it." M.O.
January 26 Updates: Thank you to the almost 700 participants! Here's the emailed race report that we sent to participants in the Empire Ranch Trail Run.
Results: Results can be found at the link above and here. Thanks to Roadrunner Race Timing.
Awards: If you did not pick up your award at the post-race ceremony, all Running Shop gift certificates can be picked up through the end of February at The Running Shop, 3055 North Campell Avenue, Tucson.
Photos: Damion Alexander's photos can be found at his smug mug page here.
Race Director snapshot photos can be found at the link above.
Remaining Shirts and Medals: if you did not pick up your shirt or purchased medal, you can pick them up through the end of February at The Running Shop, 3055 North Campell Avenue, Tucson. Shirts are on a first-come, first-served basis. A list with the names of those who purchased a medal is at the Running Shop. For now, we cannot sell any additional souvenir medals.
January 16 Update: check out the national press release announcing the Empire Ranch Trail Run.
Save the date for this exciting new run/walk event! The Empire Ranch Trail Run will include a 10k Trail Run, a 5k Trail Run/Walk, and a 1 mile family-friendly trail walk/run.
Produced by Run Tucson in partnership with the Empire Ranch Foundation and the Bureau of Land Management, this is the first-ever running event held at the Historic Empire Ranch on the beautiful Las Cienegas National Conservation Area.
With demonstrations and displays depicting ranch life and the history of the Historic Empire Ranch, the Trail Run kicks off the Empire Ranch Foundation's yearlong 150th anniversary celebration and will honor America's 250th anniversary.
Raising funds for the Empire Ranch Foundation to protect, restore, and sustain the Empire Ranch historical buildings and landscape as an outstanding western heritage and education center.
Whether you run, walk, volunteer, or just want to be watch and cheer, there will be fun for everyone!
What You Get
- Souvenir race shirt (as of January 7th, we've sold out of the sublimated long sleeve -- all registrations after January 7th will receive a white cotton short sleeve, with the race logo)
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Age group and overall awards
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Post-race snacks and goodies
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Timed 10k run with finisher's video
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Timed 5k Run/Walk with finisher's video
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A 1 mile walk/run with finisher's video, perfect for first-time trail runners and those who like walking in the great outdoors!
Plus: Event Day Ranch Activities for the whole family including
- Branding demonstrations (on leather!)
- Cowboy Clothing, Hollywood vs. Reality, with a discussion of the 52 movies and TV shows filmed at the ranch
- Leather Bag Lacing for Kids
- Reata Making
- Roping
- Saddle Selfie Station
- Plein Air Painting
Events
5k Run/Walk
289 spots left. Price increases after February 28, 2026 at 11:59pm MST
1 Mile Walk/Run
30 spots left. Price increases after December 31, 2026 at 11:59pm MST
Children's Mile: 14-and-under
25 spots left. Registration Opens May 10, 2026 at 7:57am MST
Parent's One-Mile
Terrain: Combination of dirt trails, BLM 2-track, cattle paths, and Empire Ranch lands.
Cows: They'll be around.
Difficulty: The trail we're planning is generally a "green" in terms of technical terrain, with some rocky sections and rolling hills.
Weather: Probably a low in the 40's early in the morning, rising perhaps into the 70's throughout the day.
Differently Abled: This course is not suitable for chair athletes. The rugged nature may make the course very difficult for visually impaired athletes.
Pets: Dogs are not permitted on the running courses.
Parking: There is plenty of parking on site at the Empire Ranch, but you may wish to consider carpooling with your running friends!
Want Training Advice? Contact RRCA-certified running coach Tia Accetta at tia@runtucson.net.
Location photos courtesy of Randy Accetta, bike riding to develop the route.
Contact Form
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Event Location
16655 E Empire Ranch Rd
Sonoita, AZ 85637 US
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