Cedar City Thunderbird Races

Experience the beauty of Cedar City, Utah in its full fall-colored glory as you take on the challenging trails of Thunderbird Gardens and Iron Hills Trail systems. You’ll enjoy rolling hills, epic climbs and thrilling descents as you navigate these breathtaking trails overlooking the city. Cedar City Thunderbird trail races offer something for everyone, from the punch-packing 50k, to its junior 25k distance, to the shorter but still-so-sweet 15k distance. Run, hike or crawl (if you must) as you find your distance at the Thunderbird Trail Races. New this year is a Virtual race option allowing those that can’t join in-person on race day to run their own Thunderbird challenge and still be part of this exciting event.

This event is not-for-profit and is being brought to you by Trails & Tribulation Endurance Hiking Foundation in conjunction with Doomsday Racing, serving the mission of getting individuals outdoors and on trails while benefiting the good work of local charities. A portion of proceeds will go to local Cedar City non-profit organizations.

The race start line is at a different location from the finish line though just a short walk or ride away from the finish area. Although there’s plenty of parking availability at the start we encourage you to arrange rides or drop off.

The finish line features one of Cedar City’s favorite parks which boasts green-grassy hills, large shade trees, flowing streams and fun play areas. Plan to stay a while and cheer on the finishers. Parking is limited however there is additional parking just a short walk away at the Veterans Memorial Park (start line).

Cutoffs
This event offers a generous 12-hour time period to finish your race enabling all speeds to participate and finish! Official cutoff time is 8:00 PM.

Race Benefits
* Thunderbird Races t-shirt
* Timed race results
* On-course aid stations
* Thunderbird Races finisher award
* Awards for overall top 3 men and women of each distance
* Post-race burgers (and plant-based burgers) and hot dogs
* A generous 12-hour cutoff time
* A challenging & rewarding experience in a beautiful setting surrounded by awesome people

Course
You’ll start by heading into the foothills through narrow braided washes and up the sharp ridges heading into the Thunderbird Gardens. Here, continue on single track trail and take on the first of two challenging climbs, then loop down the ridge and into the red rock canyons. Exit the canyons and connect with the Coal Creek bike bath. 15k’rs will roll to the finish line while 25 & 50k’rs will continue on the bike path connecting with more single track trail to the prize climb! They’ll make their way up Lone Tree Mountain and take in stunning views. This climb marks the grand finale for 25k’rs as they turn around at the Highlands connector and make their way back to the finish the same way they came while 50k’rs advance even higher to the C-Trail overlook! 50k’rs will then head back down onto the Highland trails and move across the mountain flats through valleys and past beautiful cliffs out toward the far end of the course. They’ll be greeted by one final challenging loop before heading back to the finish for celebration!
***THIS IS A CHALLENGING COURSE INCLUDING TECHNICAL TERRAIN, STEEP ASCENTS AND DESCENTS ALL AT ELEVATION***