Desert Twilight XC Festival Community 5k 2026 — Mesa, AZ

Date
September 25, 2026
Location
Mesa, AZ
Venue
6910 E Williams Field Rd
Start Time
8:45 PM
Sunrise
6:15 AM
Entry Fee
$50.00 – $60.00
Events
5K, AZ USATF 5K
Includes
T-Shirt
Register NowRegistration OpenOfficial Race Website
Are you ready to lace up your shoes and show off your talent? Come join us for the 16th annual Nike Desert Twilight Community Race! Be a part of Arizona's largest and most unique cross country meet! Participate in the community night 5k lined with lights while watching some of the country's best high school runners in 19 different races! The first 175 to register will receive a Desert Twilight Community Race T-shirt. Awards will be given to the overall winners as well as the top 3 in each age group. PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE • The running course will be partly grass, dirt and cart path. • The running course will open at 3:30 p.m. for inspection and warm-ups. • For your safety, we ask that all fans, coaches and athletes remain OFF THE COURSE until 3:30 p.m. so the course may be properly set up for competition

Course & Travel Notes

The Desert Twilight XC Festival Community 5k takes place at 1,332 feet elevation in Mesa, Arizona, which is low enough that altitude adjustment should not significantly impact your pacing. The race starts at 8:45 PM, well after the 6:17 AM sunrise, so you'll be running in the cool of the evening rather than the heat of the day. September weather in Mesa typically brings highs around 100°F and lows near 71°F, with only an 11% chance of measurable rain, so expect warm conditions despite the evening start time. Mesa Gateway Airport is just 1.7 miles from the venue, making it convenient for out-of-town travelers.

⛰️ 1,332 ft elevation☀️ Typically 100°F / 71°F · 11% chance of rain✈️ Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) — 1.7 mi

Hotels Near This Race

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Desert Twilight XC Festival Community 5k 2026 — Mesa, AZ

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for September 25.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Mesa, AZ. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support
Get a Quote — Faye Travel Insurance

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Desert Twilight XC Festival Community 5k 2026 — Mesa, AZ?

Desert Twilight XC Festival Community 5k 2026 — Mesa, AZ takes place on September 25, 2026. The race is held in Mesa, Arizona.

Where is Desert Twilight XC Festival Community 5k 2026 — Mesa, AZ held?

Desert Twilight XC Festival Community 5k 2026 — Mesa, AZ is held at 6910 E Williams Field Rd in Mesa, Arizona.

Where can I find hotels near Desert Twilight XC Festival Community 5k 2026 — Mesa, AZ?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Mesa. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.