Lace Up for History: The Inaugural Empire Ranch Trail Run Celebrates 150 Years of Western Heritage

January 16, 2026

Run Tucson Announces 10k and 5k Trail Run in Arizona's Wine Country

SONOITA, AZ (January 16, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — History is hitting the ground running. On Saturday, January 24, Run Tucson will partner with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Empire Ranch Foundation to produce the inaugural Empire Ranch Trail Run.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, this event kicks off a yearlong celebration of the Empire Ranch’s 150th anniversary and honors the upcoming United States Semiquincentennial (America250).

Whether you’re a recreational jogger, an elite trail runner, a family looking for a weekend outing, or a history enthusiast, the Empire Ranch Trail Run offers a unique opportunity to experience one of Arizona’s most storied landscapes.

Race the Trails, Experience the Past

The event features a variety of distances to accommodate all fitness levels, including:

• 10K Run: Challenging route along the rolling grasslands of the Las Cienegas, with the final three miles along the Empire Gulch
• 5K Runs: Smoother terrain along the Empire Gulch
• Family Fun Run: A perfect way for all ages to get moving together through the Heritage Trail nature walk

Beyond the finish line, the ranch will come alive with the spirit of the Old West. Starting at 9:00 a.m., attendees can enjoy live demonstrations and interactive displays depicting authentic ranch life and the rich 150-year legacy of the Historic Empire Ranch.

Planned Ranch activities include a branding workshop, leather bag lacing, reata making, roping, silversmithing, and a Saddle Selfie Station. A discussion about the difference between real-life cowboy clothing and Hollywood film depictions will highlight the morning.

The first 550 registrants will receive the beautiful sublimated long-sleeve shirt, while late registrants will receive a cotton shirt featuring the race logo. Age group and overall awards by The Running Shop, with overall winners receiving a bottle of wine from Los Milics Winery.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
• Time: 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Demonstrations start at 9:00 a.m.; Races begin at 9:30 a.m.)
• Location: Historic Empire Ranch, Las Cienegas National Conservation Area.
• Cost: The event is free for spectators and non-runners. There is a registration fee for race participants.
• Beneficiary: The event has already raised over $2,000 for the Empire Ranch Foundation, with participant donations and race fees helping raise operations funds for the Foundation.

“We’re thrilled to bring the running community to this historic site for a day of fitness and heritage,” said Randy Accetta. “Running these trails isn’t just about the sport—it’s about connecting with the land and the generations of people who have shaped the Empire Ranch over the last century and a half.”

Getting There

The Historic Empire Ranch is located approximately 45 miles southeast of Tucson.

• Directions: From Tucson, take I-10 East to Exit 281. Head south on AZ Route 83. Near milepost 40, turn east into the well-marked ranch entrance.

About Empire Ranch Foundation

The Empire Ranch Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting, restoring, and sustaining the Empire Ranch House and its rich history for future generations.

About Run Tucson

Run Tucson is a full-service event production company committed to promoting health, wellness, and community engagement through high-quality running events across Southern Arizona.

Contact: Randy Accetta, Race Director, Run Tucson; randy@runtucson.net; 520-991-0733