A few years back, in my end-of-2023 article, I predicted that in the years ahead, there would be more emphasis on and involvement in locally based, homegrown trail events in response to the growing trend of larger, corporately owned events dominating the scene. While there hasn’t been a sea change in the rise of grassroots events, I have observed several excellent examples across the country in the last year of events that are celebrating the trail community, including all members of the trail running public, and doing so in fun and creative ways.
I was fortunate enough to participate in one such event earlier this month in my hometown of Phoenix, Arizona. The 2025 Circle of Hell Run took place at the Pima Canyon Trailhead in South Mountain Park on Saturday July 3. Organized by the Royal Order of the Desert Ratz, aka R.O.D.R, a group founded by local trail running legend Christopher Bagby, Circle of Hell is a free, open-to-everybody event.
The start of the 2025 Circle of Hell Run. Photo: Melissa Ruse Photography
Taking place on a one-mile trail loop in South Mountain Park, and beginning at 2 p.m. on what is often one of the hottest days of the year, Circle of Hell is a three-hour timed event in which runners attempt to complete as many loops as they can in the allotted time, with the only rule being that one must start their final lap before 5 p.m. and complete that lap after 5 p.m.
I arrived at this year’s event about an hour before the start time and the trailhead parking lot was already full with over two dozen pop-up tents and dozens of people buzzing around packing their coolers with ice and preparing to run. Costumes were plentiful as were the variety of posted placards on fenceposts with various hell-themed messages. The temperature at race time was a “cool” 106 degrees Fahrenheit, down about 10 degrees from the year before.
At about five minutes before 2 p.m., Christopher Bagby, dressed in a modified tuxedo, presided over the pre-race briefing in which he reminded everyone to take care of themselves and one another before sending us off into the desert. Over 200 people made their way around the one-mile meandering trail loop, each time coming back to the “tent city” to replenish their ice bandanas, take dips in the kiddie pools dotted around the start/finish area, and meet up with friends and crews. It was a fantastic afternoon!
Runners out on the course of the 2025 Circle of Hell. Photo: Melissa Ruse Photography
As for me, I managed to run 14 miles over the three hours, finishing my 13th lap at 4:57 before completing my final “Death Lap” by about 5:10 p.m. Following the race, Bagby once again grabbed the microphone to present a raucous awards ceremony while all of the runners and friends lounged around in their pop-up tents swapping stories about the day and reveling in the wonderful trail community that is so much a part of such low-key events. In this age of big time, big budget events, it is refreshing and joyful to see such events like R.O.D.R’s Circle of Hell continue to grow and thrive.
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s beer of the week comes from Catalyst Crafted Ales in Tempe, Arizona, about two miles from the Pima Canyon Trailhead at South Mountain Park. Viotto Farmhouse Ale is a classic Saison brewed in true Belgian style. Peppery and earthy with a touch sweetness, Viotto is a wonderfully quaffable ale perfect for our hot Arizona summers.
Call for Comments
- Have you run the Circle of Hell Run?
- Are there any similar events where you live?
Despite the heat, the 2025 Circle of Hell Run had costumes! Photo courtesy of Christopher Bagby.
