costume run

2011 Cave Creek Thriller Report

Jamil CouryRace Report

As the subtle glow of dawn appeared off to the west, runners bustled about the ramadas of the group picnic area; some checking in, others placing their drop bags along side the trail, and some catching some warmth of the umbrella heaters while chatting with friends.  The morning was cool, but not quite brisk, ensuring a warm day ahead.  At 7am, 41 runners headed out on their first loop of the 50 kilometer course led by Ian Torrence, Jay Danek, Scott Bajer and Michael Carson. They would first head out on the newly added out and back section along the Slate and Flume trails before completing the main Go John and Overton loop used at …

ultra

2011 Cave Creek Thriller Preview

Jamil CouryRace Preview

    The 2nd annual Cave Creek Thriller will once again jump start the Desert Runner Trail Series.  The race is nearly a sell out, with over 190 runners currently registered.  Although the distances are the same as last year, the 30 Km and 50 Km courses have been changed up to include some of the other trails within the park. An out and back spur along the Jasper, Slate and Flume trails will take runners to the southern reaches of the park and reduce the total number of loops.  There will also be a new remote aid station (Flume) at the turn-around on the out and back. The main 10 Km loop of the …

ultra marathon

2011 Javelina 12 Hour Report

Jamil CouryRace Report

The 15.4 mile Pemberton Trail within picturesque McDowell Mountain Regional Park served as the setting for this weekend’s Javelina 12 Hour night run hosted by Aravaipa Running.  This gathering of Arizona’s ultra and trail running community kicked off at 6pm, just as the sun set behind the McDowell Mountains to the west of the park.  Runners ranging in age from 15 to 76 set out to tackle anywhere from 1 to 4 loops on the trail. One of the unique features of this trail run is special permission to access the park’s trail system at night (trails normally close at sunset).  Although flashlights were needed for the first two hours, the  almost full moon eventually …

running trails

2011 Javelina 12 Hour Preview

Jamil CouryRace Preview

As high temperatures dip into the nineties here in the Phoenix area, we are gearing up for the first race in Aravaipa’s fall race season.  Our first event this year takes place in the rolling, mellow valley of Sonoran desert in between the McDowell Mountains and the Verde River.  This area was first inhabited by nomadic hunters and later thousands of Hohokam Indians who made their home near the confluence of the Verde and Salt Rivers.  Presently, it is home to McDowell Mountain Regional Park and the over 50 miles of scenic trails that meander through hills and across numerous desert washes that drain the McDowell Mountains. The most well known trail in the park …