The Desert Solstice 24 Hour Run is an elite level event for record setting and as an ideal qualifier for the IAU 24 Hour World Championship.
This event is by invitation or qualification only. Entry is limited to 20 runners.
Runners interested in applying should inquire: nick@aravaiparunning.com
Spectators are welcome and encouraged for the duration of the event.
Qualification Standards and Entry Fees
There are three qualification standards and associated entry fees. Runners meeting at least one of the listed marks may enter under that standard. Runners may request acceptance at other race lengths (e.g. 100k, 12 Hour) for comparable performances.
Runners not meeting listed times may petition acceptance to a given standard for other circumstances (e.g. course difficulty). However, keep in mind the best way to demonstrate competence for a fast ultra is to run a fast ultra, not a difficult one.
Marks are given as [Men's Mark]/[Women's Mark]
| Qualification I | Qualification II | Qualification III | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Fee | $0 | $100 | $200 |
| 24 Hours (Miles) |
150/135 | 135/120 | 120/110 |
| 100 Miles (Hours) |
15:00/16:30 | 16:30/18:00 | 18:00/19:30 |
| 50 Miles (Hours) |
5:45/6:30 | 6:15/7:00 | 6:40/7:25 |
A portion of proceeds will benefit the Central High School running clubs.
Current Entrants
| Name | Notable Performance |
|---|---|
| Michael Arnstein | 13:46:18 (100 Miles) |
| Ian Sharman | 12:44:33 (100 Miles) |
| Record | Track | Holder | Overall | Holder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s 24 Hour | 265,932 Meters | Rae Clark | 266,677 Meters | Scott Jurek |
| Women’s 24 Hour | 223,633 Meters | Pam Reed | 233,816 Meters | Sue Ellen Trapp |
| Men’s 100 Mile | 12:27:00.7 | Bernd Heinrich | 12:12:19 | Rae Clark |
| Women’s 100 Mile | 14:29:44 | Ann Trason | 13:47:42 | Ann Trason |
| Record | Track | Holder | Overall | Holder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s 24 Hour | 303,506 Meters | Yiannis Kouros | 303,506 Meters | Yiannis Kouros |
| Women’s 24 Hour | 254,425 Meters | Mami Kudo | 254,425 Meters | Mami Kudo |
| Men’s 100 Mile | 11:28:03 | Oleg Kharitonov | 11:28:03 | Oleg Kharitonov |
| Women’s 100 Mile | 14:25:45 | Edit Berces | 13:47:42 | Ann Trason |
Data taken from the American Ultrarunning Association website.
Marks for other distances and masters age groups available at the above webpage.
Accomodations
Handlers will be available for all runners. Lodging and transportation assistance from local runners is also available. Please let us know your needs and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Race Schedule
7:00am Sat – Packet/Bib Pickup
8:00am Sat – 24 Hour Start
8:00am Sun – Race Ends
There will be a brief race meeting approximately 20 minutes before the start of the race to announce any last minute information.
Timing
Laps will be recorded by electronic chip timing and will be submitted for USATF and IAU record purposes.
You may leave the track at any point in time during the race, but you must return to the same place before continuing. You may not leave and return directly by the timing equipment, to avoid double counting a lap. Your number of laps, distance, and race will be shown on an electronic display near the start.
Awards
Awards will be given in Male and Female categories for the 24 Hour. Awards will also be given for the best 100 Mile split.
Weather
Average highs for mid-December in the Phoenix area are 67 during the day and a low of 43 at night. Record highs are in the upper 70′s and record lows are in the upper 20′s for this time of year.
Personal Space
We will have tables and chairs for runners to share. There is ample space around the track available to set up your own tables and chairs, blankets, or tents.
Aid Station
We will have a fully stocked aid station throughout the event with water, electrolyte drinks, and food. Volunteers can prepare food upon request and assist runners in every reasonable way.
Race Course
The race route is a 400 meter all-weather track located at Central High School in Phoenix. The direction of travel will change every four hours. Portable restrooms will be available on the course, and showers will be available nearby.
Location
Central High School track is located at:
4500 N 7th St
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Contact race director Nick Coury with any questions at nick@aravaiparunning.com

“Jay Aldous’ 2011 split for 100 miles of 13:52:29 has been officially ratified as the new World Age Best Performance. Congratulations Jay!”