Show History – Aravaipa Trail Talk
Back in 2016 we launched a show on the Aravaipa Running YouTube Channel called “Aravaipa Trail Talk” on March 17, 2016 which started out as a catch all show of runner stories, community features, tips & tricks and eventually a live entertainment / news show each week with our staff touching base with our community and featuring the going ons with Aravaipa.
Since those humble beginnings, our company has grown by leaps and bounds. No longer just in Arizona & a couple events in Colorado, we now have multiple divisions bringing endurance events to the community most weekends (and sometimes multiple per weekend) across the country.
We felt it was time to bring back a show hosted by founder Jamil Coury to highlight the amazing things happening at Aravaipa with our staff, community and events. There is a lot to keep up with and we hope this will help to put some added focus for those who are invested in what’s happening at Aravaipa.
Show Format
We’ve decided to rename the show from “Aravaipa Trail Talk” to “Inside Aravaipa” to better reflect the all encompassing nature and behind the scenes info we will get into. This will likely be the first place to hear about upcoming things we are working on in a more informal nature before they are publicly announced. The format of this show will likely evolve over time, but our initial vision is a 60-90 minute live show hosted each and every Tuesday at Noon Arizona time available on the Aravaipa Running YouTube channel for free. This will allow for us to have a live interactive chat and we plan to have a Q&A section at the end of each show where you’ll get a chance to ask anything you’d like.
First Episode – August 19, 2025
We quietly launched our first episode last week, titled “America’s Hardest 100 Miler? Jigger Johnson 100 Deep Dive”. We likely will have a main story hook / feature each week, but the show will have an entire range of topics from race recaps, previews, news, updates, special in studio and remote guests and teasers.
Inside Aravaipa #1 Key Takeaways & Topics Covered
Show Reboot & Vision: Inside Aravaipa is our new weekly live show and the evolution of our original Aravaipa Trail Talk. The goal is to give you a behind-the-scenes look at everything happening across our growing divisions in an informal, interactive format. Each week we’ll share race news, media projects, staff stories, and early previews before they’re announced elsewhere. Expect live Q&A, remote and in-studio guests, and lots of opportunities to connect with the community.
Jigger Johnson 100 Recap
Our featured segment asked: could the Jigger Johnson 100 in New Hampshire be America’s toughest 100-miler? With only 53 starters, a 54-hour cutoff, and a rugged, highly technical course through the White Mountains, it’s a serious contender. Just 27 runners finished this year. Winners clocked 31:26 (men) and 39:13 (women), and no one has ever broken 30 hours on this course. Limited aid stations, self-sufficiency, and gnarly terrain make this event one of the most demanding ultras out there.
White Mountain Endurance Cup
We shared an update on our four-race White Mountain Endurance Cup in the Northeast, which features sub-ultra events like Chocorua, Baldface, Jigger Johnson 20M, and Kilkenny Ridge. Haley Heinrich has won all three races so far, while Tracy Carter leads the men’s competition through consistent podium finishes. The final race at Kilkenny Ridge is coming up soon with only a few spots left. The Cup is a fun way for local runners to challenge themselves across the White Mountains.
Tucson Marathon News
Boston Marathon recently introduced downhill indexing penalties for courses with too much net descent. Our Tucson Marathon was just above the threshold, so we adjusted the start and finish lines to bring the net downhill to 1,493 feet—avoiding any Boston penalty. The iconic Biosphere 2 remains our start line, where runners can warm up inside the glass-domed facility before heading out, and we made a slight finish line tweak at Pima Community College. Tucson continues to be one of the fastest and most scenic Boston-qualifying marathons in the country.
Mogollon Monster 100 Fire Update
The Washington Fire has affected parts of the Mogollon Monster 100-mile course near Payson, AZ. While the fire is largely contained, a forest closure currently impacts sections of the Highline Trail. We’re working closely with the Forest Service on alternative routes if needed. The race is not cancelled; updates will be shared as soon as they’re available. Safety and compliance with closures remain our priority.
Films in Progress
Storytelling is a big part of what we do, and several new projects are underway. The Cutoff is our upcoming Cocodona 250 film focusing on back-of-the-pack runners chasing cutoffs. We’re also producing a film about Jack, who has run every edition of the North Fork 50, and a piece on Max Juhl and his hometown race at Harding Hustle. Another film tour is being planned with multiple unreleased films debuting on the big screen first.
California Expansion
2024 marks our first year producing races in California’s Santa Ana Mountains. Harding Hustle took place this summer, and September’s That’s No Moon (50M/50K/30K) is nearly sold out. We’re also launching a new fixed-time loop event called Live Oak Odyssey later this year. Looking ahead, we hope to bring back the legendary Twin Peaks 50 once fire-related trail issues are resolved.
Desert Runner Trail Series
We previewed our signature Arizona winter trail series, running for over 15 years. The fall lineup includes Cave Creek Thriller, Pass Mountain, and McDowell Mountain Frenzy, with distances from 5K to 50 miles. These are some of our most popular events and feature epic courses worth traveling for.
Upcoming Races – Jackrabbit Jubilee (AZ) & Westminster Night Trail (CO)
Two very different events are coming up the weekend after this episode aired. Jackrabbit Jubilee, a sold-out 6- and 12-hour night race at Nardini Manor (home of our founder’s first ultra), offers a fun fixed-time format and will feature top ultra talent like Pete Kostelnick. In Colorado, Westminster Night Trail brings an Insomniac-style night racing vibe with multiple distances and a live DJ at scenic Standley Lake.
Community Focus & Future Episodes
We want Inside Aravaipa to be your go-to place for connection, early news, and behind-the-scenes stories about our staff, runners, and events. Each week’s show will continue to evolve with more guests, interactive segments, and opportunities for you to share feedback and ask questions.
Call for Comments
What would you like to see us discuss in this weekly show? Do you have segments or topics to suggest – please comment below!