Saturday, February 24, 2024

50K | 31K | 17K | 12K | 5 Mile

Picketpost Mountain & The Arizona Trail
SUPERIOR, AZ


50 Km – 7:00 AM
31 Km – 7:30 AM
17 Km – 8:00 AM
12 Km – 8:30 AM
5 Mile – 8:30 AM

The Copper Corridor Trail Runs depart from the old mining town of Superior, Arizona which serves as the start & finish line. Runners will head West of town towards Arnett Canyon where they will enter a riparian wonderland of flowing creeks, towering rock formations and dense sycamore trees.

31 Km entrants will traverse the length of Arnett to Picketpost Trailhead and get a taste of the Arizona Trail for two miles before returning back to town. 50 Km runners will continue South bound on the Arizona Trail for a circumnavigation of the mighty Picketpost Mountain before making their way back to Superior to finish on Main Street!

While the original four distances head south towards Picketpost Mountain and passing through the beautiful Arnett Canyon, we’re excited to announce the addition of the 5 Mile Hill Climb which will take runners east out of Main Street in downtown Superior, climbing up the Old 60 abandoned highway. Winding up Queen Creek canyon you’ll pass through 300 ft long Claypool’s Tunnel, once regarded as “an outstanding example of road engineering” and looking up at the Queen Creek Canyon bridge, a large metal arch bridge completed in 1949 that connects Superior to Miami. 

As this is an abandoned road, the course is wide and hard packed (or old asphalt) but also packs in a great climb. In the first 2.5 miles you’ll top out around 3,500 feet while rising nearly 800 feet to the lookout point. Turn around for high fives of oncoming runners, bust some quads as you fly back down the Canyon, passing by historic homes in Superior, and crossing over Queen Creek one last time to arrive back on Main Street and finish in the same direction as the other races.



Registration

Where to Register

Entry Fees

Until 11/26Until 1/21*Until 2/19Race Day
50K$130$145$160$170
31K$90$105$120$130
17K$70$80$90$100
12K$55$65$75$85
5 Mile Hills$45$50$55$60

An amusement tax of 11.2% will be added to entry fees for Town of Superior, Pinal County / State of Arizona.
*Race shirt guaranteed if registered by February 8, 2024 and are not included in registration after that point.

Online registration closes on Monday, 2/19, at 11:59PM. Registration will be available after online registration closes at all packet pickup locations if there are still spots available.

Race Information

Welcome to the Copper Corridor Trail Runs! This soon to be well known area is currently a hidden gem in Arizona. Be one of the first to discover this amazing area of Arizona which is not too far from Phoenix geographically, but a world away in so many ways. Discover the beauty and history of this land rich in resources and views.

With a race start & finish right in downtown Superior this is an Aravaipa race you won’t soon forget. You’ll soon leave the quite town behind as you venture into rugged and awesome desert country complete with Saguaro cactus forests, flowing creeks and rock formations reminiscent of the Superstition Wilderness or Bryce Canyon.

For those looking for a full day’s worth of adventure, sign up for the 50K which features many miles of the Arizona Trail and a loop around the iconic Picketpost Mountain!

Be sure to stick around for and afternoon of exploring Main Street, taking in the sights and sharing some well earned post race refreshments around town. Several bars will have live music Saturday evening.

Start Times

Saturday, February 24, 2024

7:00 AM – 50 Km Start
7:30 AM – 31 Km Start
8:00 AM – 17 Km Start
8:30 AM – 12 Km Start (12K Start & Finish at Superior Public Pool)
8:30 AM – 5 Mile Hill Climb

Start/Finish Line Location

50K – 31K – 17K – 5 Mile:
Downtown Superior, AZ
165 Main Street
Superior, AZ 85173

12K:
Superior Public Pool
234 S. Golf Course Road
Superior, AZ 85173

Bib Pickup

Friday, February 23, 2024
Packet Pickup 6:00-8:00PM

Superior Barmacy
101 W Main St.Superior, AZ , 85173

Saturday, February 24, 2024
Race Day Pickup 6:15A-8:00AM

Locations:
Downtown Superior, AZ
50K – 31K – 17K – 5 Mile (Main St, Downtown Superior)

12K (Superior Public Pool)
7:15AM 12K Packet Pickup at Pool/Start line

Weather

Expect beautiful race day conditions with an average high of 64 degrees and an average low of 45 degrees. Forecast for Superior, AZ

Aid Stations

Aid stations every 2 to 11 miles including water, ice, electrolyte drink (Gnarly Fuel 2O), sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit. Please plan to run with at least one to two bottles of water.

The Telegraph Canyon aid (50K only) has been moved farther along the course due to access issues (boulders blocking road) so please leave Picket Post prepared for a long stretch without food or water! Please note, the stretch to Telegraph Canyon is remote and your longest section between aid. Please make sure you carry enough water for these stretches and prepare accordingly.

Crews & Pacers

Crews are welcome to support runners at the finish line, Superior Public Pool, LOST Turnaround point, & Picketpost.

If visiting Picket Post, crews are not permitted to park at the trailhead. Crews will need to park from 0.5 to 0.75 miles away in the horse staging area (see map below), requiring that crews hike to meet runners at the aid station. If a runner is seen receiving aid from a vehicle in the Picket Post trailhead parking lot they will be subject to penalty or DQ from the race. Please plan accordingly.

Crews are also allowed at the LOST Turnaround point for the 50K & 31K runners (map below)

LOST Turnaround Area

Pacers are not allowed for any distance. If you want to get out on this gorgeous course, consider signing up or becoming a volunteer!

Drop Bags

A drop bag will be allowed at Picketpost Aid for 50K runners only which are hit around mile 8 & mile 11. Please limit the size of your drop bags to be no bigger than a small duffle. Large suitcases or oversized duffles will not be transported.

Cutoffs

50 Km runners must leave Picket Post II (mile 10.8) by 10 A.M.
50 Km runner must leave Telegraph Aid (mile 20.6) by 1:30 P.M.

31 Km, 17 Km, 12 Km runners must leave Arnett Mine Aid by 1:30 P.M.

Overall race cutoff is 4 P.M.


Race Perks & Awards

  • Gender-specific cut race shirt
  • Chip timed race results displayed at the finish line
  • Scenic and challenging courses
  • Well stocked aid stations every 2 to 11 miles
  • Post-race food & socializing
  • Custom finisher glass
  • Awards to the top 3 male & female finishers at each distance

Course Information

50K Map & Profile

Approximate Elevation Gain: 3,050 Feet

31K Map & Profile

Approximate Elevation Gain: 1,310 Feet

17K Map & Profile

Approximate Elevation Gain: 845 Feet

12K Map & Profile

Approximate Elevation Gain: 730 Feet

5 Mile Hill Climb Map & Profile

Race Day Schedule

Please arrive early to park, check in and warm up prior to your run. Portable restroom facilities will be located at the start line.

Timeline

6:15 AM – Packet pickup/race day registration begins in Downtown
6:30 AM – Begin Civil Twilight
6:54 AM – Sunrise
7:00 AM – 50K Start
7:15 AM – 12K packet pickup/race day registration begins at Superior Pool
7:30 AM – 31K Start
8:00 AM – 17K Start
8:30 AM – 12K Start at Superior Public Pool
8:30 AM – 5 Mile Hill Climb
4:00 PM – Overall cut-off in Downtown Superior / Races End

Trail Running & Trash

Please respect the trails and the beauty of the Tonto National Forest by disposing of any trash at one of our aid stations.

Cupless Race

We are so lucky to make the outdoors our passion and we want to continue to keep the beautiful trails we enjoy beautiful and free from trash. In our continued effort to reduce our footprint and preserve the trails we love, the Copper Corridor Trail Runs will be a cupless event.

What does that mean? There will be no paper cups at the aid stations for water, soda, electrolyte drink, etc. at this race. Runners will be responsible for carrying their own containers to refill along the way. UltrAspire reusable cups may be purchased with registration or on race day OR we encourage you to bring your own! Grab a cup, a hydration vest, pouch, or water bottle and we will fill it at each aid station along the way. We ask you to help us in our efforts by preparing for a cup-free race day and thank you in advance for being good stewards of the trails!

Race Timing

We will be utilizing a chip timing system at this event to record your time at the finish. You will be provided with a timing chip attached to the back side of your race bib. It is important to not crease, or fold the timing chip to ensure your finish time is read. Additionally, you will be required to check in to all aid stations by prominently displaying your bib number for volunteers to record. If you drop from the race you must notify race management.

Follow along on race day at: live.aravaiparunning.com

Aid Station Helpers

We cannot produce these trail runs without the help of our amazing volunteer team. You can even help and run on race day. If you would like to join our volunteer team, we are looking for help with event setup, aid station captains, aid station helpers, timing, photography, videography, social media and event breakdown. Volunteer perks include a piece of Aravaipa merchandise or race goody and Aravaipa Race Credits. You can see our current opportunities and sign up here by clicking the button below.

Course Markings

The race course will be well marked with orange plastic ribbons with black polka dots & orange pin flags with the Aravaipa Running logo. Trail junctions and turns will be well marked with colored laminated signs. Please pay attention to these signs at each junction as there are multiple race distances and race courses! In addition, blue & white checkerboard plastic flagging will be hung to designate non-race or “WRONG WAY” trails. All runners are responsible for understanding the layout of the courses. Please familiarize yourself with the course maps on our website prior to race day, download the .gpx map, and/or print a map to bring along with you.

Parking / Start Area

The start/finish line for the 50K, 31K, 17K, & 5 Mile will be in Downtown Superior. You’ll find street parking in the area, but please do not block in any driveways in town. The town of Superior is also allowing parking at the Town Hall where there is an open dirt lot and is just a short walk to the start/finish area.



The start/finish line for the 12K is Superior Public Pool. There will be overflow parking across the street at Superior High School.

Lodging / Hotels

Historic Hotel Magma re-opened March 1, 2019 and will have room available for the Copper Corridor Trail Runs directly in front of the start/finish line in Downtown Superior.

One unique place in the heart of Superior, Arizona, went into a complete process of historical restoration for a period of more than five years to bring its beautiful structure and interior to its birth date. Originally opened in 1912, this hotel also features The Ladle Restaurant serving breakfast each morning. Mention Copper Corridor Trail Runs for a discounted room rate. Hotel Reservations

Camping

Camping is available at Box 8 Ranch in Superior as well as in the nearby Tonto National Forest. Please follow all forest service signage and regulations on where to camp.


View Leaving Superior!

Entrant Limit

  • 450 Runners Total

Results

Race Day Tracking

Live updates will be available race day on live.aravaiparunning.com

Course Records 

Current Course (with added LOST Section):
50K | Men – Drew Frehs | Time: 3:50:35 (’21) | Women – Jessica Roberts | Time: 4:18:53 (’22)
32K | Men – Peter Frank | Time: 2:14:11 (’23) | Women – Ailsa Macdonald | Time: 2:25:26 (’22)
17K | Men – Collier Kempton | Time: 1:06:01 (’22) | Women – Nicole Lane | Time: 1:11:22 (’23)
12K (same as 2020) | Men – Jay Jump | Time: 49:14 (’20) | Women – Jzsanette Cullen | Time: 1:00:09 (’22)
5 Mile (new in 2023) | Men – Bryce Brooks | Time: 32:03 (’23) | Women – Megan Kupres | Time: 37:55 (’23)

2020 Course (inaugural year): 50K | Male – Danny Harper | Time: 4:43:26 (’20) | Female – Rachel Dockendorf | Time: 5:35:12 (’20)
33K | Male – Evan Williams | Time: 2:17:29 (’20) | Female – Caroline Mosley | Time: 2:54:53
18K | Male – Steven Terry | Time: 1:22:49 (’20) | Female – Caitlin Vogelsberg | Time: 1:35:43
12K | Male – Jay Jump | Time: 49:14 (’20) | Female – Sarah Sullivan | Time: 1:02:41 (’20)

Results

2024 | Results | Momentum Results w/ Splits
2023 | Results | Momentum Results w/ Splits
2022 | Results
2021 | Results
2020 | Results

Photos

2024 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery (Finish line) | On Course Photos (Let’s Wander Photography)
2023 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery
2022 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery (On Course photos by Jubilee Paige)
2021 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery (On Course photos by Jubilee Paige)
2020 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery (On Course photos by Jubilee Paige)

Picketpost Mountain