Aravaipa Running produces the annual Black Canyon Ultras, point-to-point 60K and 100K trail courses from Spring Valley to New River, Arizona, along the world-class Black Canyon National Recreation Trail. The 100K race is a qualifier event for the prestigious Western States 100.
100K Course – 1200 runners start this wave Saturday morning at Mayer High School and ends at Emery Henderson Trailhead. There are shuttles to drive participants to the starting line and return them to their car at Anthem Trailhead at the finish line. It is an elevation gain of 4098 feet and a loss of 6227 feet. Featuring a mix of single track, jeep roads, and even parts of an old stagecoach route. Runners will cross through Black Canyon and Agua Fria river many times. There are nine aid stations along the route with water, electrolytes, snacks, and fruit. The cutoff is 20 hours from the start time. Western States qualifier requires a completion time of under 17 hours.
60K Course – 800 runners start Sunday morning with the same starting line at Mayer High School and end at Rock Springs Café. Shuttles are available for all participants to and from the parking area at Anthem. It is an elevation gain of 2297 feet and a loss of 4262 feet. Similar to the longer race, there is a good mix of single track, jeep and stagecoach roads. There are six aid stations with hydration and snacks, crew access points, and four drop bags allowed on the course.
Registration includes a race shirt and awards for each race’s top 3 male and female finishers. Those that finish the 100K receive a Black Canyon buckle, and 60K finishers receive a buckle that is custom to the 60K medal engraved with their name and finish time. Volunteers and supporters are welcome at Black Canyon. Join the adventure!
The Western States 100 is the grandaddy of ultra-running events. It is an epic 100-mile trail run from Olympic Valley to Auburn, CA, in one day on the last weekend of June. It is the world’s oldest 100 trail race, starting in 1974 as one of the ultimate endurance tests. Over the course, runners will climb more than 18,000 feet and descend 23,000 feet. See the dedicated Western States Endurance Run website for details on the lottery process, training, support, and volunteer opportunities. Participants must qualify for the race within two years and enter the lottery. If you are selected as part of the lottery, you are officially sent details to register within two weeks. If not completed in time, the registration will be available to runners on the waitlist of 50-75 people.
Araivaipa produces some of the best trail and ultra events in the Southwest, including Tushars Mountain Runs.
