Updated April 1, 2024
The Tushars Mountain Runs, organized by the Aravaipa Running group, is billed as one of “the toughest, most spectacular mountain races in North America.” The event is staged out of the Eagle Point Resort in Beaver, Utah, with 100k, 70k, Marathon, and Half–Marathon course options. The team at Strambecco considers the Tushars Mountain Run to be one of the Best Trail Running Events in the Southwest.
The Tushars Mountain Runs is a high-elevation technical mountain course, with each race starting at 10,000 feet and reaching an elevation climbs to 12,174 feet. With heavy elevation climbs in each of the events, this epic race will have you suffering, but upon finishing, you will be addicted and back the next year, only to question why you would ever subject yourself to the pain again. Due to this being a high elevation event, gear requirements for the event include carrying a rain jacket, space/emergency blanket, cell phone/GPS device, whistle, and a reusable cup.
100K Course Summary: The 100K trail running route starts by ascending out of the ski resort at 10,500 ft and connects with pristine singletrack near Mt. Holly. The trail meanders along the mountain’s side, providing a high vantage point into the backside of Mt. Delano at mile four. Descending into a vast valley and reaching the Alunite Ridge Aid Station at mile 8, runners can admire old mining ruins. Reaching the ridge’s peak at 11,400 ft, breathtaking views of various peaks, including Copper Belt Peak, await. A descent into the rugged Bullion Canyon follows, passing abandoned mine shafts and cabins showcasing the area’s mining history. After a 2,000 ft climb, runners summit Mt. Delano, then descend to the Skyline aid station at mile 15.5. From there, the course continues with climbs, descents, and scenic sections, including Mud Lake aid station at mile 21.5, offering beautiful singletrack and views of Mt. Baldy and Mt. Belknap. The trail descends to Blue Lake, climbs on a forest service access road to Bullion Pasture Aid Station at mile 28.5, and descends the Paiute ATV trail to Copper Belt Peak Aid Station at mile 31.5. After tackling Copper Belt Peak, runners return to the aid station at mile 38 before descending Bullion Canyon to Miner’s Park aid station, passing Bullion Falls. From mile 48, a challenging climb on the south side of the canyon leads to Edna Peak, reaching Alunite Ridge Aid Station to complete the loop at mile 55. Finally, runners retrace their steps along the initial trail to the finish line, reflecting on the demanding course completed over approximately 12 hours.
70K Course Summary: The initial part of the course is the same as the 100k route; however, it will be different after you hit the summit of Mt. Delano. Depart from the 100K course at the double-track road and head towards the Mud Lake aid station. Rejoin the 100K route to ascend a pass with stunning views of Mt. Baldy and Mt. Belknap. Descend for 5 miles and 2,000 ft to reach the picturesque Blue Lake, then climb 2,000 ft on a forest service access road to the Bullion Pasture Aid Station. Descend Bullion Canyon, dropping nearly 4,000 ft to Miner’s Park aid station, passing by the breathtaking Bullion Falls. After passing the mining ruins, ascend the 4,000 ft on the south side of the canyon to Edna Peak before reaching the Alunite Ridge Aid Station to complete the loop. Take a moment to absorb the challenge, then return to the finish on the same trail started over 7 hours prior.
Now under Aravaipa Running, a highly regarded race-directing service with superior event quality and attention to detail, Tushars Mountain Runs is a must-do event. What separates Aravaipa Running Events from others is its incredible event organization, spectacular courses, and event atmosphere. With stocked aid stations at every 3 – 8 miles, chip-timed race results, scenic yet challenging courses, and post-race celebrations, their attention to detail set the bar high, and although you’ll be hurting, you’ll most likely be back the next year for more. One of our other favorite Aravaipa Running events is the Black Canyon Ultras in Arizona.
As far as lodging goes, Eagle Point Resort at the event site offers a number of lodging options right on the property, most of which include a kitchenette and common area. They are also allowing participants to register for on-site tents or car camping as a wall at a separate location for RVs. Beaver, UT, is the nearest town and has a number of hotel options. There are some dispersed camping options within the Fishlake National Forest (like Big John Flat Area) and a developed campground at the Tushar Lakeside Rec Site (13 miles away) or the Little Cottonwood Campground located just outside of the town of Beaver.
Beaver is surrounded by scenic lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, providing excellent opportunities for fishing trout, bass, and other fish species in Minersville Reservoir, Yankee Meadow Reservoir, and the Beaver River. Also, trails like the Skyline National Recreation Trail and the Puffer Lake Trail provide opportunities for day hikes or multi-day backpacking adventures, allowing hikers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. Those who enjoy mountain biking have a variety of trail options to choose from. The Paiute ATV Trail is a massive trail system that spans over 2,800 miles and passes through Beaver. It offers a mix of dirt roads and rugged off-road trails, providing opportunities for mountain biking adventures. Right at the event site, Eagle Point Resort features a range of cross-country and downhill trails, with options for beginners as well as more experienced riders. And finally, Delano Peak, the highest point in the Tushar Mountains, offers a challenging mountain biking experience for advanced riders. The trail to the peak features steep ascents, technical sections, and rewarding views from the summit.
Other top-tier trail running events that take place in Utah include Zion Ultras, Antelope Canyon Ultras, and Bryce Canyon Ultras, produced by Vacation Raceswhich delivers several UTMB World Series and Western States qualifiers races, as well as the Wasatch Front 100, the culminating event in the Grand Slam of Ultra-Running series.
