Elden Ridge Run

Elden Ridge Run : Flagstaff, AZ (half marathon)

The Elden Ridge Run is a half marathon held at the Sandy Seep Trailhead near Flagstaff, Arizona. The route begins on meadow and ponderosa-lined trails, crosses a power line access road, and follows Christmas Tree trail into single-track terrain. Christmas Tree trail intersects Elden Lookout trail, which leads to the summit of Mt. Elden. From the summit the course descends via the lookout tower road to Sunset trail, then continues downhill on New Heart trail with views of the red and orange cliffs of Little Elden.

There is a single aid station located at roughly 6 miles from the start and about 1 mile below the summit; it will supply water, some fuel options, and an electrolyte beverage. The remainder of the course includes technical sections, speed checks, rollers, and a mostly flat finish toward Sandy Seep. Volunteers will be positioned at key intersections and at the start/finish turn onto Christmas Tree trail.

Cutoffs are enforced: participants must reach the summit intersection at about 5 miles within two hours of the race start, and the total race cutoff is four hours. Parking is at the primitive Sandy Seep Trailhead with limited space for about 30 vehicles; high clearance vehicles are recommended and some overflow parking may require a walk. Other race details include no pacers allowed, no outside aid except at the official aid station, poles allowed if carried for the entire race, bibs without timing chips, two portable toilets at start/finish, a planned bib pick-up the day before and on race day, and a post-race espresso bar and snacks for participants. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.