Southwest Vertical Challenge at AZ Snowbowl

Flagstaff, United States • 15 Aug 2026

Southwest Vertical Challenge at AZ Snowbowl

The Southwest Vertical Challenge at AZ Snowbowl is an inaugural uphill mountain race held at Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff, Arizona. The course covers approximately 11 miles of continuous ascent on marked high-altitude trails and is sanctioned by USA Track & Field Mountain Ultra Trail standards. The route begins near 7,000 feet and finishes above 11,500 feet, offering views of the San Francisco Peaks and surrounding Northern Arizona forests.

Field size is limited to 150 participants. The event includes on-course hydration and nutrition stations, designated safety support, and a summit finish area with a post-race celebration. Packet pickup is scheduled on the two days prior to race day at a pre-race location in Flagstaff; same-day packet pickup is not available. Spectators are permitted in designated viewing areas.

Age eligibility requires runners to be 18 or older, and the organizer recommends prior trail or mountain running experience because of technical terrain and significant elevation gain. Time cutoffs apply: runners must reach the Aspen Loop aid station within 4.5 hours of the start and must complete the full course within 8 hours for official results. Awards include podium recognition for top male and female finishers and age group categories. Volunteer roles cover course support, aid stations, check-in, and finish area operations. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

11 mi
Uphill Race
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Trail running at Fort Valley Trailhead in Flagstaff with 6K, 10K, 20K, 30K, and 50K courses on named loops. Packet pickup is available before the race and aid stations will be no more than seven miles apart.

Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stagecoach Line Races feature 100 mile and 55K runs, a 100 mile mountain bike race, and relay options on the Arizona Trail north of the San Francisco Peaks in September 2026. A linked double pairs the event with th..

A three day mountain race weekend at Arizona Snowbowl near Flagstaff featuring a steep Agassiz Hill Climb, race distances up to 50 miles, and fixed time 6 hour and 12 hour loop options that climb toward 11,510 feet.

A Last Person Standing backyard ultra near SP Crater in Flagstaff, AZ where runners repeat a 4.167 mile loop each hour until only one runner completes the final lap. The course mixes dirt trails and road with modest elevation gain.

Add Event
Help us complete the calendar!
  • Distance is at least 5 km
  • Event has a website or Facebook page
Website
Optional: Please provide your e-mail address if we may contact you.
Report a change
We will only update the data if the information is also on the website.