Embarking on the grueling 2024 Cocodona 250 was an adventure that tested every ounce of physical and mental endurance. This ultrarunning event, spanning 250 miles from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff, Arizona, is a true testament to the spirit of trailrunning and running at the highest level. As someone who has participated in multiple 200-mile races and beyond, this race presented unique challenges and unforgettable moments. With a seasoned crew by my side, including my wife and close friends, the journey was as much about camaraderie and support as it was about pushing my limits.
Preparing for the Cocodona 250: The Build-Up to the Race
Last year, I covered the Cocodona 250 live on YouTube, watching runners tackle the vast and varied Arizona terrain. When registration opened for the 2024 race with a small discount, I didn’t hesitate to sign up. The timing was perfect—it lined up closely with my birthday, making this race my ultimate birthday present to myself. What followed was a 24-hour drive across eight states in my camper van, arriving in Arizona ready to take on one of the most challenging ultrarunning events on the calendar.
The Cocodona 250 is a point-to-point race that weaves through the high desert and mountainous regions of Northern Arizona. The race starts in Black Canyon City and finishes in Flagstaff, covering some of the most demanding trails, including Mount Mingus and Mount Elden, known for their steep ascents and technical terrain. The first 38 miles alone include nearly 10,000 feet of climbing and little shade, a daunting prospect especially under the desert sun.
Coming off the inaugural Southern States 200 just three weeks earlier, I was fortunate to have my wife crewing for me again. Additionally, my trusted crew chief Jay Hagan, who has supported me through previous 200-mile races, and Tobias Sørensen, who had paced me before, joined for this event. My local friend Malcolm Davenport, new to ultrarunning crewing and pacing, also came along, making this a well-rounded, experienced team. Their presence was a crucial part of my strategy, ensuring I had no excuses and the best support possible.
Race Day: The Early Miles and Initial Challenges
Race morning was filled with a mix of nerves and anticipation. After final checks, including ensuring I could carry the mandatory 4 liters of water and receiving my SPOT tracker, we were ready to get underway. The race had a slight 10-minute delay, but soon the first miles began unfolding beneath the rising sun.
The initial section, often called the Crocs of the race, stretched over 26 miles with minimal shade and massive elevation gain. It was a test of patience and pacing. I focused on conserving energy, managing hydration, and protecting myself from the sun by pulling up my hood. The trail here was beautiful but relentless, demanding steady progress.
At the first aid station around mile 25, I ensured I loaded up with more than the required 4 liters of water—carrying 6 liters in total to prepare for the long hike ahead. This section was essentially a marathon hike with significant elevation, and I was determined to reach the crew at mile 35 feeling as strong as possible.
Managing the Heat and Nutrition
Throughout the early stages, the heat was a constant adversary. Despite the relatively pleasant temperatures early on, the sun’s intensity was always looming. I battled hot spots under the balls of my feet and struggled to balance my electrolytes and nutrition, which is always a fine line in ultrarunning. The challenge was not just physical but mental—to keep moving forward slowly enough to avoid overheating but steadily enough to make progress.
Frozen grapes at one of the water stops were a refreshing treat and a reminder of the small joys along the way. The terrain shifted from desert basins to greener patches, signaling the start of the big climbs ahead. The trail was technical, with rocks and boulders that required careful navigation, adding to the physical toll on my feet and legs.
Mid-Race Struggles and the Mental Battle
By the 7-hour mark, the race was starting to take its toll. Hot spots on my feet worsened, and I was beginning to feel the effects of overheating. Whenever a breeze came, I experienced chills—a classic sign of heat exhaustion. I slowed my pace, focusing on hydration and nutrition, and stopped to tape my feet in hopes of reducing the friction and pain that was slowing me down.
Despite the low point in the race coming earlier than expected, I reminded myself that ultrarunning is about putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how tough it gets. The sheer distance and the unforgiving terrain meant that there was no room for error or giving up.
Water Shortages and Resourcefulness
One unexpected challenge was a water shortage at a water stop caused by the theft of 25-gallon drums, which forced water rations to be cut dramatically. I resorted to using my filter bottle to refill from a stagnant creek, algae and all. It was a reminder that ultrarunning often requires adapting to unpredictable circumstances and making the best of whatever resources are available.
Reaching Lane Mountain and Crown King: A Crucial Reset
After nearly 11 hours and 33 miles, I arrived at the Lane Mountain aid station, a critical stop to refuel and regroup. The crew was ready with food, drinks, and much-needed encouragement. This station was a chance to put my feet up, eat proper food, and prepare mentally for the next big section.
The trail from Lane Mountain to Crown King was a mix of climbing and descending, with stunning views that reminded me why I love trailrunning despite the challenges. The Crown King aid station marked the first time I would see my crew since the early morning, a huge morale boost.
Nightfall and Technical Terrain
As the day turned to night, the race entered a more technical phase. The terrain became rockier and more demanding, requiring careful foot placement and concentration. Nighttime running added an extra layer of difficulty, with bugs and cooler temperatures to contend with.
Despite the fatigue and the physical pain, I pushed on, knowing that the race was far from over. The support from the crew and fellow runners was invaluable during this stage, providing both practical aid and emotional encouragement.
Prescott and Whiskey Row: Midpoint Milestones
After 27 hours and 72 miles, I made it to Whiskey Row in Prescott, a lively spot and a key checkpoint on the course. Here, I planned to take a short nap and get off my feet to recover. Sleep deprivation is one of the harshest realities of ultrarunning, and I was already feeling the effects of poor rest before and during the race.
Despite the exhaustion, the flat terrain leading into Prescott offered a brief respite from the relentless climbing. The crew had everything ready to help me refuel and prepare for the next stages.
Pacing with Malcolm and Tackling Mount Mingus
Malcolm took over pacing duties for a 50k stretch after Prescott, a great help as we tackled more varied terrain. The plan was to climb Mount Mingus later in the afternoon to avoid the worst heat of the day, a strategic decision to manage energy and minimize damage to my feet.
The approach to Mount Mingus was technical and demanding, with loose rocks and steep ascents that threatened to worsen the hot spots on my feet. I was ready to face this monster climb with determination, knowing the race would be decided by how well I managed this section.
Conquering the Biggest Climb and Final Thoughts
At nearly 40 hours into the race, we reached the last aid station before Mount Mingus. I took some time to change into fresh clothes, eat burgers, and mentally prepare for the biggest challenge of the day. The climb up Mingus was both physically brutal and mentally taxing, especially with my battered feet.
The technical nature of the ascent demanded focus and careful footwork. Thankfully, the crew's support and the pacing partnership with Malcolm helped me push through. As the young kids say, the "drip" (gear and outfit) was on point, keeping me comfortable and ready for the final push.
Why Do We Do This?
"Why am I doing these things? They're just painful," I joked with my crew. But the truth is, the pain is part of the journey. The juice is always worth the squeeze when it comes to these types of endurance events.
Ultrarunning, trailrunning, and running long distances like the Cocodona 250 are about pushing beyond limits, embracing discomfort, and finding joy in the struggle. Every painful step, every blister taped, every ounce of hydration consumed is a step toward an unforgettable experience.
Final Words
The early miles of the 2024 Cocodona 250 were a rollercoaster of highs and lows. From the blistering desert heat and technical climbs to the camaraderie of an experienced crew and the beauty of Arizona's landscapes, this race was a profound test of endurance and willpower.
For anyone passionate about ultrarunning, trailrunning, or running in general, events like this offer a unique blend of challenge and reward. They remind us that success is often about persistence, preparation, and the connections we build along the way.
As I continue this journey, I am grateful for the support of my crew, the lessons learned, and the opportunity to share this adventure. Stay tuned for the next chapters of this epic race, where the story continues from the summit of Mount Mingus to the finish line in Flagstaff.
Until then, keep running and embracing the trails—because every step counts.
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