Why is it so awesome?
Northern Arizona is a magical place.
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Less than an hour's drive from Flagstaff, AZ, all of the following are possible: excellent rock climbing on 4 different kinds of rock, world class mountain biking, trying to keep up with elite ultra-marathon runners over 11,000 ft mountain passes, or exploring some remarkably rugged and remote-feeling back country.
Specialization is for insects.
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I firmly believe that humans should be generalists. More than just running, biking, and climbing - this event is intended to cultivate unexpected situations that test grit, resourcefulness, and teamwork.
Struggling as a team
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Something about going through an epic adventure and coming together as a team pulls at our most primal nature. Part of the appeal of an adventure like this is the delirium and camaraderie that simply comes with being up and active (and taking naps when you can) and sharing the load with teammates for 48 hours.
This Race is Gnarly
There are no aid stations. The turns will not be marked. Depending on which leg you do, you may be responsible for doing things like setting up rappels and doing technical climbing that, if done wrong, will likely kill you. You will have to find your way through the woods at night. There is a very good chance you could get lost. You may experience weather below freezing or ridiculously hot. There are cacti and agave and cliffs and snow and loose rock and cougars and bears and surly elk. This is not your mother’s mud run/triathlon/relay race.
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If this sounds like your idea of fun - keep reading
History
In 2012 I became obsessed with the concept of linking up some of the cool trails, climbs, and adventures around Flagstaff and Sedona into a sort of personal mega multi-sport suffer fest. However, even with a recklessly optimistic outlook, it never quite seemed like a good idea. After reconciling my epic plan with my athletic ability, I found some hope recasting the adventure as relay race; it finally started to sound reasonable and potentially even fun.
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So, in 2013, I somehow convinced 40 other people that this was a good idea and we all set off from Buffalo Park together to see what the wilds had in store for us. I had thought that the idea was probably bad enough such that this grand shenanigan would be a one time deal - at least we tried for glory. As it turns out, everyone loved it (even the team that had to self rescue from the most remote spot in the Sedona wilderness) and they made me drink beers until I promised I would organize another.
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In 2014 we did it again despite a big re-route due to forest fire
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In 2015 we had the first all female team and also managed to push through a record-setting rain storm
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This is not an official "race" - no entry fee, no race numbers, no chip timers, no sponsors, no prizes. Just an idea - a challenge - and a bunch of friends (old friends, new friends, and soon-to-be friends) who want to have an old fashioned adventure.