Races
Black Canyon 100k
Spring Valley to New River on the Black Canyon Trail. Net downhill. Golden Ticket. The last third is where the rocks start arguing.
The mountain
Mayer High School, then three miles of road onto the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail. South through saguaro and cholla. Bumble Bee Ranch. Deep Canyon Ranch. A short out-and-back at the Black Canyon City trailhead. Finish at Emery Henderson. Gain five thousand two hundred nineteen feet. Loss seven thousand three hundred thirty-seven. High four thousand one hundred ninety-nine. Low one thousand seven hundred thirty-seven. Most of the gain sits in the second half.
The work
The first twenty miles want to make you a hero. Do not let them. Train the late rolling, the creek beds, and the heat that shows up even in February. Seventeen hours is the Western States lottery cutoff. Twenty hours is the race.
Race morning
Waves at seven, seven-thirty, and eight. Cupless. Top three men and top three women take a Golden Ticket. Crew at published points only. Watch the ranch diversions. Do not skip the Black Canyon City out-and-back.
Watch outs
Agua Fria crossings change with rain. Rocks after Table Mesa. Shooting ranges and gates are on the runner guide for a reason. Start cold. Finish cooked. The net downhill is a trap.
PR athletes
Who has raced this.
Alex Daniels