Aeries-Cockscomb: A long 5.7!

10 NATRA runners closed out 2013 in grand style on the 5.7 miles of Aeries Cockscomb trail. To avoid the shadows we ran clockwise, this however did not help keeping this from feeling more like a 10 mile run. 50+ Saturday group runs, 600+ participant days, about 7 miles per run = 4000+ NATRA miles on the trails of Northern Arizona! Happy Trails to 2013 and stay tuned for the line up of runs on natra.org. Next week we will celebrate the City of Flagstaff's purchase of State Trust Lands on Observatory Mesa by heading up the Urban Trail from the Thorpe Bark Park at 9 AM!

 Kathy Leads the way!

 David makes sure everyone knows to turn left at the end

Heading out clockwise. 

 Anne at the halfway point

Beautiful views of red rock country

 Sweeping vistas of the Verde Valley and Jerome on the west side of Doe Mountain

Only Flagstaff runners sit outside in the chilly of early morning winter in Sedona! 

Christmas Day 2013

No better place to celebrate running on Christmas than in Buffalo Park with NATRA!  On a blustery xmas morning, eight runners did 1.5 to 2 loops (3-4 miles) around the park before heading home to celebrate with their families. On the hill, runners spotted a very frosty NATRA member who seemed content to spend the rest of his life in Buffalo Park!  Happy Holidays to all!  

Solstice Survivors Run

On a cold blustery day, 50+ Flagstaff runners celebrated the Winter Solstice by participating in Northern Arizona Trail Runners Association's Free Solstice Survivors Run in Buffalo Park. Due to the popularity of last year's epic Mayan Apocalypse Run to End All Runs 5K, Ramble Brothers and NATRA felt it was important to continue the tradition of running on the Winter Solstice. 

The run brought out families with kids of all ages, and even an elusive sasquatch!  A brief burst of snow as runners finished was the icing on the cake that marked the beginning of winter. Thanks to Flagstaff Brewing Company for the beer and whiskey specials for Solstice Survivors. Next up - Christmas morning run, 9 AM in where else, but Buffalo Park!  

50+ runners excited to celebrate winter's arrival.

Go!

Heading off counter clockwise towards Mount Elden.

The sasquatch was really friendly especially so after the Old Milwaukee peace offering.

Flags Brew for beers and whiskey specials.