Flagstaff: In Quintessence

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14 NATRA runners began at Flagstaff's beloved Buffalo Park and ran the infamous Oldham steps over to Rocky Ridge and back. Along the way we tested out the Salomon Skin Pro 10+3 Hydration System Pack (see review in middle of video) and used its whistle to scare off some rogue pandas. We also ran across remnants of the 1857 Beale Wagon Road that brought many European settlers westward. To learn more about trail running and racing in Flagstaff visit http://www.natra.org.

Arizona Trail Delight/Monsoons Arrive!

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10 Northern Arizona Trail Runners headed north on the Arizona Trail as rain clouds loomed over head. Poised to see the end of the drought, the cool 65 degree overcast was welcomed by all, especially from our newbies from Tucson and Phoenix. Runners did an 8 mile out and back run starting at 6800 feet among the tall ponderosa pines, dropping 400 feet into the open pinyon juniper woodlands. The air from the previous night's rain enhanced the sweet aroma of the blooming cliffrose. Just as we returned, the clouds opened up, and the drought for now, appears over. Welcome home Monsoons! Stick around this time! To learn more about trail running in Flagstaff visit http://www.natra.org .

Epic Brookbank Trail Run

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After a busy month of trail races in Flagstaff, 16 Northern Arizona Trail Runners took on the climbs of the Dry Lake Hills trail system including Brookbank, Upper Brookbank, Sunset and returning down Upper Oldham. Flagstaff Trail running icons Ian Torrence and Sara Wagner led the way with several newbies joining in the on the fun. The run was complete with fresh bear track sightings, 6 miles with1500 feet of vertical climbing and an amazing wipeout that left blood oozing from legs and arms of one tough nameless runner! We all returned to the kickstand to savor the beautiful run

Hearts 911 Mount Elden Ultimate Challenge

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The Inaugural Hearts 911 Mount Elden Ultimate Challenge and 10K was a smashing success. This benefit run for first responders heart screening tests was a challenging 10.3 mile run up and over Mount Elden, descending on the Heart Trail to Sandy Seep. The race also include a 10K out and back on Elden Lookout Road.

Gina Slaby of Tucson wins overall 10K in 44.01 with Harry Singer from Phoenix winning the men's race in 49.11. In the Ultimate Challenge, Art Keith's 1:16.28 and Leslie Grabel's 1:45.28 (both of Flagstaff) took top honors. Full results posted at http://www.virtualroster.com/index.cfm?action=dspClientHome&clientid=123&showBanner=1

With its great support team of first responders, hi-tech shirts, post-race party, and especially since it is a perfect tune-up for the Imogene Pass Run, it will sell out early next year, so don't miss out!

Northland Hospice Run for Life

Congrats to the 499 finishers at the the Northland Hospice Run for Life 10K/5K. The 10K brought out one of the most competitive men's fields ever. As Jared Scott (record holder of the Soulstice Mountain Trail run and Sportiva Cup defending champion) lined up for what was probably his last race before moving to Colorado, he was flanked by Flagstaff Summer Series defending champion Chris Gomez, Michael Smith (TransRockies, Soulstice and Imogene Pass Run winner), Rob Krar (TransRockies champ and Grand Canyon R@R record holder), and Vince Sherry (former Northland Hospice 10K record holder). As the race went off Jared bolted to try to put an exclamation point on his Flagstaff racing career. As Chris Gomez kept pace slightly behind he could sense Scott tiring and charged to the lead, not looking back, and smashing Vince Sherry's former record in running a 32.22. Scott came in second followed by Rob Krar.

Krar and fiance Christina Bauer obviously had their priorities straight. Run the race first, and then get married! Congrats to both! Read Erin Strout's column in today's Arizona Daily Sun. Bauer took second nine seconds behind a surprising win by Flag High runner Taryn Treadway's 39.40. Sara Wagner took 3rd. See Bill Harris' coverage in today's Arizona Daily Sun.

The Flagstaff Summer Series takes its July recess and fires up once again for the August 4th Machine Solutions Run and Walk for Kids and the series final, the August 11th 35th Annual  Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Flagstaff Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon. Register for all at VirtualRoster.com

Gaspin in the Aspen 2012

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The sold out Gaspin in the Aspen 15K brought out Flagstaff's trail elite runners. Chris Gomez (Flagstaff Summer Series defending champion) and Jenny McCarthy (Imogene Pass Run winner) took the men's and women's 15K. Other faces in the crowd included five time Soulstice Mountain Trail champion Sara Wagner, former Ultra Grand Slam champion Ian Torrence, and Team Run Flagstaff Coach Michael Smith (Trans Rockies, Soulstice and Imogene Pass Run defending champ) provides analysis for the Kid's Dash! Race results posted at Virtualroster.com

The story of the race was lack of dirt on Chris Gomez. He sailed to victory trying to keep up with Wendell's ATV and then found a large fox to draft off. Between Elk, cattle and fox sightings, "wildlife" has played a crucial role in the past three Gaspin in the Aspens!

Also don't forget to check out Flagstaff newest line of running clothing at SeaLevelSucks.com.

Fort Valley Trail System and Much More!

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Following up on Erin Strout's recent post on http://www.flagfootnotes.org/why-flagstaff-runs/ , I asked NATRA folks why they run. Twelve runners and Skyler then headed off to the trails of Fort Valley from Schultz Creek. We slowly split up with some heading up Moto, others taking Chimney, and we even found some newly named trails like Flue. Karen kept up our tradition of taking a spill and drawing blood! Everyone took their own routes before we returned for well deserved treats at the Kickstand!