The 2020 Calendar
When it comes to trail running and ultrarunning, often the best race is not one that is a race at all. Often my favorite running adventures are ones spent with map, a car ride, and a couple like minded friends. The pace doesn't end up mattering, just the adventure itself. So some of these are not formal events at all, but more just simple ideas that hopefully end up on the calendar. Other events are found scouring the internet and talking to friends and mainly for events here in Maine and around the Acadia National Park region. This is by no means an all inclusive list and likely there are plenty that are missed here, particularly road races which are of little interest to me. I try to only run on roads as a means to get to the trail on the other side. If you have others that are worth adding however, send me a message (azadventures@icloud.com) or comment below! Particularly those that are in New Brunswick, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Northern Maine or New Hampshire. I'm always interested in hearing about other regional events, mountain races, and anything on a trail over 10 miles long.
It should be said that anything listed in Acadia National Park is simply a "Fun Run" with a couple friends. It's not permitted to have any large groups or paid events within the national park boundaries. These are just training runs, "Fat Ass" style that otherwise won't impact anyone else's visit to the park.
It should be said that anything listed in Acadia National Park is simply a "Fun Run" with a couple friends. It's not permitted to have any large groups or paid events within the national park boundaries. These are just training runs, "Fat Ass" style that otherwise won't impact anyone else's visit to the park.
WINTER 2020 - January 1st through...well...whenever summer starts
I've come to embrace winters here, for the most part, and the raw misery that can be most runs is oddly enjoyable for me. So much so that I agreed to an impromptu 50K in five degree weather, in lieu of a 5K snowshoe race I was signed up for. Miserably cold? All water sources frozen? Wind chills in the -20's? Terrible footing? High likelihood of a terrible fall, risking all future use of your body?
Yeah. It's a pretty easy decision for me. I hate 5K's.
50K's give you some real time to be miserable, and a lot of time to appreciate what isn't. It's a time for conjuring up even more unreasonable adventures, to somehow try and fill that void of adventure that is never quite full enough. So with that, I came up with a few adventures for the coming year, a renewed focus on consistency and resisting the FOMO.
Yeah. It's a pretty easy decision for me. I hate 5K's.
50K's give you some real time to be miserable, and a lot of time to appreciate what isn't. It's a time for conjuring up even more unreasonable adventures, to somehow try and fill that void of adventure that is never quite full enough. So with that, I came up with a few adventures for the coming year, a renewed focus on consistency and resisting the FOMO.
Winter Kahtadin Summit - March 2020
Embrace Winter.
SPRING 2020 - May. Yeah, pretty much just May.
Acadia Cross Island FKT Invitational - May 18th, 2020
An annual run in May, with a new twist coming this year.
A big event in the world of trail running here in Maine. It's a short loop course so while it's still pretty fun I'm sure, not what draws me. Certainly an event that draws from all over Maine though and probably a lot of fun. http://pinelandtrails.com/
SUMMER 2020 - June 1st-October 1st
The Acadia Round - Summer 2019
Since I started running trails, I've been enamored with the Bob Graham Round over in the Lake District of England. The birthplace of fell running and Inov-8 trail shoes that I've been wearing for ten years now, it mirrors the terrain of Acadia in so many ways. Rounded but steep mountains and a cluster of them all over a small concentrated area. Whereas the Bob Graham Round has 42 some mountains (23K in climbing, 66 miles and goal is under 24 hours), there are only 26 (depending on how you count) here on the island and within Acadia National Park. Hitting them all in the shortest amount of time would be a true feat of endurance. It would be a solid 20K in elevation gain, and north of 50 miles and upwards of 70 miles, possibly even more. A bruiser of a course but something I've worked towards in my adventures throughout the last year here.
The Katahdin 100K - Summer 2018 - Millinocket, Maine
Knife's Edge Trail - Mt. Katahdin. Photo by Bridget Besaw
Yes.
DownEast Sunrise Trail Relay - Department of Minimal Effort - July 19th/20th, 2019 - Ellsworth, ME to Eastport, ME
http://www.crowathletics.com/destrelay-race-overview/
The Down East Sunrise Trail Relay starts in Ellsworth, known as the Crossroads of Down East Maine, and finishes in Eastport, the Eastern Most City in the USA.
The extremely scenic route is 102.7 miles in length, with the first 85-miles run along the multi-use, rails-to-trails corridor connecting Washington Junction to Ayers Junction. The relay route continues on MAP206, another rails-to-trail surface. The final miles are paved along scenic Route 190 before finishing in historic Eastport.
Teams of 4 to 8 runners will run thru the night and into the next day in individual relay legs ranging from just under 4 miles to just over 10 miles and finish at our NEW fabulous seaside post race celebration held in downtown Eastport!
The Down East Sunrise Trail Relay starts in Ellsworth, known as the Crossroads of Down East Maine, and finishes in Eastport, the Eastern Most City in the USA.
The extremely scenic route is 102.7 miles in length, with the first 85-miles run along the multi-use, rails-to-trails corridor connecting Washington Junction to Ayers Junction. The relay route continues on MAP206, another rails-to-trail surface. The final miles are paved along scenic Route 190 before finishing in historic Eastport.
Teams of 4 to 8 runners will run thru the night and into the next day in individual relay legs ranging from just under 4 miles to just over 10 miles and finish at our NEW fabulous seaside post race celebration held in downtown Eastport!
Nordic Trail Festival - July 27th & 28th, 2019 - Presque Isle, Maine
An outdoor festival of mountain biking and trail running. Six hour block of the most 5K circuits wins both sports.
http://nordictrailfestival.com/events/
http://nordictrailfestival.com/events/
Jenn's Annual Acadia Birthday Run - August 24th (?) 2019
Acadia National Park
Fundy Circuit Ultramarathon 50K -New Brunswick - September 21st, 2019
https://raceroster.com/events/2018/15424/fundy-circuit-ultra-2018
A trip around the Fundy National Park in New Brunswick, Canada. Only 4.5 hours away, this is actually closer than driving to Boston from Bar Harbor, and a great reason to see this part of Canada. Whereas in the US we don't allow any commercial activities (with a few rare exceptions) the Canadians have an entirely different approach, as does much of the rest of the world. They have full on trail races IN their national parks. This race sold out quickly so I'm excited I was on top of this registration a full year out, as well as the Nova Scotia race, two beers later that night.
The Fundy Circuit Ultra; presented by Outdoor Elements, is 50 km of wilderness trail that loops along the Bay of Fundy coastline, through the Caledonia Highlands, and Acadian forest; past waterfalls, rivers and lakes. The Fundy Circuit Ultra, is a race like no other. Located in the heart of the UNESCO designated Fundy Biosphere Reserve, this eco-friendly trail circuit can be found within the protected boundaries of Fundy National Park. This new and growing trail race, only two years running, has been sold out each year. This circuit provides runners with the opportunity to experience a snapshot of pristine wilderness and sustained ecosystems. The Fundy Circuit Ultra is organised by the Fundy Guild. a registered charity which exists to create opportunities for people to connect with nature and to support conservation of natural spaces; when you participate in the Fundy Circuit ULTRA, every step towards your personal best is helping support the region's UNESCO biosphere designation and to build the capacity of local communities and trail organizations and projects.
A trip around the Fundy National Park in New Brunswick, Canada. Only 4.5 hours away, this is actually closer than driving to Boston from Bar Harbor, and a great reason to see this part of Canada. Whereas in the US we don't allow any commercial activities (with a few rare exceptions) the Canadians have an entirely different approach, as does much of the rest of the world. They have full on trail races IN their national parks. This race sold out quickly so I'm excited I was on top of this registration a full year out, as well as the Nova Scotia race, two beers later that night.
The Fundy Circuit Ultra; presented by Outdoor Elements, is 50 km of wilderness trail that loops along the Bay of Fundy coastline, through the Caledonia Highlands, and Acadian forest; past waterfalls, rivers and lakes. The Fundy Circuit Ultra, is a race like no other. Located in the heart of the UNESCO designated Fundy Biosphere Reserve, this eco-friendly trail circuit can be found within the protected boundaries of Fundy National Park. This new and growing trail race, only two years running, has been sold out each year. This circuit provides runners with the opportunity to experience a snapshot of pristine wilderness and sustained ecosystems. The Fundy Circuit Ultra is organised by the Fundy Guild. a registered charity which exists to create opportunities for people to connect with nature and to support conservation of natural spaces; when you participate in the Fundy Circuit ULTRA, every step towards your personal best is helping support the region's UNESCO biosphere designation and to build the capacity of local communities and trail organizations and projects.
FALL 2020 - October 1st or whenever it gets cold out
Bald Peak overlooking the Atlantic in the fall
MDI Marathon & Half Marathon - October 20th, 2018 - Bar Harbor, ME
Run Hard. Run Forever. MDI Finish line spring 2017.
The home course, this is a rare exception to my "no road marathons for the rest of my life" rule. I ran it in 2017 a month off the Mogollon Monster 100 and recovering from a damaged ankle and excepted to drop at the half way point but decided to continue on and finish the race. It was an unexpectedly beautiful course along the shores of the island and through the woods, coves, and mountains of our towns. That part I knew was going to be special, but the people along the course showing their support was incredible, as was the fog horn blasting off Somes Sound coming from a ship in the cove. It is a special event and one I can see myself doing every year.
http://www.runmdi.org/
http://www.runmdi.org/
WINTER 2020 - November 1st...
Millinocket Marathon & Half Marathon - December 7th, 2019 - Millinocket, ME
I don't have much interest in the full marathon, but this is an incredible event I don't think I'll miss again. Just watch the above video, you'll see why.
Book your lodging in advance, the town sells out quick. Don't book at Katahdin Cabins, this guy is a crook and a liar. Refused to refund my the room and tax after showing up the night before the race and he didn't have our reservation. Then refused to refund our money, after saying he was going to several times. He should not be in business. Beware.
http://www.crowathletics.com/millinocket/
Book your lodging in advance, the town sells out quick. Don't book at Katahdin Cabins, this guy is a crook and a liar. Refused to refund my the room and tax after showing up the night before the race and he didn't have our reservation. Then refused to refund our money, after saying he was going to several times. He should not be in business. Beware.
http://www.crowathletics.com/millinocket/
Clearly this is the line in the blogging sand of when we started having kids...2013 last update...now it's five years later and we’re up to date!
Grandpa Jim Sunshine Acre Piestewa Peak 12 Hour Challenge - February 8th, 2013
Grandpa Jim is someone I met a couple years ago through WMRC and since has been there for many an event with me. He's taken charge of the Houston Brother's Aid Station at Mogollon Monster, came out to run with me at the Gonzalez 24 hour event and countless other training runs. A great runner and a better man Jim puts on two events in the spring each year to raise funds for Sunshine Acres Children's Home.
The two events are the 12 hours of Camelback where runners/hikers head up and down Echo Canyon trail on Camelback Mountain as many times as they can. This year the mountain is closed for parking lot renovations so Jim has moved it to Squaw/Piestewa Peak down the road. Slightly shorter, but just as steep and probably rockier (if that's possible) it's an opportunity for those to come out for a challenging event and donate to a noble cause.
Contact: jfstl@cox.net
The two events are the 12 hours of Camelback where runners/hikers head up and down Echo Canyon trail on Camelback Mountain as many times as they can. This year the mountain is closed for parking lot renovations so Jim has moved it to Squaw/Piestewa Peak down the road. Slightly shorter, but just as steep and probably rockier (if that's possible) it's an opportunity for those to come out for a challenging event and donate to a noble cause.
Contact: jfstl@cox.net
Pemberton 50K - February 9th, 2013
http://pembertontrail50k.blogspot.com/
Historically I'd imagine this is one of the fastest 50K races in the annual race schedules with two laps around the Pemberton Trail. Usually a great one given the time of year and a good sized field.
Historically I'd imagine this is one of the fastest 50K races in the annual race schedules with two laps around the Pemberton Trail. Usually a great one given the time of year and a good sized field.
Kahtoola Agassiz Uphill Race - February 9th, 2013
http://www.kahtoola.com/events_tour_with_kahtoola.php
Kahtoola is based out of Flagstaff so naturally everyone should throw away their Yak Traks and buy Microspikes. Now.
And you should hit up Flagstaff for their race series. I missed it entirely last winter but two years ago I had a blast at their events. Small, low key but competitive and great giveaways. I miss running in the snow and the cold and these events are a great chance to do it. Unfortunately their website seems to get updated about as much as this one so often the events page isn't fully updated. So I'm not sure when these events are scheduled at this point. So check back and track it down when it's posted.
Kahtoola is based out of Flagstaff so naturally everyone should throw away their Yak Traks and buy Microspikes. Now.
And you should hit up Flagstaff for their race series. I missed it entirely last winter but two years ago I had a blast at their events. Small, low key but competitive and great giveaways. I miss running in the snow and the cold and these events are a great chance to do it. Unfortunately their website seems to get updated about as much as this one so often the events page isn't fully updated. So I'm not sure when these events are scheduled at this point. So check back and track it down when it's posted.
Grandpa Jim Sunshine Acre Events - McDowell Mountains - February 16th, 2013
9.5 miles, 19 miles or a killer 50k course for the Sunshine Acres Children Home fundraiser. The second of two events put on by Grandpa Jim Fowler.
Contact: jfstl@cox.net
Contact: jfstl@cox.net
Lost Dutchman 12th Annual Marathon - February 17th, 2013
Elephant Mountain DRT Series Race -INAUGURAL - February 23rd, 2013
http://www.aravaiparunning.com/elephant-mountain/
I used to live further north in Phoenix so I'd run the Spur Cross trails all the time. They are an excellent example of the beauty of the Sonoran desert with lush landscape, mature old saguaro's and perfect trails winding through the desert and up to the turnoff of Elephant Mountain. I was excited Aravaipa Running took this one on as these trails and hills are beautiful and probably not all people would make the trip otherwise. But it's worth it and one I hope to make this year.
I used to live further north in Phoenix so I'd run the Spur Cross trails all the time. They are an excellent example of the beauty of the Sonoran desert with lush landscape, mature old saguaro's and perfect trails winding through the desert and up to the turnoff of Elephant Mountain. I was excited Aravaipa Running took this one on as these trails and hills are beautiful and probably not all people would make the trip otherwise. But it's worth it and one I hope to make this year.
Old Pueblo 50 Mile - March 2nd, 2013
http://www.oldpueblo50.com/
One of the old classic's for the Arizona trail scene and a big one for the Tucson Trail Runners group being in their neck of the woods. I probably should have pulled the trigger on entry this year but it's in March and March is essentially off limits for time off with my job so that complicates things. So I'll catch it eventually.
One of the old classic's for the Arizona trail scene and a big one for the Tucson Trail Runners group being in their neck of the woods. I probably should have pulled the trigger on entry this year but it's in March and March is essentially off limits for time off with my job so that complicates things. So I'll catch it eventually.
Mountain to Fountain 15K - March 10th, 2013
http://bandidos15k.com/
Running. Beer. Charity. Sounds perfect.
Running. Beer. Charity. Sounds perfect.
Mesquite Canyon DRT Series Championship - March 23rd, 2013
http://www.aravaiparunning.com/mesquite-canyon/
This will be year #4 I think for this race and I'll have done all four if I can swing another year on the schedule. A very difficult race terrain wise for many people. The drop down Goat Camp is awesomely rugged and the climb back out is as demoralizing as they come if you are not feeling it. One of the first races of the year where the heat starts to really kick in, snakes are out again and the run through Ford Canyon is never all that pretty. Last year I did better than the previous two and being a month out of Zane Grey this will be a real test of fitness.
Looking forward to it once again.
This will be year #4 I think for this race and I'll have done all four if I can swing another year on the schedule. A very difficult race terrain wise for many people. The drop down Goat Camp is awesomely rugged and the climb back out is as demoralizing as they come if you are not feeling it. One of the first races of the year where the heat starts to really kick in, snakes are out again and the run through Ford Canyon is never all that pretty. Last year I did better than the previous two and being a month out of Zane Grey this will be a real test of fitness.
Looking forward to it once again.
Crown King Scramble 50M - April 6th, 2013
www.lindadavidnewton.com
Read this.
http://www.lynndavidnewton.com/run/CrownKing/99/CK99.html
Then stay tuned to Aravaiparunning.com for updates on the grand return of Arizona's cult classic I've been hearing about for the last four years.
http://www.lynndavidnewton.com/run/CrownKing/99/CK99.html
Then stay tuned to Aravaiparunning.com for updates on the grand return of Arizona's cult classic I've been hearing about for the last four years.
Zane Grey 50M - April 27th, 2013
http://zanegrey50.com/Home.html
I'm completely obsessed with Zane Grey and I'll openly admit it. It's the only race I've ever done that I've violently cursed afterwards. I've never had such a tough time at a race than I did in 2011 and I haven't stopped thinking about it since.
Now having the Mogollon Monster I've run the Highline so much, spent so much time on the Rim, in Payson, in Pine, all around the entire area, it's almost like "home turf" to me. So besides a vendetta against my dismal 2011 showing, I'm coming back hard for this race in 2013.
I'm completely obsessed with Zane Grey and I'll openly admit it. It's the only race I've ever done that I've violently cursed afterwards. I've never had such a tough time at a race than I did in 2011 and I haven't stopped thinking about it since.
Now having the Mogollon Monster I've run the Highline so much, spent so much time on the Rim, in Payson, in Pine, all around the entire area, it's almost like "home turf" to me. So besides a vendetta against my dismal 2011 showing, I'm coming back hard for this race in 2013.
Bryce 100 - May 31st, 2013
http://bryce100.wordpress.com/
Inaugural race within driving distance with mountains, elevation and beautiful views. We'll see how the cards play out this spring but hopefully this is an option for next year.
Inaugural race within driving distance with mountains, elevation and beautiful views. We'll see how the cards play out this spring but hopefully this is an option for next year.
Adreneline Night Run - June 8th, 2013 - McDowell Mountain Regional Park
http://www.aravaiparunning.com/adrenaline/
This is the first of four races in Aravaipa's Insomniac Night Series in the summer of 2013. It's really a genius idea as it's generally too hot to run for the majority of the daylight hours in Phoenix from June - September so a lot of times we end up doing long runs at night anyway. (I know some people enjoy 2pm runs in 110 degrees but it's simply not safe so I choose not to do it) There is a 65K starting at 7pm on a 8.8 mile loop, then a 26k and a 13k distance starting afterwards. New Moon as well so bring a headlamp!
This is the first of four races in Aravaipa's Insomniac Night Series in the summer of 2013. It's really a genius idea as it's generally too hot to run for the majority of the daylight hours in Phoenix from June - September so a lot of times we end up doing long runs at night anyway. (I know some people enjoy 2pm runs in 110 degrees but it's simply not safe so I choose not to do it) There is a 65K starting at 7pm on a 8.8 mile loop, then a 26k and a 13k distance starting afterwards. New Moon as well so bring a headlamp!
Western States 100 - June 29th, 2013
www.ws100.com
It's the biggest event of the year in Ultrarunning or at least one of them. Even if you are not running it you'll probably know someone that is.
So while I'm not, I'll probably be staring at the computer all day following it until the day I get in myself.
It's the biggest event of the year in Ultrarunning or at least one of them. Even if you are not running it you'll probably know someone that is.
So while I'm not, I'll probably be staring at the computer all day following it until the day I get in myself.
Hardrock 100-Silverton, CO-July 9th, 2013 - Lottery
The race of races.
It's in the mail.
Lottery drawing...
December 16th, 2012.
It's in the mail.
Lottery drawing...
December 16th, 2012.
Vermont 100 - July 21st, 2013
http://vermont100.com/
My backup plan if they have space by the time I get shot down for Hardrock this weekend...
I know. Hardrock or Vermont? That's like saying ice cream or heroin for dinner. But I'm from Vermont and I want to go back and run it.
My backup plan if they have space by the time I get shot down for Hardrock this weekend...
I know. Hardrock or Vermont? That's like saying ice cream or heroin for dinner. But I'm from Vermont and I want to go back and run it.
Vertigo Night Run - July 27th, 2013 - White Tanks Regional Park
http://www.aravaiparunning.com/vertigo/
Race #2 in the Insomniac Series now out at the White Tanks Regional Park. This has a 63K starting at 7pm as well with a 31k and 10k following. These all all on the 6.5 mile Sonoran Competitive Loop.
Race #2 in the Insomniac Series now out at the White Tanks Regional Park. This has a 63K starting at 7pm as well with a 31k and 10k following. These all all on the 6.5 mile Sonoran Competitive Loop.
Hypnosis Night Run #3 - August 10th, 2013 -
Third of the four races in the Insomniac Night Series by Aravaipa Running this takes runners out to the Estrella Mountain Regional Park.
http://www.aravaiparunning.com/hypnosis/
Saturday, August 10 to Sunday, August 11, 201362 Km – 7:00PM; 31 Km – 7:30PM; 15 Km – 8:00PM
Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Avondale, AZ
Course Summary
All races are held on the 9.6 mile (15.5 kilometer) Long Loop at the competitive tracks. The 31K runners will complete 2 loops, while the 62K ultra division will complete 4 loops, passing through the start/finish line after each lap! The Long Loop offers a variety of obstacles to test runners skills. The track consists of steep inclines, swooping turns, technical descents, and rugged terrain.
http://www.aravaiparunning.com/hypnosis/
Saturday, August 10 to Sunday, August 11, 201362 Km – 7:00PM; 31 Km – 7:30PM; 15 Km – 8:00PM
Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Avondale, AZ
Course Summary
All races are held on the 9.6 mile (15.5 kilometer) Long Loop at the competitive tracks. The 31K runners will complete 2 loops, while the 62K ultra division will complete 4 loops, passing through the start/finish line after each lap! The Long Loop offers a variety of obstacles to test runners skills. The track consists of steep inclines, swooping turns, technical descents, and rugged terrain.
Mogollon Mini Monster 50K - August 24th, 2013
Get ready for a beat down. More details coming soon.
Flagstaff Endurance Runs - September 14th, 2013
Javalina Night Run - September 21st, 2013
http://www.aravaiparunning.com/javelina-night-run/
Is that Jay Danek with his 1st place finisher award? Frame it!
Is that Jay Danek with his 1st place finisher award? Frame it!
Mogollon Monster 100 - September 28th, 2013
Cave Creek Thriller 50K - DRT Series 2013 Season Opener - October 19th, 2013
First race of the DRT Series for 2013-2014 season.
Javalina Jundred - October 26th, 2013
The Pemberton Trail at Sunset - Corey Reese
Alaska Wilderness Challenge - Summer 20??...
Most Beautiful Place on Earth. Period.
It's not really a "race" even though there is a winner and you are all trying to get to a finish line. Although there isn't really much of a finish line, nobody is going to be there to cheer you on and it could take you a week to complete it. You won't know the course, distance or pretty much anything up front. You have to be accepted/invited and well...you don't get anything for even finishing. If you do. You can run/hike/packraft/bike or whatever to get there on whatever course you want but it's through Alaska so nothing is easy. Nothing. From the minute I heard about it I knew I wanted to try it. I contacted Andrew Skurka about the race and he politely told me to wait a while and gain more experience before they will let you join. Every adventure I have is training for this race. This is what I'm shooting for. Over everything.