01/27/2025
is back as a sponsor of Cocodona for the fifth year in a row!
Everyone knows of Kahtoolaβs legendary winter footwear traction products, but did you know that Kahtoola makes amazing running gaiters as well? π₯
Based in Flagstaff, AZ, Kahtoola is focused on making the outdoors more accessible and rewarding with gaiters and winter footwear traction. βοΈ π£
Cocodona represents an ethos that is very important to Kahtoola; the positive potential of people.
The idea is that if we work together, we can accomplish incredible things, like running 250 miles with the help of volunteers, race staff, crew, pacers and other runners. Kahtoola is honored to be supporting Cocodona and all the individuals that will be taking on the adventure of a lifetime! π€
01/23/2025
π¨ NEW for Cocodona250 in 2025! π¨ π¨ π΄ π§ββοΈ
This year, weβve got exclusive hotel room blocks at the start and finish lines of the race! πββοΈπββοΈ
Ultra marathons are epic, but letβs face itβtheyβre exhausting. Why not kick things off with a great nightβs sleep before the race and reward yourself afterward with a hot shower, spa soak, and a clean, cozy bed? Sounds dreamy, right? π΄
But hereβs the catch: Cocodona weekend is also NAUβs graduation, so hotels fill up FAST. Donβt miss out on these discounted rates at hotels near the finish line!
π Book your stay now through our hotel partner at the links below.
π Need more info? Check out the 2025 Runner Guide for all the lodging details along the course.
Donβt sleep on this (pun intended) β these deals wonβt last long!
Hotel booking: https://bookingbyhalo.com/Aravaipa/events/20/hotels?rooms=%5B%7B%22adults_count%22%3A1%2C%22children_count%22%3A0%7D%5D&clientId=10373&checkIn=2025-05-03&checkOut=2025-05-11
Runner guide:https://cocodona.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Runner-Guide_250120b.pdf
01/11/2025
Cocodona 2025 course, waitlist & capacity updates are here! If you are a registered runner or on the waitlist (of any race distance), you should have received an email with updates.
The website, courses, and runner guide have now been updated for all distances with updates to this yearβs events which do have some changes on our website. More minuscule details like course segment write ups will be updated next week.
250 Mile to know: Our runner cap this year will be 250 runners, which means we currently will not be able to accomodate more participants off of our wait list at this time. A few spots may open up through attrition over the coming months.
125 Mile to know: Our capacity has been raised to 375 runners & we have invited all runners off the wait list. Invitees will have 7 days to respond (until January 18th at midnight). We have additional spots available to register now on UltraSignup.
38 Mile to know: The event is now 39 miles and our capacity has been raised to 350 runners.
Please direct any questions to [email protected] & happy training!
01/07/2025
Looking for an unforgettable running adventure? π€ πββοΈ
π Elden Crest 38 offers the an incredible stretch of the full Cocodona course, and itβs nothing short of EPIC. π₯
πββοΈ Starting at Fort Tuthill, youβll journey through the breathtaking Walnut Canyon area, skirt around the legendary Mt. Elden, and finish right into the party in the heart of downtown Flagstaff.
π Course Overview:
π Distance: 38.9 miles
πΏ Surface: 65% single-track, 26% double-track, 9% pavement
β± Cutoff Time: 27 hours
π Elevation Max: 7,491β
π Elevation Min: 6,633β
β¬οΈ Cumulative Gain: 3,964β
β¬οΈ Cumulative Loss: 3,873β
Whether youβre chasing your first ultra or savoring the final chapter of Cocodona, this course delivers stunning views, diverse terrain, and all the Flagstaff vibes you could ask for!
Are you ready to conquer Elden Crest 38?
Link below to learn more and space is getting low!
Let us know if youβll be running or cheering from the finish line this May 9-10th! π
https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=115785
πΈ
01/02/2025
Missed the memo? No worries! You donβt need to run 100+ miles to be part of Cocodona.
The Elden Crest 38 offers a stunning point-to-point race through some of Arizonaβs most breathtaking trails. π
With generous cutoffs and the vibe of runners tackling longer distances right alongside you, itβs perfect whether youβre:
β‘οΈ Taking on your first ultra
β‘οΈ Training for something bigger
β‘οΈ Sampling the Cocodona experience
β‘οΈ Chasing that βAβ race goal
Cross the finish line at Flagstaffβs Heritage Square and join the epic celebration with everyone else! π
Ready to take on the challenge? Register for Elden Crest 38 at the link below and let the journey begin this May 9-10th. πͺβ¨
https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=115785
πΈ
12/25/2024
Happy Holidays and Happy Training to our amazing Cocodona 250 community!
πποΈ As we celebrate the season, weβre filled with gratitude for the grit, determination, and adventure you all bring to the trails each year.
May is just around the corner, and we canβt wait to see you all at the starting lines for the 2025 edition of the Cocodona series of events.
Hereβs to a joyful holiday season and strong training miles ahead!
12/23/2024
Womenβ¦we ROCK! π€
Itβs so inspiring to see the growth in the numbers of women that are participating in the Cocodona 250 events. (Swipe to see chart) π
Since the inception of the race, female participation has been on the rise, and weβve seen countless incredible performances from the front of the pack to the back.
Additionally, we are excited to welcome (and welcome back) some seriously strong female runners in 2025 including; Leah Yingling, Rachel Entrekin, Mika Thewes, Rachel Buzzard, Sarah Ostaszewski, Courtney Dauwalter and many more.
We canβt wait to see how each event unfolds this Mayβ¦
Keep crushing it, ladies! πͺ
πΈ
11/15/2024
πππ©βπ¨ π’πππ© ππ£π ππ€π£ππ§ππ©πͺπ‘ππ©π π€πͺπ§ ππππ©π€π€π‘π ππππ€π‘ππ§π¨πππ₯ π§ππππ₯πππ£π©π¨!
(Part 3/3) : ππ¦π₯π°π―π’ ππ’π―πΊπ°π―π΄ 125
Lula Grisham was born in Shiprock, New Mexico and raised in northeastern Arizona in a place called Mexican Water. She is a Native American of the Navajo tribe and a mother of 3 children: 2 girls and 1 son. Sadly, her son passed last year.
Lula says, βAs youngsters, we are told by my grandfather to rise early and run to the east to greet the sun. This has stayed with me throughout my life and has helped me overcome many challenges in life, as running has become my therapy. All of lifeβs challenges do not even compare to what I feel after losing my only son. Not a single day goes by that he isn't in my thoughts.β
Tonita Rogers is a member of the Black community and a mother of 7. Born and raised in Central California, she now resides in Southern California in the Inland Empire area. Raised by a single father after her mother passed away when she was 11 years old, she was taught how to develop a strong mindset as running was encouraged as a coping tool. In the last 3.5 years a return to running and start of long distance has a become a way of life as she is a certified running coach of the female led organization, Game Changers, and an ultra marathoner. Tonita uses her love of running to encourage mental and physical fitness as a youth sports coach within her community and as an ambassador for the national run group Black girls Run! She has found joy with her run communities as a member of the BIPOC community of runners, Team We Run Long and The Machete Madness running crew. She hopes to encourage others as she chases dreams and purpose, while conquering tough and fun challenges.
Annika βNikβ Morgan is a paramedic student, EMT, and die hard blueberry chocolate chip pancake fan from the east coast! She feels most at home on (or occasionally off) the trails in the mountains, running and hiking for a mountain top sunrise or following the light of a headlamp in the woods. Nik states, βEndurance sports have been a critical grounding point for me over the course of my life, especially as a first responder for the last 10 years and I constantly rely on running as my rock.βπͺ¨
We canβt wait to see you three this May in Jerome at the starting line of Sedona Canyons 125!
11/12/2024
πππ©βπ¨ π’πππ© ππ£π ππ€π£ππ§ππ©πͺπ‘ππ©π π€πͺπ§ ππππ©π€π€π‘π ππππ€π‘ππ§π¨πππ₯ π§ππππ₯πππ£π©π¨!
(Part 2/3)
Junior Fregoso is a 45-year-old from the small town of Gilroy, California. His journey began as an overweight weightlifter struggling to run a single mile without gasping for breath. But he steadily built his endurance, discovering the profound joy of running. Β Juniorβs mission and life work now is empowering his community, inspiring individuals to elevate their physical fitness and mental resilience.
Missy Hendricks is from the Mescalero Apache Tribe located in New Mexico. She is a mom of two, a wife and works a full timejob. Missy makes time to run because itβs fulfilling spiritually, mentally and physically. She says of herself: Iβm not fast and Iβm not the best, but I do have the grit and determination to keep going, which has brought me this far. When I first heard of the Cocodona 250 I jokingly asked my husband if he thought I could run that far. He said you havenβt even run a half marathon yet. So of course I set out for a goal and so far I have built my way up to 100 miles. I recently ran and finished the now I canβt wait to see how far I can push myself and run the Cocodona 250.
Missy is grateful for the support of her husband, Shane Hendricks, the entire team of , her family, and the many others along the way who have supported her.
James Nalley has been running ultras since 2017 and has finished the Bigfoot 200, Tahoe 200, and the Moab 240. He has happily volunteered for both Aravaipa and the Destination Trail Series for years, serving as aid station captains (three times for the Cocodona 250 itself) and sweep team captains (three at the Moab 240 and one at the Tahoe 200). He is honored to receive this scholarship and finally run this now iconic race for himself. ποΈ
We will see you three in May at the start line of the Cocodona 250!
11/07/2024
πππ©βπ¨ π’πππ© ππ£π ππ€π£ππ§ππ©πͺπ‘ππ©π π€πͺπ§ ππππ©π€π€π‘π ππππ€π‘ππ§π¨πππ₯ π§ππππ₯πππ£π©π¨!
(Part 1/3)
Mariah Zavala is a proud member of the Pascua Yaqui tribe with Oaxacan and Puerto Rican roots born in Fresno, CA - raised in Tucson, AZ and now a resident of Flagstaff. Through running, she honors her ancestors and raises awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The granddaughter of a murdered Yaqui woman, Mariah is a passionate leader committed to action and empowerment. We are still here, growing, healing, and thriving. Events like the Cocodonda 250 symbolize her dedication to healing and inspiring future generations.
Wynonna Curley-Fulgham is Dibelizhni (Blacksheep Clan) born from Toβdichiini (Bitterwater clan) of the DinΓ© people of northern Arizona. She has five kids and is an educator, runner and running coach. Running is an important part of life in the DinΓ© (Navajo) way of life. For each race she runs, Wynonna prays for healing for her ancestors, her family and community. Running has been a huge part of her life since she was a little girl. Wynonna hopes her experiences and presence at races will help bring resilience, strength and courage to young DinΓ© women.
Jocelyn Rivas is a Latina and Indigenous ultramarathoner. As a marathon world record holder, she advocates for women and girl athletes, Dreamers (DACA), representation in running for BIPOC and human rights. Born with a disability, her mission is to inspire her community and beyond, proving that everyone can achieve their wildest dreams. Jocelyn is a Womenβs Sports. Foundation Ambassador and Rising Hearts Running With Purpose Athlete. π
These incredible women will all be toeing the line at the 250 this May.
More scholarship recipients to come!
09/24/2024
Do you know someone who should run Cocodona but may not be able to afford the race entry?
πββοΈ Then, check this out π
In 2025 we are providing SIX SCHOLARSHIP ENTRIES to runners who might not otherwise be able to afford to run Cocodona!
Competing in the Cocodona 250 is a life changing event. If everyone could experience it, we feel the world would be a better place. But the barriers are high.
Commitment, training time, logistics, crew, pacers, travel, and the determination needed to complete the race make this a big pill to swallow. Not to mention the large registration fee (it isnβt cheap to organize, we might add).
So, Kahtoola and Aravaipa Running have extended the opportunity for SIX runners who might not otherwise be able to afford the race entry.
If you or someone you know is not able to afford the Cocodona 250 or Sedona Canyons 125 registration, will be ready to take on the physical challenge, and needs something to do the first week of May, please email Race Director Steve at [email protected]
Selection will be made and announced on 10/29/24.
Thanks to everyone who has donated to the program to allow us to offer more scholarships to deserving ultra-runners. π
And if you are interested in donating, you may do so at the link below.
Happy running, all!
https://ultrasignup.com/shopping.aspx?dtid=57306
09/18/2024
ICYMI: You donβt have to run over 100 miles to be a part of Cocodonaβ¦
You can throw down 38 instead at Elden Crest 38! β°οΈ
Point to point and on the final 38 miles of the full 250 and 125 courses, Elden Crest will both challenge and inspire you.
With generous cut offs and runners from the longer distances gutting it out beside you, this one is perfect for a first ultra, training race, introduction to the full Coco or βAβ race, AND youβll finish at the party at Heritage Square with everyone else for a proper welcoming and celebration.
So see the last bit and arguably the most breathtaking part of the Cocodona course and join the journey at Elden Crest 38.
Link below to learn more!
https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=115785
πΈ
08/19/2024
We maybe biased, but Arizona has got to be one of the most scenically diverse states in the country.
Spines, pines, mountains, red rocks, grass landsβ¦the only landscape weβre missing here is the ocean. π
Hereβs just a teaser of some of the beauty youβll see during your Cocodona journey.
Pretty spectacular!
πΈ
08/12/2024
The myriad of expressions on the faces of our Cocodona finishers can only be described as βvastβ.
Relief, disbelief, pain, shock, joy, happy because itβs over, sad because itβs overβ¦
Youβll see and feel each and every combination here at Heritage Square each May captured by our incredible race photographers.
Art in its most beautiful form. πΌοΈ
πΈ
07/09/2024
When the water is WAY colder than you were expecting π but thankfully the photographerβs fluffy friend is there to help warm you back up.
π₯Ά + πΆ = π€
Love this sequence of 250 finisher, taken by
07/03/2024
Mile 100β¦itβs a milestone but itβs not even half way there. π―
How were you feeling when you came across this mile marker?
Was it day or night? βοΈπ
Were you having a low or experiencing a high?
In a long race like Cocodona there are many things we donβt remember, but everyone remembers the Mile 100 sign. πͺ§
πΈ
06/27/2024
Whoβs hungry? π€€ π
For obvious reasons, food is a HUGE part of a successful race for everyone. Thereβs no physical way to expend as many calories as we do during an endurance event without proper fueling to keep the tank topped off and the engine running.
Thankfully, our amazing Aid Station staff and volunteers really know how to cook it up. π₯ π π₯£ π
What was your favorite aid station food while YOU were out on course? Or was it just about anything you could put into your mouth? π
πΈ
06/21/2024
#ππ₯ππ¬π‘ππππ€ππ«π’πππ² : Your motivation to finish.
Youβre tired, youβre hurting. The finish line, relatively speaking is so close but seems so far away. What is it thatβs motivating you to get there?
Your amazing crew?
Your insistent pacer?
The thought of your friends and family anxiously awaiting your arrival?
The image of that gorgeous copper buckle being thrust into your hands?
What was it that was going through your mind during that final push that drove you into Heritage Square?
πΈ