Welcome to the 7th annual Big Pine Trail Runs at Fort Tuthill County Park! Runners will get to experience both the Soldiers Trail and Highlands Trail Loop (6 Km runners will only run on a partial Soldiers Trail loop) which winds through the ponderosa pines above 7,000 ft,  eventually topping out on a mesa with expansive views of mountain landscapes before being enveloped back into the trees. The trail ranges from narrow single track to wide well-maintained forest paths. The course is well graded for beginners while allowing the more experienced runner to stretch their legs and gun for a fast time while still maintaining the challenge of being at a higher elevation. All distances are designed as a loop race with the 54 Km doing four full circuits, and the 27 Km doing two full circuits (27 Km = 2 loops / 13 Km = 1 loop).

RACE DAY INFORMATION

Trail Running & Trash

Please respect the trails and the beauty of the forest by disposing of any trash at one of our aid stations.

Trail Etiquette
Remember to always remain on designed trails, no short cutting.
If you decide to use headphones, please be respectful of runners behind you attempting to pass. Also, remove ear buds as you approach aid stations, volunteers, or a road crossing.
Please do not listen to music with a speaker (yes, we know you listen to the best music).
This course includes some legit single track. If you are fast and attempting to pass, please alert the runner in front of you before flying past them. Likewise, if you hear a runner approaching you from behind, attempt to find a spot to allow the runner to pass.

As a general rule, when passing a runner, announce, “on your left.”
Uphill runners/hikers have the right of way to downhill runners. Remain in control as you descend and respect the other runners.
Everyone is after the same goal here so let’s be respectful of each other’s races and have fun. Please.

Pets

Dogs are allowed at the race headquarters (and campground) and must be on a leash at all times and not left unattended. No dogs are permitted on the race course.

Race Timing

We will be utilizing a chip timing system at this event to record your time at the finish. You will be provided with a timing chip attached to the back side of your race bib. It is important to not crease, or fold the the timing chip to ensure your finish time is read.

Follow along at live.aravaiparunning.com

Aid Station Helpers

We cannot produce these trail runs without the help of our amazing volunteer team. You can even help and run on race day. If you would like to join our volunteer team, we are looking for help with event setup, aid station captains, aid station helpers, timing, photography, videography, social media and event breakdown. Volunteer perks include a piece of Aravaipa merchandise or race goody and Aravaipa Race Credits. You can see our current opportunities and sign up here: Big Pine Volunteer Form

Course Markings

The race courses will be well marked with orange plastic ribbons with black polka dots. Trail junctions and turns will be well marked with colored laminated signs. Please pay attention to these signs at each junction as there are multiple race distances and race courses! In addition, blue & white checkerboard plastic flagging will be hung to designate non-race or “WRONG WAY” trails. All runners are responsible for understanding the layout of the courses. Please familiarize yourself with the course maps on our website prior to race day and/or print a map to bring along with you.

Parking / Start Area

The finish line is located at the North Parking Lot of Fort Tuthill County Park right next to the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course. Parking will be available at the start/finish.

Medical –       

We will have medical staff based at the start / finish headquarters. This team is here to help you with most basic and advanced first aid right on site. We reserve the right to pull you from the race if medical officials deem it necessary. Please understand that these decisions are made for your safety and do not argue. Continuing on in a state where you cannot safely navigate is a recipe for disaster and we are here to prevent that.

NOTE: If something happens to you or another runner, do NOT call 911 right away. Our medical team is highly trained in these scenarios, has been with us at this race the last three years and understands the terrain and driving access points. Please call their 24-hour number that will be answered by a real human being and they will dispatch accordingly.