Running News Daily

Arizona’s Monster — Why the Cocodona 250 Is One of the Toughest Races on Earth

The Cocodona 250 isn’t just a race—it’s an odyssey through Arizona’s most rugged and awe-inspiring landscapes. Spanning 256.5 miles from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff, this ultramarathon demands everything a runner has—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

With over 40,000 feet of elevation gain, participants climb mountain passes, descend desert valleys, and navigate technical trails through towns rich in mining and frontier history—Crown King, Prescott, Jerome, Clarkdale, and Sedona—before reaching the final climb to Mount Elden and the finish in Flagstaff.

The terrain breakdown reflects the challenge:

• 45% single-track trails

• 46% jeep and double-track roads

• 9% pavement

Runners face a 125-hour cutoff to complete the course, pushing through heat, altitude shifts, and sleep deprivation. With elevations ranging from 1,996 feet to over 9,200 feet, it’s a test of true ultrarunning grit.

For those who dare to take it on, Cocodona is more than a race—it’s a journey across time, terrain, and personal limits.