Race: Flagstaff Crest 40
Runner: Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott
Race Date: 05/08/2026
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Results: Overall:32 DP:10
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Day Before Sign Up: not many ultra events allow for spontaneity!
- Cocodona Vibes: I didn’t run the full 250 this time, but I did get to cross the same finish line with all those indescribable Coco vibes I experienced 2 years ago.
- Shared Course with the Sedona 125: I loved cheering on and offering encouragement to the 125 runners!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
I did not care for the paved sections, especially portions that went through industrial areas. However, they were necessary to link the trails.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Feeling fresh and fast on a course where the longer distance folks are passed out taking dirt naps.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I stood at the start of Flagstaff Crest 40 still processing how I’d gotten there. Cocodona week has become an annual reunion for my extended group of close friends. I arrived planning to crew/pace one athlete in Cocodona 250 and then jump over to join another team supporting a Sedona 125 runner. The week unfolded differently than any of us anticipated with both racers getting medically pulled (DNF) out of their respective events. Then my friend and I were offered walk-up spots in the Flagstaff Crest 40. I had no specific training for a fast and flattish route and knew nothing about the course at the time. Instead of a taper during the week, I had gotten 1/4th my normal sleep, paced 37 miles, completed a threshold run, explored the Hangover Trail and climbed Elden with a sprint finish. In other words, the opposite of a proper lead up to an event. However, if we completed Flagstaff Crest 40 together our group with have a combined 250+ race miles. In other words, a Coco Relay of sorts. I knew I had the foundation and training to safely complete the volume and contend with the course environment, so about 15 hours before the race start, we registered. We’d run for the athletes who hadn’t made it to Heritage Square.
Without a taper or specific training, the general plan was to complete the course as a supported long run. Zero goals or expectations beyond having a great time on some new trails. My friend and I set off on our adventure on a cool Friday morning at a quick, but comfortable clip. Although the trail was single track, it was wide allowing for easy maneuvering around other runners with soft pine needles to cushion our steps. I think we both assumed that lots of folks would pass us in our unrested state, but we held our place well.
In a blink, we arrived at the first aid station. A quick refill and we were off again. A little bit later I fell back and ran solo sensing my RPE was a touch too high to maintain. Running with others is fantastic, but self-awareness is critical. I needed to run my own race…. I mean long run!
The course brought us onto the pavement which I didn’t care for, but we did pass a prairie dog town on the highway which made up for it. During this less scenic section I began to get curious. Typically, I run conservatively until the final 1/3 of the race. What would happen if I stepped on the gas just enough to be uncomfortable for the duration of the event? Could I hang on? Would I fade? I had no pre-conceived notions or expectations of myself. My goal became simple: “don’t limit yourself.” When I hit the dirt again, I stepped on the metaphorical gas pedal straying from my usual cautious approach. If I blew up it wouldn’t matter because I had a backup plan.
Earlier that morning I struggled with the decision of whether or not to carry the full “cold weather race kit”. Athletes did not need to bring the full kit unless they expected to arrive at the Woody Aid Station (mile 22.9) after 2pm. Originally, I wasn’t going to bring the extra gear, but then I began to worry about blowing up from the fatigue of the week and I threw everything in my vest. Yes, it was extra weight, but it was also freedom. Knowledge that I had this extended kit gave me courage to take a pacing risk and give into my personal inquisitiveness.
Intermixed with the 40-milers dashing down the trail were the haggard Sedona 125 runners. The contrast was almost comical and it was crazy to consider that they would arrive at the finish line hours behind me (assuming I held on). I did my best to provide encouragement as I passed and pointed out how lovely the breeze was on an otherwise warm day. A small positive to focus on. Typically, I’m running the 100+M distance and it was fascinating to see things from the short distance side. Their grit inspired me to kick harder. If the 125M runners could keep moving forward after days in the desert I could run faster after just a few hours.
I hiked briefly uphill to reach the high plateau of the Observatory before returning to a running gait. I’d been leap frogging a few people for the past hour and, with 10ish miles left, I wanted to break the rubber band. The competitive streak that had been dormant over the past year suddenly came back with a vengeance. The long run ended. I was racing. I put my mountain legs to use and surged on any short uphill and stretches of technical terrain. Twenty minutes later when I looked back the trail was quiet. I pushed on picking up the pace a notch to keep my position. I had nothing to lose at this point. When the route dropped into the neighborhood with about 3 miles to go, I began to run all out with everything I had left. Typically, I wait for the last mile to sprint, but I was taking chances. Beginning the charge to the finish early felt appropriate at that moment. Descending into Downtown Flagstaff I found yet another gear. I remember nothing about my surroundings. I was focused on hanging on and timing VT (ventilatory threshold) to hit at the finish line.
Turning into Heritage Square I surged one more time. I didn’t even notice my team on the sidelines cheering. Tunnel vision to the finish. I crossed. I doubled over trying to catch my breathe. Nothing left. And somehow, I finished in front of the overall pack with the top ten women.
I never considered myself skilled at fast, flat(ish) and/or short events. Coming from an alpinist background maybe I thought I “should” only be good at technical and lengthy mountain events where efficiently comes before speed. Flagstaff Crest 40 made me rethink all that. Now it feels like more of a self-imposed limitation. Something unlocked for me during this unplanned event and I’m curious to see what’s ahead.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Though I didn’t begin this event with a strategy I did come up with one plan on the spot that I think really made a difference in the later miles. There is only 4.6 miles between Woody Mountain and FAC aid stations. The obvious tendency is to carry minimal hydration during this section. On the contrary I chose to double my fluid and electrolyte mix capacity. Why? The final section was 11.5 miles in the heat of the day and I wanted to preload on salt and fluid during the short portion. I think this strategy paid off.
As with any race in the heat, make use of the cold water/ice soaks at the aid stations even if you don’t feel very hot yet.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I’ve aways considered myself better at longer distance events over mountainous terrain. This event revealed that, contrary to my prior beliefs, I actually can run well on fast, gentle and short courses.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
It’s tempting to blast out of the gate on this flatter course. However, I ended up passing a lot of folks who blew by me during the first miles when I reached mile 20. I did not go conservatively, but I was not full throttle either. I believe this allowed me to hang on and even push the pace as the day grew warmer. Take the heat, exposure and attitude into consideration when making pacing choices.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes! Excellent views of the observatory and pleasant trails through towering ponderosa.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
I would rate this as an easy course compared to others I have done. The vert is gentle throughout and there are very few technical sections.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
This event is part of the Cocodona Race Series organized by Aravaipa Running. Perfectly organized. No hiccups.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
I don’t think there were any elites in the field, but it was way more competitive than previous years when I look at prior finishing times and stats.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
I was invited to run this race within 24 hours of the start and registered as a “walk-up” the evening before. Zero planning was required on my part this year. I don’t use indoor housing when I travel, but I suspect booking well advance (6-8 months?) would be wise for any Cocodona week event.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Standard fare of fruit, candy, cookies and chips. The engineered fuel sponsors this year were Precision (chews), Tailwind (hydration) and NeverSecond (gels).
Weather and typical race conditions
This year was about 78F with a breeze. In some highly exposed sections, it felt hotter. The weather overall was standard for this time of year in Flagstaff.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Have enough water capacity to get through the longer sections without aid in the heat.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Very family friendly! Nothing beats the party at the Heritage Square Finish Line!
How’s the Swag?
A high quality Janji Sun shirt is included with registration and finishers receive a medal.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I wasn’t expecting to love the course as much as I did. 10/10
Dandelion is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.