Race: Flagstaff Extreme Big Pine 27k Trail Race
Runner: Renee Gale
Race Date: 06/10/2023
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Results: 82 of 93 overall
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9240918512
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Now living in the AZ desert this time of year it’s hot but it’s a lot cooler at 7000ft elevation. Race started at 49° and only got in the mid 70’s but with enough shade under the pines to not get overheated.
- This event was Aravaipa Running sponsored and they always put on a well-organized race with well-stocked aid stations.
- There was plenty of single track which I like with only about 1200ft gain/loss over 17 miles. Other than being at elevation, the course isn’t too difficult or technical.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
When I signed up for the race, I was able to rent a large-domed tent with a cot that was in walking distance from the start line. At $100, it was cheaper than a hotel but I don’t think I will ever camp out the night before a race again. I got annoyed by a loud voice carrying over from a public address system at a rodeo event being held at the same park as the race. On top of that, there were many campers with loud children and dogs and I don’t think I slept more than 3 hours that night.
Also, I don’t like races that have repeat loops. Mentally, its hard to circle around and realize I have to do the same thing all over again (the 27k was two loops of the same route).
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
It wasn’t weird but unexpected arriving to the race the night before and there are hundreds of people arriving but most of them are arriving to attend the rodeo. In fact, the people assisting with parking didn’t know about the race.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
There are races within driving distance from my home that I have thought of doing but many of them are above 5000ft and many years back when I was in Denver, I went for a bicycle ride with some friends and I got altitude sickness (I wasn’t running or even physically fit back then). So my biggest goal in doing this race was to figure out how my body would react to doing a race at elevation. I made sure to do things like hydrate, hike and take it easy in the beginning. This was a race where I feel like I was continuously in the moment, soaking in the views and experiencing what my body was capable of. For example, at one point I ended up behind this guy who had passed me but wasn’t going very much faster than me. I started emulating him: I ran when he ran, hiked when he hiked and then when we got to this one lengthy downhill section, I cruised closely behind him totally having fun keeping up with him. I think that was my favorite moment of the whole race.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Biggest lesson I learned is I’m not camping the night before a race!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
- The route circled around away from the campground and then at some point, I was running back into the campground. I saw the rodeo venue and recognized other parts of the park so I thought I was close to that midpoint aid station where I would start the 2nd loop; however, it was probably another couple of miles before getting there which messed with me mentally.
- There were some places on the single track trail where I ran into other runners coming back at me and I had to step off the trail quite a bit. Because the course was a loop and not an out & back, I didn’t expect that.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
There were a lot of pretty parts, especially running through the pine trees. It was a nice change from the desert scenery I run in now. But there were also a few more miles than I expected of running through the campground.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Other than being at 7000ft, I would say this is a pretty easy course. The total gain/loss for 17 miles was 1200ft which is on the low side for all the trail races I’ve done. Also, the trail was more dirt than the rocks I’m used to seeing on the Arizona trails near my home.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Aravaipa puts on very well-organized races. However, when I arrived in my car, it was not obvious where to park or to go to see about my tent. There were tons of cars coming into this big parking lot but most of them were there for the rodeo and the parking lot attendants didn’t know about the race. I had to park and go over to the Aravaipa tents and this one guy walked me to where the tents were. But in my emailed instructions, I was supposed to be able to drive to the “host” and drop off my stuff for the tent. It ended up being a little bit more complicated than that but after some detective work, finally figured it out.
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.
It seems this is a race one could sign up for at the last minute. There was a maximum limit of 500 runners and it looks like 400 finished the different distances this year. Since I rented a tent, I’m not sure if there would be an issue finding hotels.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Aid stations every 4.0 to 7.3 miles including water, electrolyte drink (Gnarly Fuel-2O), sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit. At the aid station at the almost 13mile mark, I had coke, ginger ale, banana, orange, and one of the aid station assistants sponged my head with cold water which was super appreciated!
Weather and typical race conditions
Typical Flagstaff weather in June is sunny and warm with daily high temperature ranging from 73° to 81°.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
In the tent I had a cot. I brought my sleeping bag and two blankets. I was warm on top but it got to the low 40’s at night and cold air came up under the cot. I should have put one of the blankets under my sleeping bag, not sure why I didn’t just get up and do that.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Definitely a course where your friends can hang out and cheer you on. In fact, I brought a non-running friend who was there taking pics at the start and then she held my poles as I ran to use the port-a-potty when I looped around the first time and then she was there cheering me to the finish!
How’s the Swag?
I got a nice heavy coffee mug which I actually like as they remind me of my race every time I use them.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I would give this a 6.5 out of 10. I don’t know that I would do it again but I did enjoy myself so I’m glad I did it this once.