Javelina Jundred Race Reports - Runner Reviews

Team RunRun’s Javelina Jundred Race Reports are your go-to resource for preparing for the Javelina 100 mile/100 kilometer runs! Our runners share what worked for them about the race, what they think you should know about the course, and rate it, so you can decide if the Javelina is the right event for you!

Choosing a running event is a big decision. Often it comes down to what your body is ready for, what your mindset is pushing you to do, and what your personality will like. That’s why at Team RunRun, we ask our runners to contribute reports of each race, so that you can get a sense for what the event will be like before signing up. Once you commit to the race, the reports are also valuable to help you prepare with appropriate training and gear. Read on for a summary of the Javelina Jundred plus a compilation of all the runner reports we’ve received (so far).

WHAT IS THE JAVELINA JUNDRED?

The Javelina Jundred is an annual 100-mile trail run with a fun twist – you can choose to run in costume to celebrate Halloween! Find out more details about the race from the organizers here. As you’ll see, you can choose to run the full 100-mile trail or opt for the shorter 100 kilometer course.

WHERE IS THE JAVELINA JUNDRED?

The Javelina Jundred takes place in Arizona. You’ll run 100 miles of the Pemberton Trail in McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Check out the below race reports to find out what tips our runners have about the course.

IS THE JAVELINA JUNDRED COMPETITIVE?

The organizers bill the Javelina Jundred as a social run – but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t get competitive! As you’ll see from the runner race reports below, the race attracts a lot of top athletes who make great times.

IS THE JAVELINA JUNDRED FUN?

The Javelina 100m/100k definitely rates as a fun race. In our Team RunRun race reports, we like to ask our runners what is weird or distinctive about a particular run. Many of them mention running in costume, the dance party at the end of the race, and the quirky awards. Keep in mind that the whole race is rated “R”, so you will have more fun without children!

WHAT KIND OF WEATHER SHOULD I EXPECT?

Arizona during the day in October is hot. If you read through the race reports from multiple years, you will see that it is generally in the 80s Fahrenheit (close to 30 degrees Celsius) and can get even hotter on the course, where there is little shade. It gets cold at night, so plan for layers!

IS THE JAVELINA JUNDRED WORTH RUNNING?

Take a survey of all our race reports – everyone loves this race! Even when Matt ran it with a sinus infection, he rated the race 5 out of 5 stars. Team RunRun says: sign up, have fun, and send us your race report when you are done!

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE JAVELINA JUNDRED?

The Javelina Jundred is an ultra marathon, so you should definitely be comfortable with running ultra distances before signing up. Since the course is primarily in the sun, gets hot, and features a few hills, you will want to plan for running in the heat and add elevation to your training. Plus, plan for desert terrain, temperature swings, dark-to-light running, and guard against going out too fast.

Also, you might want to take some time to plan your costume so you can be a part of the Halloween fun!

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE JAVELINA JUNDRED COURSE?

The Javelina 100 mile and 100k are run on a ~20 mile rolling single track trail in McDowell Mountain Regional Park near Fountain Hills, AZ. It’s a well-supported, easy race to crew for, as it all takes place in the park, with one main crew access point. Very runnable trails make for faster times, but the exposed, desert heat along with chilly nights after sunset can make it very challenging. The Jackass Night Trail, added in 2018, gives you the option to run either 31k or 62k distances.

The 100k runners complete 3 loops while the 100m runners complete 5, and they are run “washing machine” style, meaning each is reversed. Each loop has a gentle 800 foot climb from the start/finish at Javelina Jeadquarters to the high point near the foothills of the McDowell Mountain range. The trail dips in and out of wash beds on the far side of the course and the footing is a mix of hard packed granite, rocks and sand. Total gain for each loop is ~1580 feet.

JAVELINA JUNDRED ELEVATION BREAKDOWN

Total gain/loss:

100m: 7900/7900

100k: 5000/5000

Total climbs:

100m: 5

100k: 3

Longest climb: 800ft over ~10.5 miles. Climb begins after you leave the Javelina Jeadquarters each time. Each loop gains about 1580 feet.

Steepest climb: N/A because you repeat the same climb over and over again each lap

Course Map/Elevation profile

JAVELINA JUNDRED AID STATIONS

Plan for where the aid stations are (and check out our race reports for what runners wish they had done differently at the aid stations):

Total aid stations:

100m: 19 (+start/finish)

100k: 11 (+start/finish)

Furthest distance apart: 6.6 miles

Locations: 4 aid stations per loop, miles 0.0 (Start), 4.0, 10.5, 15.7, 22.3, 26, 31.2, 37.7, 41.7, 45.7, 52.2, 57.2, 61.1, 64.8, 70, 76.5, 80.5, 84.5, 91, 96.2, 99.9 (Finish). Bold indicates crew access point at Javelina Jeadquarters. Aid stations for 100k are the same through mile 61.1.

What’s available: Gatorade (Lemon-Lime) and CarboPro, MetaSalt, fruit, sweet snacks, salty snacks, chips, pumpkin pie, soda, potatoes, bean burritos, PB&J, and soup. Additional meals of sub sandwiches, pizza and burgers will be served at Javelina Jeadquarters throughout the race.

JAVELINA JUNDRED CREW AND PACER INFO

Crew access Locations: One access point, Javelina Jeadquarters, (the Start/Finish), which is also miles 22.3, 41.7, 61.6, and 80.5

Crew instructions/directions: See crewing rules and guidelines in Participant’s’ Guide

Pacers
100m – Yes, after 3 loops (61.2 miles)

100k – Yes, after 2 looks (41.75 miles)

IS THE JAVELINA JUNDRED A RACE QUALIFIER?

The 100 mile run is a Western States qualifier

Both the Javelina 100m and 100k are 4 UTMB points each.

QUICK GLANCE – LESSONS LEARNED FROM OUR RUNNER RACE REPORTS

Here are some of the lessons learned from our runners at the Javelina Jundred:

Lessons about gear

You will need a headlamp at the start of the 100 miler, though you can get away with a small one given you’re around so many runners.
Gaiters are helpful in keeping small pebbles out of your shoes
Trekking poles are not allowed, but music is
Have a good ice bandana and possibly arm sleeves to stick ice in them
Have crew have a cooler with cold water and ice, and a towel to wrap around you each time, thus cooling down your core temperature each loop
Consider changing socks often, or at least have that option available
Lube up with so much small dirt getting in places and causing chaffage
Sunscreen!!!
Use any ice water you can at aid stations to pour on yourself and cool down

Lessons about the course

Be prepared for very hot, exposed daytime running, and cold nighttime running once the sun goes down. Have layers on you after 3pm.
Because the course is so runnable, it’s easy to go out fast, especially in cooler morning temps
Be sure to carry enough water between aid stations, especially the 6.5 mile stretch that you will run 6 times
Despite being a flatter, more runnable course, it still has a high DNF rate each year (at least 50%), largely because of the heat and going out too fast
3rd loop is likely the hottest one of the day (out of 5 loops)
There is no shade for runners and barely any for crew.
It’s not the most technical trail or the hilliest, but each ensuing loop will seem more so on tired legs and mind
There are lots of runners out on the course and it thins out over time, but be prepared for feeling like there are a lot of people in the event, especially with the washing machine style loops
If you’re a fast 100k runner, you’ll likely have lots of people to pass in the 100 miler as you catch them, as you start an hour after them
The heat of the day feels so much hotter than the temps say, simply because there is no shade anywhere
Pacers are helpful in this race to help break the monotony of running the same loop 3-5 times

HOW TO USE TEAM RUNRUN’S JAVELINA JUNDRED RACE REPORTS

Now that you know the basics, it is time to dive into real runner reviews! Click through on each race report to learn how different runners reacted to the course. We are all real people who run for fun, so whether this will be your first ultra or your tenth, we have some advice for you. Reach out if you have any questions!

Barbara R’s Review – Javelina Jundred Race Report (2019)

In this Javelina Jundred runner review, Barbara R. shares her experience of the 2019 100 mile race. Read on for what she loved, what challenged her, and what she recommends for you! "This was my best executed race I've ever run! I went out super slow on lap 1 and did not get caught up in runners passing me or ...

Javelina 100 Mile Tips – Race Report from a Finalist- Stephanie G

Javelina 100 Mile Finalist Stephanie G. shares her tips for how you can succeed at the race, too! Read on for what she loved and how she prepared for this memorable run. "I love knowing what the weather will likely be like, it takes so much of the stress out of planning. It’s hot, but it’s consistent. Beautiful desert trails ...

Javelina 100k Race Report – Bala S

In this Javelina 100k race report, runner Bala S. gives you an honest review of the annual Halloween run - including what made it fun, what gear to take, and what you should know about the course! "What’s the weirdest thing about this race? The costumes. The race is supposed to be this big costume party out in the desert, ...

Javelina 100 Mile Race Report – Delaney H

In this Javelina 100 Mile Race Report, runner Delaney H gives her honest review of the annual Halloween run in Fountain Hills, AZ. That includes tips for how to stay cool in the desert, gear she wished she had, and the low-down on rattlesnakes. "Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner: Ice ...

Javelina Jundred – First Time Runner Race Report – Stephen

In this Javelina Jundred first time race report, Stephen shares his experience running his first 100 mile event. Plus, he reviews the Javelina Jundred race so you know how to plan for your first experience with the 100 mile event! "Everything in the desert wants to hurt you. I saw some of the nastiest falls – from trips and falls ...

Javelina Jundred Course Review – Race Report – Matt Urbanski

In this Javelina Jundred Course Review, coach and Team RunRun co-founder Matt Urbanski breaks down everything you need to know about running the Javelina 100 mile race: "I put my head down and grinded this race out like a tough muther. I was not feeling tip-top coming in, I spent lap one clearing my sinuses and hacking up crap from ...

Javelina 100k Course – Race Report – Stephanie

In this Javelina 100k Course race report, runner Stephanie breaks down her experience of the 100 kilometer Javelina Jundred event, including what you should know about staying cool and making the most of aid stations. Learn more about the course below! "Lessons for others – For this race - ice, as mentioned. I had some in a ziploc in my ...

Javelina Jundred – What to Expect – Race Report from Jeff K

Check out this race report to know what to expect from the Javelina Jundred - an annual Halloween ultra run in Arizona! "It was dark at the Jackass Junction station on the reverse loop 4. It was after that I became intimately familiar with the rocky downhill section. I did a complete faceplant that hit so hard that it blew ...