Monument Valley 50k Race Report – Erica Kollen

Race: Monument Valley 50K

Runner: Erica Kollen

Race Date: 03/04/2023

Location: Monument Valley Utah/AZ border. Navajo Reservation Land

Results: 8:00. 1st in age group. 11/35 in female

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

Monument Valley is on Navajo Reservation. The scenery/views are (hard to find a word) beyond beautiful..The course was very well marked. The natives allowed us to run on parts of their land that no other non native is allowed without a guide, or at all. The course was challenging and fun. There wasn’t a lot of technical/rocky trail except for the one huge climb at mile 23, which was 1500′ gain in 1 mile. There was also a native ceremony at the start of the race. They played music on their drums and sang to us in their native language. One last thing. The race started at the hotel I stayed in, which was so nice to not have to sit in a car after!

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

There is a LOT of sand. Some was hard packed, but a lot of thick sand too. It had snowed a few days prior, then sunny, so there was a lot of mud to trudge through. Coming down Mitchell Mesa, mile 25ish, was extremely steep and very technical. The rocks were slippery due to the mud/snow.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

There were no race photographers. Maybe that is normal? The only other races I have done have photographers that get your photo with a beautiful background. There was no excitement at the finish line. They give awards to the first 2 finishers in each age group. I came in first in mine but would not have known it unless I had asked.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I enjoyed the challenge.. saying this now that it is over, lol. I learned a lot about the navajo tribe and found it very interesting. I enjoyed there being not a whole lot of runners, so had a lot of room to go whatever pace I want and be able to take in the magical views without any interference. All the rooms at the hotel have a balcony with an incredible view.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Gaiters are absolutely necessary. Many people had poles, in their drop bag, to help with the big climb at mile 23. If you are a clumsy runner, they will help a lot with stability coming down. But saying that, as much as they may have helped with the climb, you need to carry them along with you for 11 miles. If I did this again, I still wouldn’t bring them. If you can train in sandy conditions, I recommend it.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I learned how important hydrating and nutrition is. I struggle with this. It was 25 degrees at the start and stayed in the 20’s/30’s for a few hours. I wasn’t thirsty due to this and did not drink enough water. Next time around, I will set nutrition alarms on my watch so I take in the calories I need to keep going strong. I also wish I had stopped more to take photos.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

I guess just be ready for the sand, which will always be there… and there is a high possibility that there will be mud/snow due to the time of year it is.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Google photos of Monument Valley…BREATHTAKING! If you watch Forest Gump, the end of his run is down the path to Monument Valley. There were also many westerns filmed there. I was very lucky to get to see wild horses out there, and get their photo with an incredible background.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Yes, it is tough, but mostly due to the terrain. The elevation was only 3700′, 1500′ of it was in that one mile climb.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Yes/no. The first few aid stations did not offer much and had only 1 native running it. They did not know the distance to the next aid. But this is something I should have memorized prior. There was not any help to fill bladders or find drop bags. No finish line photo, nor much celebration at the end.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Not that I’m aware of.

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.

There is a 200 runner cap. There were only 74 of us. Book the hotel early and it was worth the extra money to get a star view room on the top floor. Interesting that the hotel does not have a pool due to respect for the natives that have no running water.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

I did not really pay attention to that. I brought my own nutrition. I did see bananas and oranges at mile 18. And there liquid fuel is gatorade.

Weather and typical race conditions

It was very cold with strong wind at the start. I am from AZ so had a very low tolerance for this. I heard that a few years back, it was very hot. AZ weather is unpredictable. I recommend buying a throw away layer that you can donate at the first aid station.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

No spectators on the course. If you have support to run you in, they need a special pass that you can get at packet pick up.

How’s the Swag?

The long sleeve shirt is nice. They give you a medal at the finish, which is very cool. I got to pick from having a monument valley mug or hat for placing in my age group. They also give you a monument valley poster.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

I do recommend this race, but it will now be hard to find a race with this amount of breath taking scenery.