Welcome to the Flagstaff Loop Trail 45 Miler! This race is an unofficial “fatass” style race. This means there will be no entry fee! However, with no entry fee comes limited resources.
All participants will be required to bring a contribution such as cookies, chips, Gatorade, or something similar. Contributions will be assigned and the required items will be emailed to each runner with at least 1 weeks notice prior to the race. There will be a few aid stations along the way providing water and the aforementioned contributions, but you’re encouraged to carry/bring most of what you need.
Start / End Location: Schultz Creek Trailhead (1-203 W Mt Elden Lookout Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001)
Start Time: 6:00 AM AZ time
Sunrise is at 6:30 AM with sunset being 5:56 PM. This should give each runner about 12 hours, 30 minutes (including dawn and dusk) to run without the need for a headlamp.
The Flagstaff Loop Trail is roughly 45 miles. The entire trail system is not yet complete, and is in a state of flux, so distances on race day might vary by a mile or so. The entire course has about 3,300 feet of elevation gain.
This is going to be an unmarked course! Please have a device with you that can load the GPX file to make sure you stay on course. If your watch doesn't support navigation, "GPX Viewer" is a great free app that I've used before.
Because this is an unmarked course, I will be hosting three group runs leading up to the race. This is intended to help you familiarize yourself with the course in addition to meeting some other cool runners! The three group runs will cover the entire course and will take place approximately 3 months, 2 months, and 1 month in advance of the race day. Keep an eye on your emails for dates/times/locations. Feel free to bring anyone along for these group runs. For More information on these group runs, see "Group Runs" section below.
There will be four Aid Stations (stocked with water and runner contributions that are brought to the starting line)
Sandy Seep Trail Head: 10.5 mi segment distance, 10.5 mi total distance
Campbell Mesa Trail Head: 7.7 mi segment distance, 18.2 mi total distance
Lake Mary Road / JW Powell: 10.8 mi segment distance, 29 mi total distance
Woody Mountain Road / FS 532: 6.3 mi segment distance, 35.3 mi total distance
Schultz Creek Trail Head: 10.4 segment distance, 45.7 total distance
1 drop bag will be available at the Lake Mary / JW Powell aid station (mile 29). Please bring any items you would like to have at this aid station in a single drop bag to the starting line by 5:45 AM to ensure they make it to the aid station. All items will be brought back to the finish line for you to retrieve. This is a small race so labelling your drop bag isn't totally necessary, but feel free to label your bag with your name if you wish to help us out.
This is a free race so there technically are no cut offs (unless you're wearing them), you are just running in the woods with friends for fun! That being said, if you don't make it to Woody Mountain Rd (Mile 35) by sundown (12 hours), I'm going to recommend dropping out, and we will give you a ride back to the starting line. I want to make sure everyone is safe and has a good time and no one is left out in the woods by themselves in the dark. But again, you do you, and if you want to keep going, I can't stop you!
In addition, I will depart the finish line (Schutlz Creek Trail Head) at 9:00 PM (15 hours) so please try to make it to the finish by then.
Headlamp: Even if you plan on finishing before sundown , please be prepared to run in the dark. A lot can happen over 45 miles.
Water / Food: 12 miles is the longest segment between aid stations. Please bring enough calories/electrolytes/water to last at least 12 miles unsupported.
Cold / Warm Weather Gear: October in Flagstaff is beautiful! But there is chance for rain, snow, hail, wind, or unseasonable heat. I'll send out weather forecasts as we get closer to race day, but please be prepared for variable weather.
Though the Flagstaff Loop Trail is adequately marked by the city, there are many sections and road crossing that are not intuitive. In an effort to become familiar with the course, and aid in training, I will hosting three group runs that will encompass the entirety of the course. This is a great opportunity to learn the course as well as meet other awesome runners! Please mark your calendars for the 3 dates below.
8 AM on Saturday, July 26th, 2025 starting at the Campbell Mesa Trailhead. We will run 10.8 miles to the Lake Mary Rd / JW Powell Intersection
8 AM on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 starting at the Lake Mary Rd / JW Powell Intersection. We will run 16.7 miles to the Schultz Creek Trailhead
8 AM on Saturday, September 6th, 2025 starting at the Schultz Creek Trailhead. We will run 18.3 miles to the Campbell Mesa Trailhead
Since these are point to point runs, please meet 30 minutes prior (7:30 AM) at the end, so we can carpool to the start, ensuring there are vehicles at the end to get runners back to their cars at the start.
Bring your own hydration and snacks, as none will be provided. Feel free to bring a chair and beverages to hang out with your fellow runners at the end.
Additional Questions? Want to Volunteer?
Feel free to reach out to me directly at samhnoble@gmail.com