Featured Races:
Fourth of July Flagstaff Downtown Mile: It’s more than just two laps in a square around downtown with just one teeny tiny little hill (more of a rise, actually) on San Francisco Street; it’s a celebration of Flagstaff as a running community. Elites will race — probably not as many as before, because the Olympic Trials will have ended just days before — and there’s also money on the line for Masters and community runners. It’s part of the Flagstaff Run Series, so there already are more than 300 signed up. No worries; there is room for more. Last year’s winners: Elite: Abrham Tesfamariam (Dark Sky), 4:09; Sammy McClintock (McKirdy Trained), 4:45; Masters: Ben Bruce, 4:36; Trina Painter, 5:51; Citizen: Emilio Medina, 4:45; Lindsay Prescott, 5:07.
July 20: Footprints for Hopi 10K (Trail): This run is the third in the summer Flagstaff Run Series, so there already 358 competitors signed up, but Fort Tuthill’s trails can take large volumes. It’s a fast course, only moderately hilly and rocky, but certainly runnable for almost all participants. Last year’s race went off in 90-degree heat, so be prepared. Last year’s winners: Hopi elite marathoner Hosava Kretzmann (38:02); Laurel Kruger (42:27).
Other Races of Note in Arizona:
July 4: 4 on the 4th Race to the Top (White Tank Mountains, Waddell): If you’d rather race up a mountain than on the streets of Flagstaff, this is your chance. Attention, Flagstaffians: Get up early; start time is 6 a.m.
July 20: Stunner Night Runs 50K, 25K, 12K, 6K trail run (Mesa): Usery Mountain Regional Park is the site for Aravaipa Running’s latest summer desert night running series. Care to drive down to the Valley after the Footprints for Hopi 10K and run a double? Well, even with a 7:30 p.m. start time, it’s going to be darn hot in the Valley.
July 27: RezLine Run (Half, 10K, 5K, 2M; Indian Wells): This is a popular family-run race held 17 miles north of Holbrook.
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