The Colossal Vail 50/50, presented by Fleet Feet Tucson, is a trail running event with various distances using a beautiful high desert section of the Arizona Trail east of Tucson, Arizona, near the community of Vail on the ancestral lands of the Tohono O’odham. The fast and fun course, and the support along the way, was designed by experienced members of the Tucson Trail Runners to give new ultra runners the best chances of completion, while giving experienced runners a good day as well. We give awards to the top three male and female finishers in each event and every ultra finisher receives a coveted engraved railroad spike for making it across the finish line. Half-marathoners receive a truly awesome wooden finisher award. Because the ultra distance courses are two out-and-back segments, 50-Mile runners can complete the 55K route, then get finisher’s credit for that event and an award if they choose not to complete the full 50M.
Africanized bees are sometimes a hazard at the CV 50/50. We’ve implemented various mitigation strategies, but if you are allergic to bee stings, you should consider another event. Please let us know if you do choose to attempt the run and bring proper medication with you on the trail.
CUPLESS — in an effort to reduce our environmental impact and the number of bees hovering around open cups of soda at aid stations, we are now a CUPLESS event. There are collapsible reusable cups from HydraPak available for purchase on this website, and also at packet pickup (or feel free to bring your own!)
The run starts in La Posta Quemada Ranch in Colossal Cave Mountain Park (CCMP), heading south along the scenic eastern boundary between the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts, with open spaces and striking vistas. Runners reach the northernmost ridges of the Santa Rita Mountains, then come back to La Posta Quemada (LPQ) Ranch. The 50 mile runners continue north on the Arizona Trail for another 8 miles, then turn around and head back to the finish line. There are a total of 5 aid stations along the routes, 4 of which get used twice by runners. Those are well-stocked and managed by experienced ultra runners who understand what you need. Tailwind Nutrition is our Official Hydration Sponsor, and you’ll be able to refill your bottle, cup or hydration pack along the way. There will be quality food and drink at the finish line, with a party into the night for those who hang around. Food and drink are complimentary for runners and volunteers, available for purchase by family and friends.
There’s plenty of lodging in nearby Tucson, and a few guest houses and ranches in Vail. Camping is encouraged, and there is plenty of room near the start/finish line. The CV 50/50 raises awareness of the Arizona National Scenic Trail and proceeds benefit the Arizona Trail Association. Please come run with us.
Day & Night Half Marathon Options
We are excited to offer daytime and nighttime half-marathon options for this year, with two completely separate courses! In the morning, the daytime route heads south on the AZT, then follows a short segment of road and sandy Davidson Canyon before joining the trail again and heading north toward the finish line.
Then, just before sunset, the nighttime half-marathon begins. This 13-mile out-and-back course heads north on the AZT from the start/finish line, past Pistol Hill Road Aid Station, then turns around and brings runners back to the fiesta at Colossal Cave Mountain Park. Runners who run BOTH the daytime and nighttime half-marathons will receive a special award, and are eligible for registration discounts if registering for both. Contact the Race Director for the discount code: [email protected].
Discounts
Discounted registration is available for members of the Arizona Trail Association, military veterans, Native Americans, and youth under 18 years of age. Also, anyone wanting to run both the daytime and nighttime half-marathons to complete a full marathon in a day (with a healthy break between the two) gets a registration discount. Contact the Race Director for a coupon code BEFORE YOUR REGISTER if you’re eligible by email: [email protected]
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