100 Miler: The Mogollon Monster 100 is a rugged, challenging trail race taking place about 90 minutes northeast of Phoenix, Arizona just outside the small town of Pine, Arizona. This is an advanced degree endurance race of 100 miles. The races navigate up, down, around and through the beautiful Mogollon Rim (Pronounced: mug-ee-yun or muggy-own by locals, we’ll call it MOG100 to keep it simple.)
The Rim rises out from the earth 2,000 some feet for a span of 200 miles across Arizona and into New Mexico, defining much of the eastern part of the state. This Rim takes the race from elevations of 5,500 feet at the start to upwards of 7,900 feet at the top of the Rim, changing ecosystems along the way in distinct flora changes as the elevation changes switch the scenery from high Sonoran Desert to the largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest in the world.
The 100 mile race climbs the Rim in six separate locations spending a lot of miles along the Rim, on top of the Rim and the challenging climbs up and down. Expect to climb a total of 18,000 feet along the way in the 100 mile race never below 5,000 feet and never above 8,000 feet in elevation. While other races are certainly at higher elevations, and/or with more climbing, they certainly do not contain as rugged a terrain that is found on this course. This is a VERY technical course in many areas, specifically the Highline Trail, Donahue and the soon to be revered, Myrtle Trail. Coupled with the mileage, the terrain, the moderate elevation, and the Arizona sun, this race will certainly take it’s toll on each runner.
As the race takes place in late September temperatures should be in the low 70’s to 80’s below the Rim but can be drastically lower (read: below freezing) on top of the Rim at night. Thunderstorms from the summer monsoon season in Arizona are still possible and with that comes major wind, lightning and flash flood rains. Snow is a possibility, if unlikely in the higher elevations of the course. For the most part we can expect sunny skies, great temperatures and the start of some great fall foliage, especially on top of the Rim with all the ash, oak, maple along the trails.
The 42 Km course starts at the Pine Trailhead and heads out on the historic Highline Trail to its first rim climb, the Donahue Trail, where runners will join courses with the 100 milers who starts 24 hours and 85 miles earlier. The drop off the rim and right back up via West Webber and Turkey Springs will test runners but be sure to soak up the views along the Mogollon Rim. Finishing with a massive vista off the Pine Canyon Trail and miles of gorgeous trail all the way back to the town of Pine where runners will cross under the finish line at the town community center.
Qualifications & Volunteer Service Requirements (100M only)
Qualifying for The Monster: The 100 mile distance is not an easy race and as such, all entrants will be required to have completed, at minimum, a 50 mile race or greater before race day.
Service Requirements: The 100 mile distance includes a service requirement of 8 hours of volunteer work prior to race day. This can include trail work or volunteering at an Aravaipa race or another race organization in any capacity. It does not need to be completed in Arizona or on the Mogollon Rim (although that would be super if possible).
Over the years this region has required a lot of trail work as we’re using a number of trails that aren’t used as regularly as others. We know this is the case with many trails around the country and encourage you to assist whenever you can to ensure these wildlands remain available for generations.
For those that find themselves unable to complete the 8 hour requirement prior to race day, reach out to us regarding a donation of $100 towards a local trail organization.
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