Yaateeh runners! Welcome to Monument Valley Ultra weekend!
Silence… then, Navajo Prayer, chanting, drumming…runners gather for the Monument Valley Ultra, as iconic rock formations become increasingly visible in early light; the depth of running-tradition seems palpable , east to greet dawn, in this land, sacred to the Navajo, and the privilege of being able to move on the earth, at this time, in this place, infuses the experience of those offering themselves to it.
The land is beautiful, powerful beyond words, the culture welcoming, and there are so many special touches in the event; also, the splurge of staying in the Navajo-owned and run View Hotel ( the nicest in which I’ve ever stayed!), right by the start, is well worth it! Run in Beauty!!!
Situated within the Navajo Nation, Monument Valley boasts amazing formations that reach over 1,000 feet into the sky and draw your gaze in wonderment. You will likely recognize these formations or “monuments” from the hundreds of movies that have been filmed in this desert backdrop over the years. Vibrant colors and dramatic shadows cast along the valley floor will give you a sense of becoming “in tune” with nature, experiencing the same inclusion with the natural world that the Native Americans have practiced for generations. Running becomes less of an activity and more of an intrinsic way in which to absorb the landscape.
Join us to share the experience in this beautiful setting as we wander and wind our way around the majestic towers and entwine Navajo culture into our event, which will leave you with a new understanding and respect for the natural environment and appreciation for the Navajo lifestyle.
The cap for the race is 400 runners. Your registration includes professional timing, race poster, on-course support (including food and drink, medical support and portajohns), performance shirt, overall and age-group awards, finisher’s award and post-race food.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located 23 miles northeast of Kayenta, Arizona and 20 miles south of Mexican Hat, Utah. The park straddles the Arizona/Utah border, and the races all start and finish in Arizona.
The race is staged on a very challenging route, with the majority of miles on singletrack trail, dirt roads and the Valley Drive. The race starts at 7:00 a.m. and there are two cut-offs for runners.
The race begins with a loop on the new Sentinel Mesa Trail, which then connects with the Wildcat Trail, bringing runners out at the top of the Valley Drive Road. From this point, runners travel on the Valley Drive Road, connecting with “the Marlboro Route” and past North Window before leading them to Three Sisters Aid Station for the first of their three visit to Three Sisters. From Three Sisters A.S., runners do a stunning and grueling 10-mile out and back to the top of Mitchell Mesa, returning runners back to Three Sisters at mile 20. Runners then complete a 7.5 mile segment through the Backcountry area, which will include highlights of Totem Pole, Rain God Mesa, Sand Springs and The Cube. Runners arrive back at Three Sisters A.S. at mile 27.5, before beginning the final 3.5 miles back to the finish line at mile 31. Both cut-offs are located at Three Sisters Aid Station.
The first cut-off is at mile 20 after the Mitchell Mesa segment. Runners who arrive after 1:00 p.m. (6 hours) will be directed to the finish line. They may receive transport to the finish line or they may finish these 3.5 miles under their own power.
The second cut-off is at mile 27.5 after the Backcountry segment. This cut-off is also at Three Sisters A.S. This cut-off will be 4:00 p.m. (9 hours). Runners who arrive after 4:00 p.m. will be transported to the finish line.
The route is very scenic and challenging. Please study the course map route so that you know the route prior to the race. It is recommended that you develop a plan to meet your energy and hydration needs. There will be medical support throughout the course, including the awesome folks from Utah Navajo Health System, the Navajo Rangers and MV Fire. There will also be local live music and DJs along the course to keep you motivated.
There are well-stocked aid stations throughout the course, providing hydration, medical support and a variety of nutrition. Stations will include an assortment of the following: Honey Stinger energy gels and chews, Gatorade, salty snacks, fresh fruit and sweet snacks. In addition, aid stations may include a variety of Nutella wraps, sandwiches, hummus wraps, broth, turkey + cheese wraps, among other food items. Three Sisters A.S. will be the most well-stocked aid station on the course. We will have major medical support at Three Sisters Aid Station and the Start/Finish area, along with first responders on the course.
All proceeds benefit community health and wellness programs on the Navajo Nation.
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Tough, but worth it for the scenery.
This is a very tough, entirely off-road trail run in some of the most stunning desert scenery you'll ever get to run in. This is Navajo land on the AZ/UT … MORE
This is a very tough, entirely off-road trail run in some of the most stunning desert scenery you’ll ever get to run in. This is Navajo land on the AZ/UT border with scenery most of us are familiar with from countless movies, not least Forrest Gump.
Aside from a wee little problem with signage to the last water station (who needs water in the desert?, but seriously, carry your own) it’s hard to fault this race. Not least because you’re too busy going gaga over the stunning scenery.
It’s a lot of driving to get here from. About 6-7 hours drive from Salt Lake, Vegas and Phoenix so just plan for sightseeing as part of longer vacation. Drive north on highway 163 to get the iconic Gump road shot.
And plan to stay at the View Motel because it’s right beside the start/finish and the only thing for miles around.
Totally worth the effort.
Amazing views with lots of sand
This race is a real beauty, I went not for time but for the views and I do not regret it. The course per se is very nice and has … MORE
This race is a real beauty, I went not for time but for the views and I do not regret it. The course per se is very nice and has a lot of sand (so if you are not used to it, IT WILL BE HARD!!!) but if you have run on loose sand, then you wont have a problem.
The course is well marked so you dont have to worry of getting lost. Has one hard climb and the rest are little rolling hills (again, lots of loose sand), and the aid stations are well stocked and full of great volunteers. The Navajo tribe are very friendly people and you will enjoy for sure this race. Again I went to enjoy the run and the scenery not to beat a PR, if that is your thing the first place on the 50M Finished in 6+ hours, so it does have challenge.