Ok, so you’ve heard the hype, caught the Crown King Scramble bug, somehow convinced by a friend this was a good idea and signed yourself up for this point-to-point monster of a course. Now you are just one week away from scrambling your way from the desert to the pines, driven forward by that elusive cold brew at the finish line. “Wait, did you just say one week away, holy crap!”
With so many first timers taking on the race this year, we thought it would be a good idea to pass on some wisdom from those who know this race intimately, in the good times and the bad. James Bonnett has shared some tips he considers key for Crown King Scramble virgins. James first ran this race when he was 11 years old and has finished as high as 2nd place.
2004 Crown King Aid Station
Tips For Running The Crown King Scramble
1. Make sure you check in at the starting line at Lake Pleasant even if you pick up your bib early at iRun on Thursday, it’s mandatory!
2. If you have any thoughts of taking the early start do it! Waking up 1 hour early and having to run 30 min in the dark is worth it. Not only will you get an extra hour to complete the race you will get an hour of cooler weather. Early start signup
3. Heat! Yes this race is known for all weather conditions from sun to rain and even snow. This year we are expecting heat with our April date. Current forecast is for 87 degrees as a high in Phoenix. This race is run on the southern facing side of the mountain so even if its not terribly hot your exposed to the suns rays all the way until about mile 28 where you will finally hit pine trees. I have personally run the race where I have overheated at the bottom and then was running through snow the second half. although very unlikely this year.
Finish Line in Crown King
4. Make sure you have someone with warm clothes at the top (finish) or a drop bag with warm clothes for the finish. Like I mentioned it can chill out at the top, we are sitting at 6,000 ft after all. Also having some spare cash at the finish is good as well for beer, other snacks or souvenirs. Remember, lunch is included for all runners
5. I would recommend having a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, bandanna, and at minimum 2 water bottles. The bandanna can double as a face guard protecting against dust from ATV riders on the course
6. Once the race starts do not go out too hard on this course. Doing so can cripple you on the second half. The race does not start until mile 15.
7. Speaking of mile 15, I would take a good hard thought here. As much as I want everyone to finish, from here on out if your in a bad spot you may want to think twice before heading on…. It’s kinda up from here
2003 Crown King Aid Station
8. Have fun at this race and let us know what aid station was your favorite! We will have an aid station contest! Have fun with the aid stations
9. Stream Crossing: possible stream crossings from mile 20-25. I don’t recommend bringing a change of shoes since there are crossings before and after the Mile 23 aid station at Fort Misery. Your feet will dry out within a couple miles
10. Ways to stay cool: keep cold water in bottles or packs. dunk yourself in stream crossings, wear a hat or visor, dumping water on your head to cool body temps. wear light colors. wearing lose clothing helps as well.
Finally: Party!!! Get to the finish get some grub and hang out! This race has always brought everyone together at the end. Help support the saloon and buy some beers. Maybe a friend at a cabin will let you bum a shower at a cabin
Look Forward to seeing everyone at the start and the FINISH!
James Bonnett
P.S. I Finished this race when I was 11 years old so if could do it back then so can you! 😉
James Bonnett finishing the Crown King Scramble