As the sun sunk over the Arizona skyline, the temperature hovered over 100 degrees. In excess of 300 runners gathered on a moonless night for the inaugural Adrenaline Night Runs at McDowell Mountain Regional Park outside Fountain Hills. From first time night runners to ultra veterans, a diverse group assembled to complete 13 km, 26 km, or the all-night 65 km on the Long Loop.
Runners arrive as the sun sets.
The Adrenaline Night Runs is the second race in the Insomniac Night Series, on a course more challenging than the mild-mannered Sinister only a month before. Built for mountain biking, the trails feature quick dips and rises, banked curves, and rocky slopes. Though none of the climbs are extended, the trail is like a child – it can’t sit still for long.
The heat of the day leading up to the race was intense – only the afternoon breezes provided a bit of relief from the beating sun and scorching air. But as the runners arrived, relief was in sight. A rush of race-day entries brought the start count to well over 300 runners, double the showing at the first night run. The 65k runners lined up to the waning sun and were off, using the last of the daylight to get a feel for the course but looking forward to the cooler night. Among the field was Sinister winner Cristian Rios, Team Aravaipa and Adidas sponsored ultrarunner Paulette Zillmer, and new author Jay Danek.
The 65k field waits for the horn.
Soon, the 26k similarly assembled. Facing only two loops instead of the five of the ultra group, the race started at a noticeably quicker pace. The 13k soon followed with nearly 200 runners streaming into the darkness by the light of their headlamps just as the last beams of light faded into the sky.
Into the darkness, runners navigated by the glow of headlamps. Hitting the high ridges, a complete outline of the course could be seen by the twinkling of lights along the entirety of the Long Loop. Cristian Rios blasted through the first loop leading the 65k by a significant margin. A pack followed, and runners continued to stream in the rest of the night. Fueling on the full variety of the aid station, runners attempted to keep cool with the water misters at the aid stations, lots of ice, fresh fruit, and even our iced coffee bar. The 26k leaders came blasting through the halfway point, the top five runners within minutes of each other. All vying for the handmade awards, the runners embodied the warriors they were trying to earn:
The top awards.
Soon, our winners were crowned. With only 5 seconds separating the top 3, the 13k was won by 15 year old Ryan Davis. The women’s 13k title was taken shortly by Amy English. Mike Ray ran a crushing second loop to take the 26k title, while Renee Hodges ran strong the entire race to secure the women’s win. Runners continued to stream in through midnight, their headlights revealing their approach to spectators from far off in the distance.
Our young volunteers help the runners cool off with water guns!
Into the early morning, the carnage of the ultra distance became apparent. Facing 40 miles of heat, the 40 starters were dropping quicker than the temperature could. Cristian Rios led the whole race, looking almost fresh until the end and winning by a huge margin. Not bad at 20 years old! Javelina Jundred veteran Kelly Agnew flew in from Utah for the race and came in second, waiting out his time while other runners faded by the end. The women’s race was dominated by Jenn Thompson, who similarly held strong to move up through the rankings.
Jenn’s first ultra victory.
By 5 AM, the last runners were finished and the sun once again warmed the earth. The 65k took it’s victims, and the 50% finish rate left a draw between the runners and the course. The other races fared better, with even the runners new to night running finishing with smiles on their faces. All in all, the Adrenaline Night Runs left everyone excited and wanting more. Luckily, there’s another one next month! Grab some new batteries and ice cold water, and start training for the Vertigo Night Runs at the White Tanks!