Team Aravaipa started off January with some great races!
Across The Years
Kelly Agnew on the way to victory.
Across The Years continued its long tradition of bringing in the new year in its 30th running, once again at Camelback Ranch. This year was especially exciting with the return of the 6 day race!
Kelly Agnew led the way for the team at his first attempt running 48 hours. He reached 100 miles in a PR of 17:05 and pushed on through the second day to complete a second 100 miles in under 24 hours. Even stopping with 7 hours to go due to pounded feet, Kelly surpassed Jon Olsen’s 200 miles from earlier in the race to win the 48 hour .
Rich and Chase cruising around Camelback Ranch.
Anthony Culpepper represented in the 6 day, clocking over 500 KM and making the top 10 in the men’s race. Dave Bloom spent much of the race volunteering but still managed 140 miles over the 6 days as well.
Rich McKnight and Kristin Steele both ran the 72 hour, posting distances of 139 miles and 111 miles over the three days.
Kristina Pham posted an impressive 6:55 split through 50 miles, then continued on to finish her first 100 in just over 25 hours. Cristian Rios also completed his first 100 miles, and Chase Duarte put in a solid 50 mile training run.
San Tan Scramble
Mel after her race.
The San Tan Scramble, now in its fourth year, saw the addition of a fourth distance but otherwise maintaining the same great atmosphere. Runners look forward to great weather, great trails, and the scrambled egg (or tofu) burritos at the finish!
Mel Branta took 3rd in the 50k to kick off her racing year on the right foot. Teammate Jenn Thompson traveled down for warmer weather from her new home in Boulder to take 10th.
Chase Duarte and Rich McKnight both ran in the 26k for some shorter miles after Across The Years. Chase placed third in the masters category.
Coldwater Rumble
Kelly on his way to finishing the Sonoran Double.
The Coldwater Rumble added a new 100 mile this year in addition to moving to a new, bigger starting area. Team Aravaipa was out in force, doing well across the board.
Kelly Agnew, back from his performance at ATY, took sixth place in the 100 mile and second place in the Sonoran Desert 200 (Javelina Jundred + Coldwater 100).
Mel Branta once again hit the podium, placing second in the 52 mile in impressive back to back races. Kristin Steele also ran the 52 mile, coming in 10th.
Rich McKnight rounded out the team finishes with an 18th place finish in the 20 mile for his third race of the month.
The team is lined up to run numerous races in the spring, both Aravaipa events and abroad. Stay tuned for all the exciting updates!