I’ll start this post by being honest. There was pretty much nothing about Crown King Scramble that ever interested me. I had no desire to run uphill on jeep road for 31 miles.
That was until today. I’m not sure my preconceived notions about a race course have ever been so wrong.
Jamil and I spent the day driving the Crown King Scramble course so I could learn the layout and we could post signs reminding users of Aravaipa’s race on March 28th. My contribution to the outing was to exclaim “Unbelievable!” or “Stop! I need another picture!” at almost every turn. It was love at first sight.
The race begins at Lake Pleasant and winds its way through Sonoran Desert, climbing into higher desert landscapes with purple hues and expansive panoramas of the Bradshaw Mountains and the valley below. From there, the road climbs further into pinyon-juniper woodland and crosses multiple flowing creeks before entering the Ponderosa Pines on the final miles into the town of Crown King. There is almost no portion of this race that does not boast spectacular views; nor can one become bored with a singular backdrop as there are so many to choose from along the way.
It is fitting that the end of this historic race (celebrating its 24th running this year) is at the Crown King Saloon. The Saloon was built in 1888 in the, now, ghost town of Oro Belle before it was moved piece-by-piece in 1916 to its current location. On race weekend the town is transformed from tiny mountain community (inhabited by 133 residents according to the last census) to a festival of ultra-runners celebrating their achievement. From live music to ample amounts of food and beer the post-race festivities are not lacking at this event with numerous runners and their crew choosing to stay the night for the full experience.
Many runners have their own storied history with the race and their own personal obsessions. Aravaipa Racing Team member, Kristina Pham, is one example of someone who has made it her mission to challenge the course record; a record set in 2002 by none other than Ann Trason in a time of 4:34:13. Kristina is the only woman in the last decade to post a top-ten finishing time on the course! Aravaipa Running has decided to up the ante for this year’s women with an updated Course Record Bonus of $1,000!! That’s right ladies, a race that is going to pay more for your record than for the men’s. Not to worry, gentlemen there is still $250 in prize money for first place (same for women) and a $500 Course Record Bonus for besting Dermot McGonigle’s 1996 time of 4:00:27.
With less than 100 spaces still available the race is already set to be a fast and exciting year. Runners with an unrelenting passion for fun looking for an epic race with history, challenge, and breathtaking views should click here to start their journey.
View of Lake Pleasant from mile 3.
Looking over towards Lake Pleasant – the starting line for the 50K
Wild burros live in the areas surrounding the lake!
Early miles on the course – wide open dirt roads with Crown King being dumped on in the right side of the shot.
Sonoran desert wonderland in the first few miles of the run
Simply follow the signs for Crown King! Don’t worry, there will be aid stations on race day.
The “CK” rock at mile 15.3 signaling the start of the true climb and rougher jeep road
Still catching a glimpse of the lake now at mile 17 on the course
The vegetation and elevation change quickly between miles 16 and 19
Ranches and old mines are scattered throughout the Bradshaw Mountains on the climb upwards
Lots of water this year! This is one of the creek crossings on the course
Big views around mile 22
Almost to the top! The view from the last aid station (Oro Belle – Mile 27).