A Tribute to Volunteers

Jamil CouryCommunity, Ultra Thoughts

The whole reason I’m now a race director of trail running events is all because of volunteering. I started helping at events as soon as I started running. I was inspired by the performances and drive of the athletes I was helping. In some small way I felt like I was making a difference for them. As a runner myself, I benefit greatly from the hours of dedication of countless volunteers at every race I attend. Just this last weekend I was helped by hundreds of volunteers at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in Europe. They filled my bottles, fed me pasta and were sure to make sure I was OK in my lowest moments. Some …

2015 Silverton 1000 Recap

Hayley PollackNews, Race Report, Ultra Thoughts

The first words I ever wrote about Silverton, Colorado were: “Everything is either magnificent or quaint in a great visual contradiction that immediately makes sense.” And while, At first glance, Silverton meets all the requirements to be called a ‘quaint mountain town’ a little longer look reveals that utilizing ‘hardy’ as the description is nearer the truth. The same adjective can be applied to the runners who showed up to compete in this past week’s Silverton 1000. It was amazing to have a front row seat to this year’s event and the performances that unfolded. I had heard the passion and the stories of the race’s creation from Jamil all year long and I was …

Adrenaline Night Runs Recap

Hayley PollackCommunity, News, Race Report, Ultra Thoughts

Adrenaline Night Runs are over, the course de-marked, and the truck all packed up ready for the next adventure. However, the performances of last night are still playing over in my mind. At a wedding reception today, with a table of runners, the conversation quickly turned to Sion Lupowitz’s domination of the course and his progression as a runner. It was a performance of strength and beauty watching him power through all 54K with no one in his rear view. With the new shorter distance (from 64K to 54K) there was no mark besides the “W” on which to set his sights; yet, he left the bar high in his wake running 4:00:09 (7:09/mile). Daniel …

2015 Crown King Scramble Recap

Hayley PollackUncategorized

The 24th Crown King Scramble 50K is in the books and ‘the hill’ was conquered by many with the sweet reward of beer and a festive finish line.  This year had the noticeable disadvantage of high temperatures throughout the day but the advantage of flowing creeks from the rains earlier in the month. The starting line was relatively cool but as soon as the sun peeked its head above the horizon it started to scorch the trail and those on it. Almost 75 runners took advantage of the early start and an additional hour of darkness with the remainder of the total 234 starters heading out an hour later.   With the remote nature of …

Mesquite Canyon 2015 – Scorching Tough Year

Jamil CouryNews, Race Report

As a few of us sat around Friday night preceding the 6th annual Mesquite Canyon Trail Runs finalizing a few details for the race, drinking a couple of beers, we would usually be sitting around a campfire. With warm temperatures already greeting the Phoenix area in mid-March there was no need. We sat around in short sleeve shirts and took in the night. The race starts on the Eastern end of the White Tank Mountains, a range that marks the Western boundary of the metropolitan Phoenix area. Looking towards the peaks we could see hundreds if not thousands of stars, constellations and more. Gazing back towards Phoenix, the stars slowly give way to a soft …

Crown King Scramble: Course Preview and Updated Course Record Information!

Hayley PollackNews, Race Preview

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 …

Careers

At Aravaipa we are constantly innovating, dreaming big, and making our mark on the outdoor industry with creative concepts and events. We are always looking for high-energy and intrinsically self-motivated individuals who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.Current Openings:Apparel Printing Crew As an Entry-Level Shirt Printing Technician, you will play a crucial role in our production process, focusing on using heat press machines for sublimation and direct-to-garment printing. You will be responsible for preparing and printing custom designs on various garments, ensuring each piece meets our high-quality standards. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills in a fast-paced, creative environment. APPLY NOW – APPAREL PRINTING CREWEvent Crew Aravaipa is seeking a …

This Week in Aravaipa Running – Dec. 29 to Jan. 4

Jamil CouryThis Week In Aravaipa Running

I’ve often dreamed of writing regularly but with so much “busyness” I never seem to make the time. I enjoy sharing bits and pieces of my racing and training, but it is challenging to keep momentum for writing with so much going on. I’d like to change that in 2015 and therefore will be publishing a weekly article right here on this blog about the happenings at Aravaipa Running.  This will not strictly be an article about what races are coming up or a race report from last weekend’s training runs, but instead a forum for me to share my thoughts about anything related to Aravaipa Running and even some bits and pieces of my personal life. After …

Silverton Alpine Marathon & 50K 2013

Jamil CouryRace Report

Heading over to Memorial Park on race morning of this year’s Silverton Alpine Marathon & 50K, I was hit with a few drops of rain. The skies were cloudy and dark in the pre-dawn hours leaving me wondering what the runners would be in for during the race. As darkness gave way to light as runners checked in and prepped for the day’s event, the skies looked ominous, but were holding out. Nineteen 50K runners took off at 7am for the short out and back on the last part of the course. The first runner, Dennis Pollow Jr. was back through the start/finish line in Memorial Park at 7:32 and was off to complete the …

Vertigo Night Runs 2013

Nick CouryRace Report

The sun sets as the races begin. Storms brewed in the afternoon to the East of White Tank Mountain Regional Park.  But as runners begin to arrive the weather dissipates, leaving a light breeze and cooler than expected temperatures to run in.  After the mild-mannered Sinister and the constantly rolling Adrenaline, the course at Vertigo promises a good mix of flat and smooth trails coupled with a short but steep climb and rugged descent halfway around the 10k+ loop.  Runners choose between the 10k, 31k, or 63k races run through the starry night. The Surprise Running Club made a strong showing. The pre-race atmosphere is electric, with a village of runners, crew, and volunteers assembling …