Elden Ridge Run
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Elden Ridge Run : Flagstaff, AZ
The Elden Ridge Run is a trail 1/2 Marathon that starts and finishes at the Sandy Seep Trailhead near Flagstaff, Arizona. This is the third running of the event and registration opens April 17, 2026; registration closes October 15, 2026.
The course begins with open meadow views and ponderosa pines, crosses a power line access road, and turns onto Christmas Tree Trail. Runners follow rolling single track to the junction with Elden Lookout Trail and ascend to the summit of Mt. Elden. After the summit the route descends via the lookout tower road to Sunset Trail, then continues downhill on New Heart Trail with views of the red and orange cliffs of Little Elden. The course includes a mix of single track, some technical sections, and short rollers before a final loop on Little Elden and Old Little Elden back toward Christmas Tree Trail and the finish.
One aid station is located at about 6 miles, offering water, fuel options, and an electrolyte beverage. There is a strict cutoff at approximately 5 miles at the summit of Elden of two hours; volunteers will track progress and a total race cutoff of four hours applies.
Parking is at the primitive Sandy Seep Trailhead; high clearance vehicles are recommended and space is limited to about 30 vehicles. Rules include no pacers, no outside aid other than the established aid station, and if poles are used they must be carried for the entire race. Bib pick up is planned for October 16 and on race day at Sandy Seep Trailhead. Bibs do not have chips and results are gun times only. Two portable toilets with sanitizer will be available. The organizer states no refunds or future race credits will be issued for cancellations outside their control. Post-race provisions include an espresso bar and recovery snacks for entrants. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
