Elden Ridge Run
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Elden Ridge Run, Flagstaff AZ
Elden Ridge Run is a half marathon held on October 17, 2026, beginning at the Sandy Seep Trailhead in Flagstaff, AZ. The race follows single-track trails through meadows and ponderosa forest, gains the summit of Mt. Elden, and returns to the Sandy Seep area for the finish.
The course begins on Christmas Tree trail, joins Elden Lookout trail for the sustained climb to the summit, then descends via the lookout tower road to Sunset trail and New Heart trail. Runners pass Little Elden and Old Little Elden before the final approach to Sandy Seep. The route features gentle rollers, technical sections, rocky terrain, and areas with low-hanging pine branches.
There is one aid station located at about 6 miles offering water, electrolyte beverage, and additional fuel options. Volunteers are stationed at several key intersections to direct runners and to staff the summit cutoff. Cutoffs are enforced: a strict two hour cutoff at approximately 5 miles near the summit with tracking by a volunteer, and a total race cutoff of four hours.
Logistics note that parking at Sandy Seep is primitive, limited to about 30 vehicles, and high clearance is recommended. No race day registration will be available. Race bibs will not be chipped so results are gun times only. Two portable toilets will be available at start/finish with liquid sanitizer and no running water. The organizers state no refunds will be issued for cancellation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
