🏜️ Cocodona 250: The 2025 Epic Begins Monday

📅 May 5–10, 2025

📍 Black Canyon City → Flagstaff, AZ

📏 256.5 miles | ⏱️ 125-hour cutoff | 🆙 40,667 ft gain 🕔 Start Time: 5:00 AM MST (UTC-7)

This Monday at 5:00 AM MST (UTC-7), the fifth edition of the Cocodona 250 kicks off — a 250+ mile footrace across Arizona’s most iconic terrain. It’s not just a race; it’s a journey through deserts, mountains, and pine forests, testing the limits of endurance.

🏞️ Course Highlights

The Cocodona 250 course is a testament to Arizona’s geographical diversity:

• Bradshaw Mountains: Runners will traverse the entire Bradshaw Mountain range, a unique feature that sets this race apart. The area is rich in history, once inhabited by the Yavapai people and later known for its gold, silver, and copper mining activities. 

• Historic Towns: The route connects several historic towns, including Crown King, Prescott, Jerome, Clarkdale, Sedona, and Flagstaff, offering runners a blend of cultural and natural experiences. 

• Diverse Terrains: From the Sonoran deserts to Ponderosa pine forests, participants will encounter a variety of landscapes, each presenting its own set of challenges and scenic beauty.

The course includes 45% single-track, 46% double-track, and 9% pavement, with elevations ranging from 1,996 ft to 9,241 ft. 

🏃‍♂️ Participant Overview

This year’s race has attracted 306 entrants, reflecting the growing allure of the Cocodona 250 among the ultrarunning community. Participants hail from various regions, each bringing their unique stories and aspirations to this monumental event.

🌟 Notable Athletes to Watch

The 2025 lineup boasts several prominent figures in the ultrarunning world:

• Courtney Dauwalter: Renowned for her dominance in 100-mile races, Dauwalter is venturing into the 250-mile distance, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career. 

• Jack Scott: After setting a record in the Winter Spine Race, Scott is transitioning from the cold terrains of the UK to Arizona’s challenging environment, showcasing his adaptability and determination. 

• Dan Green: A seasoned ultrarunner, Green’s participation adds depth to the competitive field, bringing experience and resilience to the race.

• Michael Versteeg: The inaugural winner of the 2021 Cocodona 250, Versteeg’s return is highly anticipated, as fans look forward to seeing if he can replicate his previous success. 

🕰️ Historical Context

Since its inception in 2021 by Jamil Coury, the Cocodona 250 has rapidly gained prominence in the ultrarunning scene. The race’s unique course and the challenges it presents have attracted runners worldwide. Notably, in 2024, 73-year-old Michael Koppy became the oldest person to complete the race, exemplifying the event’s appeal across age groups.

🎥 How to Follow the Race

📺 Livestream: Aravaipa Running will provide 125+ hours of live coverage on their YouTube channel. 

📍 Live Tracking: Track runners in real-time via TrackLeaders.

🏁 Final Word: The Ultimate Test of Endurance

As the 2025 Cocodona 250 approaches, the excitement builds for what promises to be an unforgettable journey through Arizona’s heartland, testing the limits of human endurance and celebrating the spirit of ultrarunning. Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or a fan of epic challenges, this event showcases the very best of what the sport has to offer.

📲 PaceSetR’s got you covered — we’ll text you when the race kicks off, and send key updates each morning so you’re never behind on the action. Just sit back, follow along, and let us keep you in the loop.