Courtney Dauwalter leads a competitive field at the Cocodona 250, a legendary 250-mile trail race across Arizona. Here’s your full guide to the course, contenders, and how to tune in.
The Rise of the Cocodona 250
In just five years, the Cocodona 250 has evolved into one of ultrarunning’s most iconic events. Held annually in Arizona, this grueling 256.5-mile race begins in Black Canyon City and ends in Flagstaff, traversing a breathtaking and brutal range of terrain.
Created by Jamil Coury and organized by Aravaipa Running, the event has earned a reputation for excellence—offering top-tier aid stations, live media coverage, and even a custom Cocodona 250 shoe. This year, ultrarunning legend Courtney Dauwalter brings extra star power to the race, further elevating its profile. 
Race Details at a Glance
-
Date: Monday, May 5 – Saturday, May 10
-
Start Time: 5:00 a.m. PT
-
Cut-Off Time: 125 hours (by 10:00 a.m. on May 10)
-
Distance: 256.5 miles
-
Elevation Gain: 40,667 ft | Loss: 35,674 ft
-
Surface: 45% singletrack, 46% double-track, 9% pavement
-
Entry Fee: $1,595–$1,695
The Cocodona 250 Course
Starting at Deep Canyon Ranch in Black Canyon City, the course winds through Sonoran Desert cacti, pine forests, red rock canyons, and historic mining towns. Runners pass:
-
Crown King & Prescott: Through desert heat and historical streets
-
Granite Dells & Mingus Mountain: Unique rock formations and high elevations
-
Sedona & Verde Valley: Iconic Arizona red rock landscapes
-
Coconino National Forest & Mt. Elden: Towering pine forests and snow-capped peaks
The route features intense environmental shifts—runners will experience temperatures from 80°F in the desert to below freezing on Mount Elden.
Cocodona 250 Contenders to Watch
Women’s Field
-
Courtney Dauwalter – Reigning queen of ultras with victories at Western States, UTMB, and Hardrock 100
-
Rachel Entrekin – 2024 women’s champion, aiming for back-to-back titles
-
Sarah Ostaszewski – 2023 champion, 4-time Cocodona finisher
-
Georgia Porter – Set Arizona Trail FKT, debuting at Cocodona
-
Mika Thewes – Tahoe 200 winner, 6th at Tor des Geants
-
Lindsey Dwyer – Promising newcomer with strong training momentum
Men’s Field
-
Harry Subertas – 2024 Cocodona champion, 200-mile Triple Crown winner
-
Michael Versteeg – Inaugural Cocodona winner (2021)
-
Jeff Garmire – FKT legend, returning after strong 2024 finish
-
Jack Scott – Spine Race champion, thrives in cold conditions
-
Dan Green – Speedy ultrarunner with Golden Ticket aspirations
-
Max Jolliffe – Moab 240 champion
-
Ryan Sandes – Former Western States winner stepping up in distance
How to Watch the Cocodona 250
Aravaipa Running and Mountain Outpost will provide 125 hours of non-stop livestreaming on YouTube, starting at 4:30 a.m. PT on Monday, May 5. There will be 16 different stream segments throughout the race.
👉 Live Coverage is available directly via the Mountain Outpost YouTube Channel.
You can also follow live GPS tracking or stay updated through race media and highlights.
Source Link:
