Description

NAATSISAAN TRAIL ULTRA 

Navajo Mountain, Utah

Friday & Saturday – October 30-31

Welcome to the Naatsisaan Ultra & 10K Trail Race!  Native runners may use the coupon code ULTRA20 to save 50% off the 50k race.

REGISTRATION – Online registration for the Naatsisaan Ultra 50K is now open and will remain open through Thursday, October 29 or until the race hits the 100 runner cap.  There will be no on-site registration for the 50K. Registration for the 10K will remain open online through Friday morning and again on-site on Saturday morning.  Details, photos, map and registration can be found at the NavajoYES website: www.navajoyes.org.

The 50K trail run from Navajo Mountain High School traverses challenging and stunning landscapes that offer a trail run open to experienced trail runners from the Navajo Nation and beyond.

The competitive 10K trail race is a scenic and tough run on local dirt roads; there are overall and age-group awards for this event.   The 10K will also begin and end at Navajo Mountain High School.

COURSE & CHECKPOINTS– The 50K course will include primarily dirt roads, old doubletrack and trails, with two miles of pavement.  The route will include stunning view of Lake Powell on the San Juan River section, Hawkeye Arch and several miles on the southern flank of Navajo Mountain.  The start and finish is at Navajo Mountain High School. Checkpoints will have Honey Stinger energy gels, chews and waffles, salty, sweet and high carb foods, medical support, communication and some fluids. Most checkpoints will include some shelter, sleeping bags/blankets and heat sources.  

The course is marked with pin flags, cairns and some signage; however, runners must study the course map, attend Friday’s runner meeting and be familiar with the route; runners should possess some basic route-finding skills.  Runners may choose to include GPS system, personal locater device/SPOT and/or satellite phone in their personal kit.  Course is subject to revision, at the discretion of race organizers. Alternative routes will be utilized in case of bad weather.

RUNNER RESPONSIBILITIES: Runners will need to be prepared for extreme weather conditions and have the appropriate gear to accommodate such conditions. Appropriate rain gear and footwear are essential. Hypothermia and heat issues can both pose a real threat in the high desert in the fall season, and runners must be prepared for the potential onset of such conditions.  This is a cupless event so runners should plan to bring their own hydration system.

DROP BAGS: Runners in the 50K race may have one drop bag, which will be available at Atene’s Aid Station A.S. and Old Hogan A.S.   Please have your drop bags to Friday’s dinner.  Bags brought on Saturday morning will also be delivered to Atene’s and Old Hogan A.S., but please try to bring drop bags in on Friday if at all possible.   

PACKET PICK-UP & MANDATORY MEETING – Packet pick-up will be available at the Navajo Mountain High School on Friday during the runner meeting and dinner, which begins at 6:00 p.m.  The runner meeting at the Navajo Mountain High School will provide essential information about the race course and logistics for race day.  All 50K runners should try to attend this meeting.  

The meeting will commence at 6:00 p.m. and will include a full course description and other pertinent race information, gear check, a weather outlook and emergency preparedness discussion.  Race officials, chapter leaders, Navajo Rangers, our EMS team, Parks & Rec staff, course marshals and tribal officials will also be in attendance at this meeting. Dinner will follow this meeting.

LODGING/CAMPING – The Navajo Mountain High School is offering camping on the grounds of the school, just a short walk from the start and finish line.  Both Kayenta and Page, Arizona (about two hours from the chapter house) have multiple lodging options.

AWARDS – Overall and age-group awards will be presented in both the 50K and 10K.  All finishers will receive a finisher’s medal. 

WEATHER – The weather in the Navajo Mountain area, including the surrounding canyons, can be very volatile.  Runners should be prepared for rapid changes in conditions, including rainy conditions, wind, snow and cold. Conversely and less likely, there may be opportunities for heat issues on this route, even in late October.  Sections of the trail (between Hawkeye Arch and Old Hogan and Todd’s Hogan A.S.to Lakeview and back)) are extremely exposed to the elements. During heavy rains, there is high risk of flash flood in Desha Canyon and spots along the Hawkeye Arch road. Please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for any extreme weather and trail conditions that may arise.

The Naatsisaan Trail Ultra and the Navajo Parks Race Series are organized by the nonprofit organization NavajoYES in collaboration with Navajo Parks & Recreation.  The event has major sponsorship and/or logistical support from Navajo Mountain Chapter, the Navajo Rangers, Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, Utah Navajo Health System, Kayenta Fire, Tailwind Nutrition, Navajo Telecommunication & Utilities, Honey Stinger, Navajo EMS, and Teec Nos Pos Trading Post.

CONTACTS

Tom:  928.429.0345; [email protected]; www.navajoyes.org 

Jim: 608.201.8175

Registration Questions: Josh/Rocky Mountain Timing 970.403.2794

Navajo Parks & Recreation: 928.871.6647