Welcome to Northern Arizona Trail Runners Association Web
Site. Founded in fall 2001, NATRA’s mission is to promote trail running
in Northern Arizona to folks of all abilities. We organize group runs
at various trails on Saturday mornings whether there is rain, snow or shine!
Dogs are always welcome, but you must run with them on a leash - it is the law!
If you are new to running or a seasoned veteran, come join us off road and
discover the incredible forest trails of Northern Arizona. Contact NATRA
if you would like to be on our e-mail list.
There is no fee to join the
group, so bookmark NATRA to stay updated on the latest group run
information! Happy Trails!
2/4/2012:Folks, I am excited to again announce the 8th Annual Flagstaff Summer Running Series! We have an early bird special until the end of
February - the package of 6 races still for $175. Prices go up March 1 so register as soon as you can! Great prizes, fun, camaraderie and some of the most challenging
and scenic runs anywhere! REGISTER TODAY ONLINE AT VIRTUAL ROSTER!
2/4/2012: For the 7th straight year, NATRA staffed Aid Station 5 at the Sedona Marathon. Click on the trail
run blog to see the photos and video!
1/7/2012:!!!!!NEW!!!!!!SOULSTICE LOTTERY REGISTRATION for October 13th race IS OPEN! You must register for lottery by March 31st.
Legacy runners must register and pay for their spots by March 31st as well. Don't miss out on what Runner's World called one of the top 32 trail races in the country!
11/24/2011: A brief history of how NATRA's got involved with Picture Canyon and a timeline of articles in the Arizona Daily Sun about
partners who have helped to clean up and preserve the Rio De Flag corridor.
11/22/2011:On THANKSGIVING, we will meet at Buffalo Park at 8:30 AM. We will do a short run on the Oldham Trail
and return to help or run the Turkey Predictor 2 mile loop in Buffalo Park that starts at 9:30 AM.
11/15/2011:Congratulations to the 66 participants at the inaugural Flagstaff Sports Foundation races. Highlighting the race
were Team USA Arizona Olympic hopefuls Emily Harrison , Nick Arciniaga and
Brett Gotcher. They inspired runners into the finish line, signed autographs, and took photos with participants. Visit the hyperlinks and read/listen about their Olympic aspirations.
This is an event you will want to make sure you race next year! FREE race day photos now posted. Race results now posted! Contact us if your results are missing.
11/3/2011:Well deserved recognition in yesterday's Arizona Daily Sun for NATRA's David McKee who has poured his heart and soul into
saving Picture Canyon.
Compare yesterday's article to one 6 years ago about "Flagstaff's Canyon of Shame".Remarkable changes!
10/21/2011: NATRA again helped sponsor Make A Difference Day along the Rio De Flag. 64 volunteers picked up tons of trash and NAU students recorded hundreds of petroglyphs. View and download photos.
10/12/2011: On Saturday October 22, NATRA again will help sponsor Make A Difference Day this time along the Rio De Flag Greenbelt at Route 66.
The event will include picking up trash, seeding and planting, building a wildlife viewing platform and removing noxious weeds and recording of archaeological sites (training provided). After the event tour guides
will lead you through Picture Canyon. Call Connor Boyle at To sign-up in advance as a volunteer, contact Connor Boyle at cboyle@flagstaffaz.gov
or (928) 213-2473. Drop-ins are welcome also. Please bring a hat, work gloves, sturdy shoes, and tools (shovel, rakes). Some tools will be provided
Directions: Take Rt. 66 behind the mall past the auto lots and look for parking signs and Jack Welch.
9/15/2011: On Friday, October 7th, after Pay n' Iake Soulstice Packet Pick Up, the Orpheum is holding a benefit/silent auction with live local bands for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff (Soulstice runners have raised over $4000 for the organization this year) -
One of the big ticket items at a "Big Night Out" will be a last second entry into Soulstice. Tickets will be $20 for NATRA runners if purchased through Neil, otherwise $25.00 at the door. Details at
Big Brothers Big Sisters web page. Got a few hours a week to volunteer? Be a Big!
9/13/2011:BREAKING NEWS! Big weekend for Northern Arizona runners. 3 Time Soulstice winner and record holder Jared Scott places 96th in Albania World Mountain Running Championship!
Not to be outdone, Team Run Flagstaff coach Michael Smith and Jennifer McCarthy win Imogene Pass Run , Sara Wagner comes in 3rd and Eric Bohn 4th!
8/2/2011:Big Brothers Big Sisters of
Flagstaff Run for the Magic and Mountain Man Events have partnered to inaugurate the “Flagstaff Feats of Fortitude”
challenge. If you have the fastest combined times for the August 13th Run for the Magic Half Marathon and the August 14th Mountain Man Triathlon (Olympic or Half
Ironman distances) you will win free entry into both races in 2012 (nearly a $200.00 value). To entice competitors, Northern Arizona Trail Runners Association will
also give a NATRA racing cap to anyone that completes the competition. Race directors will announce the four awards once times are official for both races the week
following the event. Just let us know that you have registered for both and we will include you in the competition to win the Flagstaff Feats of Fortitude challenge!
7/30/2011:NATRA co-sponsored a trail maintenance day with Flagstaff Biking
on our Stewardship section of the Arizona Trail - 32a - from Sandy Seep to Schultz Pass. Most of the
maintenance was done near the junction with Little Bear Trail where post Shultz flooding has done the most damage.
Thanks to the 62 volunteers and 10 NATRA runners who helped with the effort! Download photos!
7/26/2011:Monday Buffalo Park runs take place at 5:30 PM. Meet at the buffalo statue for this 4.5 mile run on Lower Oldham trails.
7/26/2011:Flagstaff Urban Trail System users are invited to complete the FUTS Trail Users Survey .
The survey should take no more than about 10 minutes to complete, and will be available through July 31, 2011.
Information collected in the survey will help in planning and designing future trails. A good response (lots of completed surveys) would be very helpful!
7/10/2011:Team Run Flagstaff is hosting the TEAM RUN FLAGSTAFF 24 HOUR RUN this weekend! Updated photos from throughout the event!
There will be a treadmill in Heritage Square powered by club members and others in the community for 24 straight hours, from 10 a.m. Saturday (July 9th) to 10 a.m. Sunday (July 10th). Read Jacob May's Arizona Daily Sun coverage.
7/5/2011:Salomon Demo Trail Shoes Run: This Wednesday, July 6, Run Flagstaff will host a 6:30AM trail run - Salomon demo (anyone can take a pair on a test run).
Tim Allen will provide Kickstand coffee. It should be great chance for a midweek run. The Salomon trailer will be parked at the "Y" between Schultz and Elden Lookout Rd from 6:30-9 for
anyone just looking to try them out. The run starts at 6:30.
7/3/2011: Flagstaff Summer Running Series standings through 4 races are now posted. Remember, only runners who have completed three or four races have
a score. The standings will change dramatically during the last two races in August! Visit
Virtual Roster and choose to search on the 2011 Series standings at the bottom of the page.
6/25/2011: Congratulations to all finishers at the Northland Hospice Run for Life races! Thanks to Josh Steinlage, we have a youtube video of the entire start! Photos are slowly uploading and available for free download,
so click here ! See Jacob May's and Josh Biggs' story and photo collection on the Arizona Daily Sun web page! Full results posted at Virtual Roster.
Next up, July 4th FREE 4 on the 4th fun run Read the flier here. Volunteers needed too! Read Karen London's story aobut the run in today's Arizona Daily Sun High Country Running column.
6/18/2011: The NATRA running caps to aid my efforts to raise $2000 for the August 13th Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Run for the Magic Half Marathon and 5K have arrived. I will give anyone who donates $40 or more on my fundraising website a NATRA cap . Only 10 blue, 10 red, 9 orange and 18 black are left.
These top of the line running caps retail at SweatVac.com for $22! To make a tax deductible donation that goes straight towards helping Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff (no donation is too small!) visit
Neil's Run for the Magic page . I'll have the caps in the back of my car at all group runs and series races. Thanks for your support!
6/19/2011: Folks, the Team Run Flagstaff Snowbowl Road Climb on July 24th is going to meet its 200 runner limit very soon. Read Eric Bohn's article in today's Arizona Daily Sun and you will know why. Register today at VirtualRoster.com or miss out on a classic Flagstaff event.
6/8/2011: Thanks to Josh Steinlage more than 500 photos are ready for download from the Sacred Mountain Prayer Run .
5/22/2011: Congratulations to the record number of finishers at today's Run for the Mountain! Photos are available for free download, so click here
to see if they are ready! Results are posted at Virtualroster.com! Read Jacob May's
Arizona Daily Sun race day story . Next up, June 4th NACA Sacred Mountain Prayer Run - register at virtualroster.com!
5/15/2011: August 13th 34th Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Run for the Magic Half Marathon (Run/Walk) and 5K Registration is open!
Register early and save!
4/10/2011: October 8th Soulstice Mountain Trail Race is filled. If you earned a spot through the
lottery, please register immediately otherwise your slot will be opened. You must register online no later than April 17th.
4/7/2011: Do you or somebody you know want to have some fun while safely easing into a beginner running routine? Stop by at 6 pm (Thursday the 7th),
Coconino High School Room 407 for Team Run Flagstaff's "Step into Running" info session. All welcome, please spread the word!
2/12/2011: For the 6th straight year, NATRA staffed Aid Station 5 at the Sedona Marathon. Click on the trail
run blog to see photos and video.
1/9/2011: Is your running in a rut? Are you looking to improve your speed while hanging out with
really fun folks? Start the New Year off right and join Team Run Flagstaff today!!!! Team Run Flagstaff provides opportunities in running for those of all levels of interest and experience through
organized training, coaching, and educational offerings. For less than $1.75 a week, annual membership gets you expert coaching (Dr. Jack Daniels philosophy); enhanced well-being, fitness, and camaraderie; and
monthly exclusive offerings and socials. Read Karen London's High Country Runner article about the benefits of joining Team Run Flagstaff.
11/23/2010: NATRA helped sponsor Make a Difference Day on the Flagstaff Urban Trail near Foxglenn Park on 10/23/2010. View photos and read the NATRA trail blog about the event!
9/25/2010:Congratulations to all Flagstaff Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K finishers!
Due to numerous race day changes/switches, results will be posted at Virtual Roster on Sunday evening. In the meantime,
you can view and download race day photos . All photos by David Blanchard and Neil Weintraub. Enjoy!
9/12/2010: Congratulations to all finishers of the Imogene Pass Run. Jason Wolfe took 2nd overall with Eric Bohn taking 7th! Flagstaff had 10 podiums with
F 15-19 Taylor Oster (3rd); M 20-24 Steven Foreman (2nd); M 25-29 Eric Bohn (3rd); M 30-34 Jason Wolfe (1st); F 34-39 Dara Marks-Marino (1st); F 45-49 Maureen Meyer (1st); M 60-64 Ray Lobato (2nd); F 65-69 Linda Sherman (1st - new age division record) and Nancy Taylor (2nd); M 70-74 Walt Taylor (2nd).
Full results are now posted at the Imogene Pass Run Website.
8/28/2010:WANTED!: Sinagua Middle School, Assistant Cross-Country Coaching Position, M-F 2:45-4:00 pm, $600 Aug. 30th-October 30th
Benefits: Helping Flagstaff youth to enjoy the benefits of running and working alongside the talented and charismatic Steve Rhode-what more could a person want?!
Contact 928-527-5500 for more information.
8/28/2010:Congratulations to the outstanding efforts by teams with Flagstaff runners at TransRockies. Sara Wagner/Adam Chase (2nd Mixed 80+),
Brian Tinder/Chris Purslow (4th Mixed Open), Eric Bohn/Jason Wolfe (2nd Mens Open), Engracia Dang/John Dimeo (7th Mixed Open), Joe Bob Armstrong/Aaron Els (16th Mens 80+), Mark Thurston/Andres Santiago (2nd Mens 80+) and Jennifer Robino/Marie Martinek (11th Womens 80+) all turned in stellar performances at the epic 6 day stage race! Visit the Trans Rockies Web page for photos and final standings.
8/18/2010:Final Series Standings!
Please read the Virtual Roster note about how to search on Series results. Remember, you must have run at least 3 of the 10K or 15K races to appear in the standings! 30 Salomon Trail Shoe Certificates
will be awarded based on the percentages of entrants in each competitive division. Men's Open - Top 6; Men's Masters - Top 9; Women's Open - Top 9; Women's Masters - Top 6.
8/15/2010 (Photos Updated!): Congratulations to all participants in the 33rd Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Half Marathon Run/Walk and 5K Fun Run. Chris Gomez's 1:16.08 and Hayley Benson's 1:33.09 took the top honors, both well ahead of their fields.
John Bogen's 1:31.19 and Grace White's 1:49.50 won the Masters division. In the 5K, Billie Orman flew across the finish line in 15.48 while Janice Lyle's 20.25 edged out Deanna Eldred by 4 seconds. Results are posted at Virtualroster.com
If you would like to comment on the race, feel free to do so at Flagstaff Trail Running Blog where a slideshow of the race
is posted. Free, downloadable photos taken by Todd Cislo ! Halfway Aid Station photos now posted by Kathleen O'Neill-Manrique, and
at Thorpe Park gate by Gene Roberdeau and Cory Sheeley .
Also, eventhough the race is over, please consider
any donation to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Half Marathon. All donations are tax deductible and go towards helping Flagstaff
children succeed by matching them with appropriate adult mentors.
8/8/2010: Congratulations to all runners and volunteers who braved the
rains, river crossings and mud in today's Machine Solutions 10 and 5K runs. Read Jacob May's Arizona Daily Sun coverage. Photos of the rain soaked run (a bit blurry, but fun)
are now posted for viewing and downloads. For race results visit VirtualRoster.com .
6/23/2010:Saturday June 26th Northland Hospice Race begins at 7:30 AM, not 8 AM as published in couple of places!!!! Series Standings! Due to a transition to databases,
we are calculating the series standings a bit differently. We have simplified the formula to be based on your overall ranking against all runners
(not split out by gender). This doesn't change the standings at all, just the percentile ranking. Also different this year is that you won't have
ranking until you have done at least 3 competitive distances. You can calculate your average and see where you might stand if you have done less than three races. Much like World Cup Soccer, one race can change everything. Several runners may leap in the standings if Big Brothers Big Sisters race is their 3rd race!!!! So pay attention to the standings from here on out!
5/25/2010:Beautiful new photos by Mountain School's art teacher Jacquie Kortas! Congratulations to all the runners who fought the wind at the record Run for the Mountain
2K, 5K and 10K races. Over 400 finishers! Chris Gomez won the men's 10K in a blazing 33.57 just ahead of Eric Bohn (34.16) and Jason Wolfe (34.38).
On the women's side, Sara Wagner set the pace with a 42.18 followed by Erin Phelps (43.56) and Michelle Wesson's 44.34. In the 5K,
Christian Foelker won in 18.12 ahead of Danny Murray (20.30) and George Koch (22.04). Suzi Zwick won the women's 5K in 23.45 followed by
Angi Christiansen (24.30) and Dafna Schab (24.38). Unofficial (and searchable) results are posted at Virtual Roster. We are missing information on a few race day registrants, so if you see an error, please contact us.
View and download
photos taken by Josh Steinlage. See today's Arizona Daily Sun
race coverage and a story on Cory Sheeley's return to the Series! Again, thanks to all the runners for their support of today's record race! Become a fan of the Series on Facebook!
4/17/2010: The Soulstice Mountain Trail Run is sold out! Check out the
Lottery video that took place April 1 at high noon. The list of Soulstice entrants is also posted there if you don't have 14 minutes. Thanks to the Pay n' Take
for again being our Soulstice Headquarters! Rather than a waiting list, you can post your name on NATRA's Fan Page on Facebook if you wish to
find a spot. The runner who exchanges the spot will then contact me and I will send you an entry form.
4/12/2010: On April 19, 2010, at 7p.m., Cline Library will screen Lady Warriors (2001), by producer John C. P. Goheen . The film tells the story of seven Native American teenage girls who
are Arizona state cross-country running champions, training for another championship competition. The film takes us behind the scenes—on the Navajo and Hopi reservations, in and around Tuba City, Arizona and on the
road—as the Lady Warriors prepare for their fourth state championship competition. The discussion leaders for this film will be Northern Arizona regional elite runners, Alvina Begay and Leandra Thomas.
Alvina and Leandra are competitive female runners from the Navajo Nation and are also degree-seeking NAU students. Please plan to attend as organizers plan to recognize all local runners at this last film of
the Native American Film series. If you haven't seen Lady Warriors, don't miss out!
4/12/2010:On April 17th, NATRA runners have been invited by Hopi to participate in the FIRST MESA ANNUAL PLANTING & SEED RUN at Sichomovi Village Plaza. The Gathering of the Seeds and blessing begins at 8 AM (same as Flagstaff time).
Please bring seeds such as corn, watermelon, gourds, etc. The run (probably a 10K) begins at 9 AM. Runners of all abilities are encouraged to participate. Traditional food donations are needed and welcomed! A traditional meal will be served following the run.
For more information contact: Rainy or Rod 738-5355 (928) 401-0331 or Auntie Kooyaquaptewa 738-0088.
2/28/2010:Continually updated Ragnar Relay Photos. Check back for more soon!
2/20/2010: Congrats to all participants at today's Kahtoola Agassiz Uphill Race! Click on the "Trail Run
Blog" in the side bar to see the video of the start and to view and download photos of the colorful race.
2/12/2010: Folks, as many of you have heard, NATRA runner Cory Sheeley is battling AML Leukemia and needs your support!
Stay updated by visiting Cory's Miracle Page and show her support by joining Cory's Healing Page on Facebook.
On February 13th, Cory's dad Tom Sheeley, the well known classical guitarist will be hosting an all day Guitarathon at the Coconino Center for the Arts.
Visit Cory's Miracle Web Page for all the details. A David McKee painting and two Soulstice spots will be included in the silent auction.
Listen to Gillian Ferris Kohl's KNAU interview with Cory's dad Tom about the upcoming concert.
2/6/2010: Photos from the Sedona Marathon's NATRA Aid Station 5 are now available for download!
Copy and paste http://picasaweb.google.com/natraneil/sedona_2010# into your browser!
2/4/2010: GREAT NEWS! Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has agreed to once again sponsor
the 6th Annual Flagstaff Summer Series! Registration forms will be available in the next few weeks. In the meantime, save these important dates!
May 22nd, 8 AM: Run for the Mountain 10K/5K/2K; June 5th, 7:30 AM: Sacred Mountain 10K/5K/2K; June 19th, 8 AM: Gaspin in the Aspen 15K/5K/kids dash;
June 26th, 7:30 AM: Run for Life 10K/5K/2K; August 7th, 8 AM: Soldier's Trail Run 10K/5K/2K; August 14th, 7:30 AM: Big Brothers Big Sisters Half Marathon/5K Run/Walk.
1/30/2010: Copy and paste http://picasaweb.google.com/natraneil/Mormon_lake# into your browser to view and download the Kahtoola/Mormon Lake Snowshoe Race photos.
1/17/2010:Sunday, January 10th, Dale Shewalter, founder and visionary of the 800 mile long Arizona Trail passed away in Flagstaff after a long battle
with cancer. His tireless efforts have left us a lifetime of trails to enjoy so please take a few moments and visit the Arizona Trail web page to learn more about Dale's legacy.
Later this Spring we will have a very special point to point group run along the Arizona Trail to honor Dale, so stay tuned.
1/10/2010: Congrats to all participants at today's Kahtoola Snow or No Snow Shoe Race! Download photos .
12/6/2009: Check out the YouTube Video of the second annual NATRA polar plunge in Beaver Creek!
Steve, Sabrina and Mark are our heroes!
11/29/2009: Yeah finally some SNOW!!!! Now stay warm while running this winter by ordering NATRA/Soulstice fleece outerwear at my wife's
business, Your Little Stitch . If there is a color you would like and don't see it, contact Diana.
11/26/2009:A great turnout for the 28th annual Buffalo Park turkey trot predictor run! The NATRA group run brought along an additional 30+ runners who joined the fun
at Buffalo Park. Download turkey trot photos!
10/21/2009:A record year for Flagstaff foot races! Beginning with the May 16th Run for the Mountain School race until Soulstice on October 10th, more than 3000 runners participated
in 9 local races, with at least one event each month. Watch the 2009 Flagstaff running races slide show.
10/15/2009 (new photos!):It was a glorious fall day for the 10th running of Soulstice. With the absence of the usual adverse
weather, Sara Wagner's 1:25.15 smashed the women's long course record by 37 seconds. More notably, Sara defended her title and became the first
runner to win Soulstice 3 times! In his first Soulstice, Michael Smith's 1:09.24 (TransRockies champ and runner up at Imogene)was
a mere 14 seconds shy of breaking Jared Scott's course record. On the Master's side, 2002 overall champion Michael Olson won in
1:22.39 and Margaret Grove won the women's title in 1:34.51. In the Sprint division Ryan Stevens' 42.23 and Jennifer McCarthy's
48.50 took overall top honors while Mark Thurston's 48.57 and Janice Lyle's 55.15 won the Master's division.
This year's race also raised over $5000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff! Soulstice
unofficial results . Please Email us with any corrections.
Astrid Klocke's race photos for download (Stay tuned, hundreds more to be posted this week!)
View Eric Helfrich's photos from the top of Sunset! Bruce Higgins' sprint course start photos.
(NEW!) Shannan Harding's race photos. Soulstice also marked the end of the Salomon Flagstaff Mountain Trail Championship. Zach Thomas and Sara Wagner took top honors with the fastest
combined times at the 3 most grueling trail races in Flagstaff: Gaspin in the Aspen, Flagstaff Half Marathon, Soulstice. Each won $850.
Ryan Stevens and Jennifer McCarthy each won $400 for winning the Sprint course titles. It is very likely that we will have a lottery
for entry into Soulstice 2010. Stay tuned for registration details.
If you have race stories, thoughts or tips to share, please do so by commenting on the Trail Run blog (left index).
9/20/2009: Are you a healthy, positive woman over 18 who loves to run and
would love to accompany a girl at her pace as she reaches her goal of completing an untimed, noncompetitive 5K?
The spring season of Girls on the Run has begun and over 80 girls will need a Running Buddy to support and
encourage them during the New Balance Girls on the Run 5K on November 21, 2009 at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff, where
everyone is #1! To learn more about volunteering contact Stephanie.
The mission of Girls on the Run of Coconino County is to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. Check out their
website for more information about their programs. See photos from 5/2/2009 Girls on the Run 5K.
9/13/2009:Flagstaff runners filled the top ranks at Imogene Pass Run. The men took 3 of the top 10 spots while women placed in 7 of the top
25. Dozens of other Flag runners podiumed in age divisions! Visit the Imogene Pass Run Web Page to see the standings!
8/31/2009: Nearly 100 folks showed up to the 5th Annual Blue Cross Blue Shield Summer Running Series BBQ - 40 more than last year!
Download photos from Sunday's event.
8/8/2009: It was a picture perfect day for the 32nd Annual Running of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Half Marathon and 5K. Besides the weather,
we were treated to the beautiful pre-race wedding nuptuals of David Bluestein and Kristy XU. During the race, Matt Clark's 1:17.00 bested Michael
Smith by 28 seconds. On the women's side Sara Wagner won her 5th of 6 races in 1:35.48 well ahead of Michelle Wesson's 1:42.59.
In the Master's Division Richard Doucett's 1:27.16 and Janice Lyle's 1:45.40 took the top spots. In the 5K Ryan Schmidt's 15.50 outpaced
Nicholas Lewandowski by 8 seconds while Jane Goldsworthy's 20.08 bested Janel Lanphere's 21.44. Unofficial Race Results now posted (12:30 PM). Contact us about any
errors or missing runners! Race day photos now available for download! Walker's results are now posted! . In the 5K Fun Run, only top 3 overall
receive medals. If you were not present for your award, please call 774-0649. Read Daniel Berk's race coverage in the Arizona Daily Sun.
6/28/2009: Congratulations to all runners who participated in today's Northland Hospice 10/5K races, and special kudos to those
who wore costumes despite the heat! Vince Sherry shattered the course record with a 32:40. Eric Bohn took second in 33:20. On the women's side, Haley Benson's 39:43 bested
Theresa Holland's 41:21. For complete results visit CEPTiming.com. View and download pictures from the race.
See Josh Biggs' Arizona Daily Sun photo slideshow and read Daniel Berk's race article.
6/21/2009: Despite a bone chilling first day of "summer", and a fresh coat of snow on the Peaks, Sara Wagner kept marching towards a clean sweep of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Flagstaff "Summer"? Series by
setting a personal best at today's Gaspin in the Aspen 15K with a 1:09:28. No drama this time in the men's race as Robert Krar set the pace with an outstanding 54:50. Ryan Schmidt (18:22) and Jennifer McCarthy
(22:10) topped the leader board in the 5K. Unofficial Results (3:30 PM) are now posted. Please ontact us
about any errors! View pictures from the race.
Read Daniel Berk's Arizona Daily Sun race coverage. Also, check
out The Running Bob's pre-race thoughts about Gaspin! Finally, read NATRA runner
Richard Coast's article about VO2 Max in today's Daily Sun! The first Summer Series standings will be posted later today, so stay tuned!
So next up is the June 27th Northland Hospice Run for Your Life 10K/5K.
The question is, will summer ever arrive?
6/6/2009: For the second straight race, Sara Wagner (42:51) and Jonathan Harmon (35:48) took
top honors at today's Sacred Mountain 10K Prayer Run. And once again, Harmon created an exciting finish, this time outkicking Caleb Schiff by 5 seconds.
The 10K saw a record 171 finishers! Not to be outdone, the 5K had a record 133 finishers! 18 year old Aaron Biah won the 5K in 18:47 while 12 year old Brianna Loughran won the women's race in 23:26.
Congrats to all on racing up and down the steep Urban Trail. Unofficial Results (3:30 PM) are now
posted (please contact us with any errors!). View pictures from the race and read race coverage from the Arizona Daily Sun.
6/6/2009: On Tuesday June 9th from 5-6 PM at the NAU Rec Center Conference Room, Team Altius is hosting an hour Q and A
session with 2008 Olympians and American record holders Shalane Flanagan and Matt Tegenkamp. One of history’s most accomplished distance runners
Shalane Flanagan is the American Record holder in the 5000 (14:44), and 10,000 (30:22) and the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist in the 10,000.
Matt Tegankamp is the American record holder in the 2 mile (8:07) and the 4 th fastest 5k runner in US history (13:04) and a 2008
Olympian at 5000 meters. Do not miss this event!
5/16/2009: With a record turnout, the 5th Annual Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Flagstaff
Summer Running Series kicked off under picture perfect conditions at the Run for the Mountain School!
In one of the most exciting 10K finishes in recent memory, Jon Harmon (34:55) outkicked Eric Bohn (34:56) in a dual down the finish line straight
away. Ed Crowley took 3rd in 37:28. On the women's side Sara Wagner's 42:43 bested AnneMarie Pederson's 44:13. Theresa Holland finished
3rd in 45:19. In the 5K, Ryan Schmidt ran away with the race in 18:32 followed by Bret Sarquist's 19:44 and Brad Shorb's 20:12.
On the women's side Angi Christensen's 23:37 gave her the title ahead of Erin Young's 24:10 and 12 year old Brianna Loughran's 24:31. Award winners
took home classic vinyl lp artwork by Mountain School students. After the hot race, Scott from the Pay-n Take replenished everyone
with gallons of root beer floats! Updated Unofficial Results, 3:30 PM. Download digital photos!
See Arizona Daily Sun's Josh Biggs' slide show from the finish line!
Read the The Running Bob's account of the race with photos and youtube slide show!
4/22/2009: NATRA is helping fight diabetes with the Hopi Wellness Center. Are you just starting to run/walk? For just $8 join the 17th Annual Hopi 100 Mile Club.
To help motivate you the Hopi Wellness Center hosts 9 free runs on May 4, 18; June 1,16,29; July 13,27; and August 11,20. Registration closes May 4th. All 100 Mile Club Fun run/walks (with the exception of Tuba City) will have a 1 mile, 2 mile and 5k. Tuba City/100 MC will host a 10k,
5k, and 3k walk. Registration for the walks begin @ 5pm and the fun run/walks begin @ 6pm. See the event calendar to left for specific
locations. There are no registration fees for the fun run/walks!
4/16/2009: NATRA is helping sponsor Coconino Community College's Running Fitness For Girls Summer Class.
The class is for 12-15 year old girls on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 16th to July 30th. They will run the urban trails around the college campus.
4/5/2009:Japanese comedian and ultra-marathon runner Hazama Kanpei is on a challenge to run and sail, non-stop, around the world.
Kanpei has already covered more than 14000 km, from Japan and 70 days across the Pacific by yacht, and today (Day 111 of his journey), he arrived in Flagstaff
on Route 66 to the cheers of NATRA. Follow the Earth Marathon web page for details on Kanpei's epic run! NATRA
joined Kanpei for a jog on Route 66 this afternoon. Check the trail blog for photos!
4/1/2009:Read about the Arizona Trail's designation as a National Scenic Trail!.
Help the trail get a $50,000 grant by voting on-line. NATRA will
again partner with Flagstaff Biking to sponsor a "Close the Gap" trail construction weekend July 25th and 26th. See
"Trail Maintenace" to the left for more details and photos and help NATRA and FBO
complete the Arizona Trail!
3/13/2009:Read about Mount Elden fox rabies. This important
news release tells how to protect yourself and your pets. Pets must be leashed in the National Forests!
2/28/2009: NATRA Competitive Team 3-Petes (23:47:15) in the 3rd Annual 202 mile Ragnar Relay Open-Mixed Division. Behind them in 4th place were Flagstaff's Rowdy Rockin Road Runners (26:44:36), followed by the 6th place NATRA Elevation Deprivation team (26:51:14) and the NATRA Pine Cone Smashers (28:23:39) in 14th place out of 101 teams!
A Runner's High took the overall title in 20:28:57 and Falgstaff Cross Fit finished 15th overall in the Men's Open Division. View or download photos from the February 27th-28th Ragnar Relay:All photos.
2/8/2009: Congrats to all the Flagstaff runners who competed in yesterday's 4th Annual Sedona Marathon.
Remarkably, Flagstaff runners dominated the Half Marathon course taking the top 5 men's and top 4 women's places!!!!
For photos from NATRA's Aid Station 5 at the Sedona Marathon, click on the trail blog in the
index on the left!
1/23/2009: The much anticipated NATRA fleece running vest, jacket and headwear are now available just in time for the coldest part of the winter! Stay warm and look great by visiting Your Little Stitch and
click on NATRA! Help jump start Diana's new online business!
1/18/2009: Check out the trail blog (index to left) for news and downloadable photos from today's Kahtoola Snow or No Snowshoe event!
1/15/2009: Check out the new Event Calendar on the index. If you are a race director submit your email and event date and I can
give you editting access.
1/1/2009: Download the NATRA New Year Report and the
NATRA 2008 Year in Pictures! As a new addition for the New Year, we have started a
Saturday Trail Run Blog. Find
this in the index just below "next run". Vote for your favorite Flagstaff trail run today! If you attended the group run and want to share your adventure (because there always is at least
one good story to tell), feel free to add your thoughts! Please, keep it clean and have fun! Cheers and Happy New Year to all!
12/17/2008: On New Years Day we will have our first ever New Years Day Run! Meet at A Runners High
on the northwest corner of Cherry and Humphrey's Street at 9 AM. We'll run through the neighborhoods downtown!
12/10/2008: Folks, mark your calendars for May 2nd for the first Chasing the Sun 10K Pow-Wow Run hosted at the University of Phoenix
Stadium.
12/2/2008:Dana Bosselmann, a long time Flagstaff resident and NATRA runner, has opened her own massage therapy and nutrition
counseling practice in downtown Flagstaff. All NATRA runners will receive 15% off their first single treatment
and/or purchase a package of sessions which automatically qualifies you for a 15% discount on the entire package.
Dana is also a registered dietitian and healthy chef with a variety of nutrition counseling and hands-on cooking services
available at her studio or the Seasoned Kitchen on north San Francisco Street. Visit Balanced Body Therapeutics for
more details.
11/11/2008:The inaugural IMS Arizona Marathon takes place February 15th.
The Arizona Road Racers are looking for runners who are interested in leading the 3:00:00;
3:10:00; 3:15:00; 3:20:00; 3:30:00; 4:15:00; 5:30:00 and pace groups. Free entry, singlet and pace bands are offered to anyone willing to lead. Contact Karla Averill for more details.
As mentioned at the race, if you want to guarantee a spot in next year's race, e-mail NATRA (with subject "BBBSF Soulstice 2009 Entry" - hurry though, as only 19 fundraising spots are left!) In doing so, you will
be sent a fundraising web page for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff. You must raise at least $250 before we open Soulstice 2009 on April 1st. This is the only way to guarantee entry into the race and we will allow only 40 runners this option (which means the race
will only be available to 160 runners on April 1st!). So basically, your friends and family sponsor you to run Soulstice on behalf of
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff. By doing so, they cover your entry fee and you get all the great prizes fun, party, swag bag, high tec shirt, food and honor that come with running Soulstice
for such a great local cause! Furthermore, top fundraisers will get fantastic prizes!
10/5/2008:Don't miss today's War Dog 2008 photos!.
24 runners climbed 3000 ft. to the top of Doyle Saddle and back. This year's race featured snow at the top of the Peaks making for
some of the most spectacular scenery in years!
8/15/2007:For past news and race results, click on news archives to left!
