The River Runs XTERRA Black Canyon
Heavier than normal rains this year caused river crossings to be high in the Arizona desert and the XTERRA Black Canyon Trail Run even more adventurous than usual.
“XTERRA athletes love river crossings,” said race director, Shannon Lindner. “And the course this year did not disappoint. Some rivers were almost knee-deep at the crossing, and all of the rain led to some spectacular wildflowers.”
In the men’s race, Arthur DeGraw made it look easy, winning the half marathon in 1:23. The woman’s winner, Morgan Gonzalez, also won by several minutes as she crossed the line in 1:46.
The point-to-point half marathon (13.1 miles) was off to an early start at 7:30 AM to beat the Arizona heat. While waiting for the race, runners were treated to coffee, music, and a fire before they started off. The course followed the Black Canyon Trail to Black Canyon City and Rock Springs Café and was extremely well-marked as the runners crossed rivers, brokered hills, and navigated rocky desert terrain. The half marathon course was almost entirely single track.
The race was originally scheduled for March 5, 2017 but was rescheduled due to high and dangerous waist-deep water levels.
The XTERRA Black Canyon Trail Run is the final race in the Arizona series. You can view the final series standings once all points are calculated. The 2018 Arizona Trail Run Series will begin in October, 2017.
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