What IS THE MOGOLLON MONSTER 100??
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The Mogollon Monster 100 is a rugged, challenging trail race taking place about 90 minutes northeast of Phoenix, Arizona just outside the small town of Pine, Arizona. This is an advanced degree endurance race of 106 miles. The race navigates its way up, down, around and through the beautiful Mogollon Rim (Pronounced: mug-ee-yun or muggy-own by locals, we'll call it MOG100 to keep it simple.)
The Mogollon Rim rises out from the earth 2,000 some feet for a span of 200 miles across Arizona and into New Mexico, defining much of the eastern part of the state. This Rim takes the race from elevations of 5,300 feet at the start to upwards of 8,000 feet at the top of the Rim, changing ecosystems along the way in distinct flora changes as the elevation changes switch the scenery from high Sonoran Desert to the largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest in the world.
The race covers roughly 106 miles climbing the Rim in four separate locations spending a lot of miles along the Rim, on top of the Rim and the challenging climbs up and down. Expect to climb a total of about 23,000 feet along the way, never below 5,200 feet and never above 8,000 feet in elevation. While other races are certainly at higher elevations, and/or with more climbing, they certainly do not contain as rugged a terrain that is found on this course. This is a VERY technical course in many areas, specifically the Highline Trail, Donahue and the soon to be revered, Myrtle Trail. That coupled with the additional mileage to a traditional 100 mile race, the terrain, moderate elevation, and intense Arizona sun, this race will certainly take its toll on each runner. First time hundred mile runners may want to think about a different ultra for their first hundred miler. In face...this is a terrible choice for a first hundred. It certainly is possible to complete this as your first, but the warning is necessary. It's going to be really tough. The terrain is very technical, climbs very steep and remote in many areas requiring runners to be alone and self sustained for up to 9 miles between aid stations. It is strongly recommended that each runner have finished at least a 50 miler in the realm of Zane Grey 50, Jemez 50, Squaw Peak 50, San Juan Solstice 50 or the like if you have not completed a hundred mile race. As with any race we reserve the right to refuse any registration, and will, if we feel its in the best interests of the race and the safety of the runner.
As the race takes place in late September temperatures should be in the low 70's to 80's along the Rim but can be drastically lower on top of the Rim. Thunderstorms from the summer monsoon season in Arizona are still possible and with that comes major wind, lightning and flash flood rains. Snow is a possibility, if unlikely in the higher elevations of the course. For the most part we can expect sunny skies, great temperatures and the start of some great fall foliage, especially on top of the Rim with all the ash, oak, maple along the trails.
The Mogollon Rim rises out from the earth 2,000 some feet for a span of 200 miles across Arizona and into New Mexico, defining much of the eastern part of the state. This Rim takes the race from elevations of 5,300 feet at the start to upwards of 8,000 feet at the top of the Rim, changing ecosystems along the way in distinct flora changes as the elevation changes switch the scenery from high Sonoran Desert to the largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest in the world.
The race covers roughly 106 miles climbing the Rim in four separate locations spending a lot of miles along the Rim, on top of the Rim and the challenging climbs up and down. Expect to climb a total of about 23,000 feet along the way, never below 5,200 feet and never above 8,000 feet in elevation. While other races are certainly at higher elevations, and/or with more climbing, they certainly do not contain as rugged a terrain that is found on this course. This is a VERY technical course in many areas, specifically the Highline Trail, Donahue and the soon to be revered, Myrtle Trail. That coupled with the additional mileage to a traditional 100 mile race, the terrain, moderate elevation, and intense Arizona sun, this race will certainly take its toll on each runner. First time hundred mile runners may want to think about a different ultra for their first hundred miler. In face...this is a terrible choice for a first hundred. It certainly is possible to complete this as your first, but the warning is necessary. It's going to be really tough. The terrain is very technical, climbs very steep and remote in many areas requiring runners to be alone and self sustained for up to 9 miles between aid stations. It is strongly recommended that each runner have finished at least a 50 miler in the realm of Zane Grey 50, Jemez 50, Squaw Peak 50, San Juan Solstice 50 or the like if you have not completed a hundred mile race. As with any race we reserve the right to refuse any registration, and will, if we feel its in the best interests of the race and the safety of the runner.
As the race takes place in late September temperatures should be in the low 70's to 80's along the Rim but can be drastically lower on top of the Rim. Thunderstorms from the summer monsoon season in Arizona are still possible and with that comes major wind, lightning and flash flood rains. Snow is a possibility, if unlikely in the higher elevations of the course. For the most part we can expect sunny skies, great temperatures and the start of some great fall foliage, especially on top of the Rim with all the ash, oak, maple along the trails.
Why 106 miles?
Why not? With over 108+ races in the US alone reaching 100 miles (when I originally wrote this in April 2011 there were 88...) it's becoming more and more common for people to reach this distance, however difficult it still remains for all of us. When looking for a hundred mile location in Arizona to really show what the state has to offer in terms of excellent, challenging running terrain the Mogollon Rim really stands out with its great variety of beauty and a great history of "Old West" trails. In creating the route for this race there were parts we felt were necessary to keep in the course and in keeping everything fluid throughout the run the total reached 106 and lowering that number to the magic "100" didn't seem possible. So we began to say, "Why not another 6?" Indeed. Why not? Many reach 100 and are capable of more and in fact, go for more in the Badwaters, Arrrowheads and small few others that stretch your possibilities. We aim to push you just that little bit more, just when you think you are done, dig a little deeper and find another 6 miles in you. In return we promise a well organized race, stunningly beautiful course, incredibly enthusiastic volunteers and of course...one hell of a belt buckle!
What's the Mogollon Monster?
If the history of the course wasn't enough to lure you in, if the beauty of the course wasn't enough to lure you in well how about a mystical monster that has been sighted in this area for nearly 100 years? The "Mogollon Monster" has been sighted on the Rim in the area of the race itself since as far back as 1903. www.mogollonmonster.com More Bigfoot folklore? You bet it is but certainly makes you think a little at 3am in the dark, deep forest not quite sure if that was a herd of elk or...something else...
Here's a clip from Animal Planet's "Finding Bigfoot" that was done on the Mogollon Rim in 2012.
Here's a clip from Animal Planet's "Finding Bigfoot" that was done on the Mogollon Rim in 2012.
