The mogollon monster 100 2017 alternate course
**ATTENTION ALL 100 MILE PARTICIPANTS IN THE 2017 MOGOLLON RACE**
To keep everyone as informed about the Mogollon Monster 100 as possible we have created this page that includes information pertaining to an alternate course that is necessary in order to hold the event in 2017.
Please read through this page to stay informed and up to date with the current race plan for this year's race.
Please read through this page to stay informed and up to date with the current race plan for this year's race.
Why the alternate course?
The Mogollon Rim was victim to two forest fires earlier this summer. The Bear Fire began on top of the rim and the Highline Fire below the rim. Not long after they started to spread, the two of them joined and the fire went on to burn more than 7,000 acres of land.
All of the crews, firefighters, etc. in the rim country did an exceptional job at containing this fire and having personally run the portion that went through Houston Brothers and Bear Canyon I can say that the trails are still incredible and you will hardly notice the burn marks.
In addition, as the monsoon season picked up some steam and with less vegetation than usual due to these fires, flash floods ripped through the area washing out sections of the Highline trail near Hell’s Gate. The resulting destruction and debris in the area caused the Tonto National Forest to extend the closure of these trails through the end of the monsoon season into September.
All of the crews, firefighters, etc. in the rim country did an exceptional job at containing this fire and having personally run the portion that went through Houston Brothers and Bear Canyon I can say that the trails are still incredible and you will hardly notice the burn marks.
In addition, as the monsoon season picked up some steam and with less vegetation than usual due to these fires, flash floods ripped through the area washing out sections of the Highline trail near Hell’s Gate. The resulting destruction and debris in the area caused the Tonto National Forest to extend the closure of these trails through the end of the monsoon season into September.
How Does this affect the Monster?
Our 100-mile race runs from Washington Park (mile 43) and heads east directly through the Hell’s Gate wilderness (aid station at mile 50) and eventually turns left onto the Myrtle Trail and climbs to the top of the rim before heading up the forest service road towards Buck Springs.
In a collaborated effort with the Forest Service, we will reroute the 100-mile course (only) by avoiding the route eastbound on the Highline Trail connecting to Myrtle, eliminating the Hells Gate Aid Station completely.
We do not take this decision lightly. Of course we would like to host the event on the original trails but have determined that it is necessary to alter the course for 2017 in respect of the forest service, the reclamation of the land, and the safety of all runners.
In a collaborated effort with the Forest Service, we will reroute the 100-mile course (only) by avoiding the route eastbound on the Highline Trail connecting to Myrtle, eliminating the Hells Gate Aid Station completely.
We do not take this decision lightly. Of course we would like to host the event on the original trails but have determined that it is necessary to alter the course for 2017 in respect of the forest service, the reclamation of the land, and the safety of all runners.
The new Course
The alternate course is still beautiful, difficult, and most importantly, 100 miles! We would remove the climb up Myrtle and replace it with a second climb up the Arizona Trail from Washington Park. In place of the Hell’s Gate aid station, runners will stop at the Houston Brothers aid station an additional time before heading out towards Buck Springs. Runners would now get to experience the Barbershop Trail heading east to the Buck Springs aid station (mile 56).Everything will remain the same for the remainder of the race.
Aid stations and cutoffs
Aid Station Mileage Changes for Alternate Course
**Mile 1-43 will remain unchanged heading into Washington Park 2**
Washington Park 2 – Mile 43
Houston Brothers 2 – Mile 49.6
Barbershop turnoff – Mile 51.5 (there's a sign)
Buck Springs Aid Station – Mile 56.5*
*course merges with original course and mileage from here to finish
Cutoff times will remain the same as the mileage to the aid station have not changed.
**Mile 1-43 will remain unchanged heading into Washington Park 2**
Washington Park 2 – Mile 43
Houston Brothers 2 – Mile 49.6
Barbershop turnoff – Mile 51.5 (there's a sign)
Buck Springs Aid Station – Mile 56.5*
*course merges with original course and mileage from here to finish
Cutoff times will remain the same as the mileage to the aid station have not changed.
FAQ:
Will the race still be a Hardrock Qualifier?
The 100 mile course will still remain a qualifier for the Hardrock 100.
Will I sill receive UTMB points?
Yes, UTMB points will still be the same for the 100 mile course.
The 100 mile course will still remain a qualifier for the Hardrock 100.
Will I sill receive UTMB points?
Yes, UTMB points will still be the same for the 100 mile course.
