Mogollon Monster 2016 Race Recap

Ultra Running FamilyMogollon Monster is a race for the (ultra) family. The ultra community finds its strong foundation from the hearts and soles (feet variety) of each runner, volunteer, radio personal, pacer and even those following the story from twitter posts, that never seem to come fast enough. It is not often anymore that we are able to find a race that embodies so much of what we love about the ‘classic’ races of yesteryear. These races have a few ingredients that create an undeniable attraction and Mogollon Monster is one of them with: ‘ultra-crazy’ people (those long time supporters, runners and volunteers), traditions and a course that is unlike anything in the world.

‘Ultra-Crazy’ People: Making Friends on (and off) the TrailsForming trail friendships during a race is a trend that is continually happening within our tight-knit community. Seen at this year’s Hardrock 100 finish line when the two race leaders finished hand and hand to tie. However, they did not just finish together they spent most of the day and night experiencing the trails as a team. As a Hardrock qualifier, Mogollon Monster embodies a similar persona. We witnessed countless runners finding their runs were enhanced with another. As runners came into aid stations they talked about conversations they had with people on the course. The topics would cover a vast life’s history and sections of the trail would not be referred to by its course name but “that-section-done-with-a-particular-runner.”

A simple invitation to run in and, “finish this thing together,” was enough to light a fire under one runner, Nick Coury, as he left the final aid station sprinting towards the other runner, Lorenzo Sanchez. Trent Wester and William Jackson crossed the finished together with comments about how, “That thing was diabolical. I think all my toes have blisters.” And exclamations of, “Oh it’s downhill it will be easy now…no.” Their journey had been tough but the looks on their faces showed it was all worth it. Still more runners like Jess Adams and Andi Ramer smiled through their final steps to achieve their 100 miles. Andi made sure to tell co-race director, Jamil Coury, “That was fun, no really, I did enjoy myself.” Andi’s smile beamed with bliss as she held her buckle. The celebration continued as Van Patterson and James Tevault finished together and seemed to have shared the whole journey of the race as a pair. In a true supportive spirit they placed some chairs in front of the finish line to continue cheering on the other runners completing the race. Most runners continued to linger supporting their fellow runners. Even this year’s winner, Andy Pearson, took out his yoga mat and sleeping bag and laid down near the finish line keeping warm and watching the next few runners achieve their 100-mile buckles.
Tradition: Welcoming New and Celebrating OldResurrected from possible extinction, Mogollon  Monster found its way into our hearts. A young race but full of people making it an annual tradition. Hoisting up the official “Mogollon Monster” sign at the start brought chills to those present as it carried the stories of the past. The runners – hopefully – cross under this sign twice in the race, once at the start and the other when they finish. Runners of the Monster also see the same aid stations and radio checkpoints a few times during the run. Returning this year were many of the same Aid Station Captains, volunteers, and radio personnel as they celebrate another year of this special race. One tradition, special to runners who make it far enough in the race to enjoy the switch backs on Myrtle’s Trail, is listening to the song, “Stairway to Heaven.” The radio operator stationed at the top of the climb finds it fitting and has found it within himself to listen to it on repeat for the duration of the race and for the benefit of the runners.

One lively tradition at the ‘Headquarters’ aid station, Washington Park, involves a large bell attached to a board with the words, “Keep Going” painted in green. Runners or spectators ring the bell every time a runner leaves this aid station on their final, “Bell Lap.” And if you happen to be sitting in the chair precariously placed nearby your ears may continue to hear the ring for a minute or two. Another set of loyal Mogollon Monster volunteers were the two gentlemen feeding the finishers all day. Will Butler and Mike Blake cooked up hot dogs, pulled pork, and chili for the finishers, pacers and crew spending time at the finish line.
What are some new traditions developing? There were a few Monster costumes that made appearances at packet pickup, aid stations and even on the course. Most were brown or black but one was bright pink. What kind of Monster will be seen next year?
Course: The Monster…Its Out ThereThe Monster is out there and whether or not you believe in the beast one thing is for certain: this course is not for the faint of heart. Lori Brakeman commented after finishing that the course is ‘brutiful’ a cross between brutal and beautiful. Four climbs up to the top of the rim and traveling through terrains of rocky trail that have loose rocks, shale, and mini dirt gullies from rain runoff. As if that is not enough, add in tall grass sections where it feels more cross country traveling. Many runners after finishing commented how, “it is just unlike anything else.”

This year had the highest finish rate and the winner, Andy Pearson, is the third runner to join an elite crew of sub-24 hours finishers including Steven Moore and Jamil Coury. Fred Roberts finished his third Mogollon Monster and now holds the most finishes at the five year old race. Congratulations to all of the runners this year and a special shoutout to all 33 finishers!