Naatsisaan Trail Races

NAATSISAAN TRAIL RACES

Navajo Mountain, Utah

Saturday October 26, 2024 

START TIMES: Ultra @ 7:00 a.m. ||10-miler @ 10:00 a.m. || 5K @ 3:00 p.m.

Yá'át'ééh runners!  Welcome to the Naatsisaan Trail Races

The Naatsisaan Trail Races at Navajo Mountain offer unique courses in one of the most beautiful spots on Dine’ Bikeyah.

REGISTRATION – Online registration for the Naatsisaan 10-Miler and Naatsisaan Ultra is now open and will remain open through noon on Friday of race week. Registration for the 5K will remain open online through Friday noon and again on-site Saturday.  More details and registration can be found on the Run Sign Up registration page. 

COURSE & CHECKPOINTS– [The courses are subject to change, at the discretion of chapter leaders and/or race officials.]  All courses traverse challenging and stunning landscapes, including dirt roads, old doubletrack and trails.  

The 10-miler and 50K begin Navajo Mountain High School with a one-mile loop on the local xc course.  The route then leads runners down to "the 4-way" on paved and then dirt roads for a stunning sunrise over the canyons.  The route then re-traces their footsteps back toward the high school where they begin a gradual descending single-track section over three miles to Lost Mesa.  The route arcs around Lost Mesa, and includes dramatic views from the northeast side of the mountain as runners begin a 2+ mile climb on firewood roads and singletrack all the way up to the Waterfall jct.   Then the work begins, as runners will climb above Navajo Begay, through Maple Canyon and along the 2006 fire site to the south rim of Cha (beaver) Canyon, where they will make the turn and head back for the high school.  

The 50K will re-trace a portion of the initial loop as they take off with the High School's xc loop, behind the school, down to Lost Mesa, up the long grind to the Waterfall and up to the south rim of Maple Canyon where the route turns around and heads back to the High School.

The non-competitive 5K trail race is a scenic and tough run on local dirt roads and all runners will receive a finisher's medal. The 5K will also begin and end at Navajo Mountain H.S., taking runners on a scenic course.

Aid stations will include Honey Stinger energy gels, salty, sweet and high carb foods, medical support, communication and fluids. The course is marked with pin flags, cairns and some signage.  Alternative routes may be utilized in case of bad weather.

RUNNER RESPONSIBILITIES: Runners will need to be prepared for extreme weather conditions and have the appropriate gear to accommodate such conditions. Appropriate rain gear and footwear are crucial.  Hypothermia and heat issues can both pose a real threat in the high desert in the fall season, and runners must be prepared for the potential onset of such conditions. Aid stations will have generous supplies of fluids; however, runners should plan to bring their own hydration system.

AFTERNOON CELEBRATION – There will be a community cook-out from 2:00 til 5:00 p.m. at the high school, along with a live music all afternoon.  The 5K race/run begins at 3:00 p.m., and will be followed by a truck-or-treating activity near the finish line!

LODGING/CAMPING – The Navajo Mountain High School is offering rustic camping (with a compost toilet nearby) on the grounds of the school, just a short walk from the start and finish line.  Kayenta, Tuba City and Page, Arizona (each about two hours from the chapter house) have multiple lodging option.

WEATHER – The weather in the Navajo Mountain area, including the surrounding canyons, can be very volatile.  Runners should be prepared for rapid changes in conditions, including rainy conditions, wind, snow and cold. The mountain section of the route may be windy, cold and is more likely to experience snow/rain.  Less likely, but still possible, are heat issues on this route, even in late October. Please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for any extreme weather and trail conditions that may arise.

AWARDS – Overall and age-group awards will be presented in all three races.  All finishers will receive a finisher’s medal. 

The Naatsisaan Trail Ultra and the Navajo Parks Race Series are organized by the nonprofit organization NavajoYES in collaboration with Navajo Mountain High School and Navajo Parks & Rec.  The event has sponsorship and/or logistical support from Utah Navajo Health System, Naatsisaan Community School, the Navajo Rangers, Navajo Nation EMS and Teec Nos Pos Trading Post.

CONTACTS

Tom:  928.429.0345; chuskaman@yahoo.com ; www.navajoyes.org  

Josh/Rocky Mountain Timing (registration/timing) 970.403.2794   info@rmtiming.co  

www.navajoyes.org  || www.facebook.com/NavajoYES