J-6/Mescal Whetstone 5k Run/Walk/Roll and 10k Challenge Run with The CATT

CHECK BACK AT THE BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER TO SEE IF COVID RESTRICTIONS NEED TO BE IMPLEMENTED TO RETAIN IN-PERSON VENUE.

2024 ROUTE WILL BE THE SAME AS 2023! - SAME DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY, SAME SPECTACULAR VIEWSCAPES.  

Just 45 minutes south of Tucson, Arizona, this remarkable course begins on well-maintained pavement with adjacent grass at a cool 4300' elevation.  The 10k route will loop the 230' elevation gain twice while frequently switching between pavement and dirt. The course ends with an amazingly fast 2.5k downhill finish framed with awesome views and landscapes. This route is not walker friendly within the two-hour window for chip timing.  Several drainage area are not appropriate for wheeled equipment.

Shortly after leaving I-10 at Exit 297 and heading south, participants will be guided to parking and staging via signs and volunteers.  Vehicles with multiple participants quality for PRIMIER PARKING close to Check-in, Registration Tables, Info Boards, Portable Bathrooms, the Start/Finish Line, Participant Post Nutrition Station, and the Awards/Prize Corrals. Handicapped parking and bathrooms are available at the staging area, Community Bible Church - 714 S. J6 Ranch Road, Benson, Arizona. 

The Start / Finish Line setup provided by On Your Left Fitness and Timing is approximately 500' south of the staging area .  After a brief opening ceremony and Special Tribute at 6:15 A.M., the Race Director will announce how to be enter the 10k RED WHITE & BLUE RAFFLE!   Our preferred start is a mass group departing at 6:30, but we will be prepared to do bid-number waves departing in 1-minute intervals if necessary to maintain our in-person venue.  Check back in September when we update our Schedule and Race Instructions to adhere to County Health Guidelines.  

With the Whetstone Mountains straight ahead, only the right (west) lane will be used by participants. The first 1/2 mile is nearly flat with gentle rolling pavement that will help runners set their pace before starting the gradual 230' elevation gain.  At the water station located about 1 mile from the Start, 10k participants will be directed to turn right onto Oxbow where pavement will soon end and participants meander through scenic desert and grass lands on a rustic two track primitive dirt road. Use the link above to see specific route details such as wash crossings and close up views for navigating two key areas. 

After executing the final sweeping turnaround, participants return to the dedicated race lane where the view changes to overlook the valley and the Rincon / Catalina Mountains.  ON THIS FAST DOWNHILL PORTION, PARTICIPANTS KEEP THEIR RIGHT SIDE CLOSE TO THE YELLOW LINE and, again, go toward the center to pass a slower participant.  

Mile markers and water stations are noted at the link above.  Water Stations, located approximately 1 mile from the Start Line, will provide 8 oz water bottles while the supply lasts - BEST TO CARRY OWN WATER.   This station can be accessed traveling in both directions. 10k participants will pass this water station three times. (See #2 on detail map below.  An additional 10k only water station is added between point #5 and #6.)  Multiple trash cans will be conveniently placed - AIM WELL.  Please do not litter, we need to be invited back next year!

If participants are in need of help along the course, volunteers wearing safety vests at blocked cross roads will be able to immediately contact the First Aid Coordinator for help. The First Aid Coordinator has assembled a mobile  and stationary team at the staging area to provide assistance.  

If needed, signage will remind participants to replace a face mask before crossing the Finish Line. 1st thru 3 place awards will be announced as soon as times possible with age category winners being the primary focus when the courses close.   Since health and safety are always of top concern, check back in August for our latest Schedule and Race Instruction Updates.

Contact the Race Facilitator at 520-609-2738 if needing additional information. 

NOTE:  DUE TO POOR INTERNET SERVICE, PARTICIPANT MUST REGISTER BY MIDNIGHT SEPTEMBER 11. 

 

 

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.