BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//What Race To Run - ECPv6.16.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:What Race To Run
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://whatracetorun.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for What Race To Run
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:UTC
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:UTC
DTSTART:20250101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Phoenix
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:MST
DTSTART:20260101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260613T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20290613T235959
DTSTAMP:20260602T235357
CREATED:20260422T031331Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260510T231527Z
UID:7504-1781341200-1876089599@whatracetorun.com
SUMMARY:Big Five Marathon
DESCRIPTION:Are you a thrill-seeking runner looking for your next big challenge? Look no further than the Big Five Marathon in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Known as the “world’s wildest marathon\,” this race is not for the faint of heart. The stunning surroundings are reason enough to take on the challenge but add in the fact that it takes place in the heart of a wildlife reserve\, and you have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Read on to learn more about the Big Five Marathon and why you should add it to your running bucket list. \nThe Course:\nThe Big Five Marathon takes place within the Entabeni Safari Conservancy\, which means runners are surrounded by some of Africa’s most majestic wildlife. As you run the 26.2-mile course\, you’ll have the chance to see the Big Five animals: lions\, leopards\, elephants\, buffalo\, and rhinos\, along with other incredible creatures such as giraffes\, zebras\, and wildebeests. Don’t worry\, though – the course is designed with safety in mind\, and rangers closely monitor the animals to ensure the safety of participants. \nThe course itself is challenging\, but the scenery and wildlife make it all worth it. Runners will traverse through mountains\, valleys\, grasslands\, and riverbeds\, all while surrounded by stunning views and incredible animals. It’s a truly unique race experience that you won’t find anywhere else. \nThe Community:\nOne of the most unique aspects of the Big Five Marathon is the impact it has on the surrounding community. The race is locally organized and works closely with the villages in the surrounding area. Community members are involved in everything from the race organization to the aid stations along the course. Additionally\, a portion of the race fees go towards conservation efforts in the area\, so not only are you getting to run through the wilderness\, but you’re contributing to its preservation as well. \nThe Preparation:\nIf you’re thinking of taking on this unique marathon challenge\, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First\, be prepared for the weather – the race takes place in June\, which is the middle of winter in South Africa. Temperatures can be chilly\, so pack accordingly. Second\, make sure you are properly trained for the course. The combination of hills\, uneven terrain\, and altitude make for a challenging run. Third\, don’t forget your camera! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some incredible wildlife\, and you’ll want to capture the memories. \nIf you’re looking for a race experience unlike any other\, the Big Five Marathon is the perfect choice. Not only will you get to push yourself physically\, but you’ll also have the chance to see some of the world’s most incredible animals in their natural habitats. It’s a unique opportunity to combine adventure\, running\, and conservation efforts into one unforgettable experience. So lace up your shoes\, pack your bags\, and get ready to take on the world’s wildest marathon. \nCheck out our race catalog for more exciting races. \n \nRelated Races You Might Like\nLooking for more race options? Explore similar races: \n\nAdirondack Marathon Distance Festival\nAmazing Maasai Marathon\nAmsterdam Marathon\n\nSee our complete guides: Best California Races • Best San Diego Races
URL:https://whatracetorun.com/event/big-five-marathon/
LOCATION:Big Five Marathon | Location\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Road Races,Trail Races
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://whatracetorun.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/7504-big-five-marathon-scaled.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20270503T050000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20270503T110000
DTSTAMP:20260602T235357
CREATED:20260511T085018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T085035Z
UID:38051-1809320400-1809342000@whatracetorun.com
SUMMARY:Cocodona 250
DESCRIPTION:The Cocodona 250 is a legendary 250-mile point-to-point trail ultramarathon that traverses Arizona’s diverse landscapes from the Sonoran Desert to the alpine peaks of Flagstaff. \nCourse Highlights\nThe Cocodona 250 is a masterfully curated point-to-point route that showcases the staggering geographical diversity of central and northern Arizona. The journey begins in the Sonoran Desert at Black Canyon City\, where runners navigate winding single-track trails lined with iconic Saguaro cacti and Ocotillos. From the desert floor\, the course ascends into the rugged Bradshaw Mountains\, passing through the historic mining town of Crown King. As runners push northward\, they traverse the Prescott Circle Trail and drop into the lush\, riparian areas near the Verde River. One of the most breathtaking segments takes athletes through the red rocks of Sedona\, featuring technical climbs and descents that offer world-class vistas. The final stages of the race join the Arizona Trail\, climbing through the Ponderosa pine forests of the Mogollon Rim before reaching the high-altitude terrain of Flagstaff. Notable landmarks along the way include the San Francisco Peaks\, Mount Elden\, and the deep\, limestone walls of Walnut Canyon\, providing a visual feast that changes with every hundred miles covered. \nRace Details\nAs one of the premiere 200-plus mile races in the world\, the Cocodona 250 (often measuring around 253 miles) is a true test of logistical and physical fortitude. Organized by Aravaipa Running\, the event features an impressive cumulative elevation gain of over 38\,000 feet and a similar amount of descent. Runners are given a generous but demanding 125-hour time limit to complete the journey\, which finishes in the heart of downtown Flagstaff at Heritage Square. The race is supported by approximately 21 well-stocked aid stations and several water drops\, many of which provide hot meals and a place for runners to access their drop bags or meet their crews. Safety is paramount; all participants are required to carry a SPOT tracker for live monitoring and must have a mandatory 4-liter water capacity to survive the dry\, exposed stretches of the Arizona backcountry. The event typically takes place in early May\, a window that offers a volatile mix of scorching desert heat and the potential for freezing temperatures or even snow at the higher elevations near the finish line. \nWhy Runners Love It\nRunners are drawn to Cocodona not just for the miles\, but for the profound sense of community and the “life-altering” experience promised by the route. Unlike many remote ultras\, Cocodona weaves through several historic Arizona “main street” towns like Jerome and Prescott\, allowing residents and spectators to cheer on the athletes as they pass through local hubs. This connection to the local culture\, combined with the professional live-stream coverage provided by Mountain Outpost\, creates an atmosphere that feels both epic and intimate. The race also celebrates every finisher with equal fervor; the “DFL” (Dead Fucking Last) award is a highly anticipated tradition\, where the final runner to make the cutoff is greeted by a massive “spirit tunnel” and a celebration that rivals the winner’s arrival. For many\, the Cocodona 250 represents the pinnacle of their running career—a journey that forces them to find new depths of resilience while traveling through some of the most beautiful and unforgiving landscapes in the American West. \nReady to take on the ultimate Arizona adventure? Secure your spot for the next edition by visiting the official website for registration and lottery details: Cocodona 250 Official Website. \nAt a Glance\n\nLocation: Black Canyon City\, AZ — United States\nNext Date: 2027-05-03\nDistances: [‘250 Mile’\, ‘125 Mile’\, ‘100 Mile’\, ’80 Mile’\, ’40 Mile’]\nStart Time: 05:00\n\nRegister & Learn More\nVisit the official race website for entry details\, course maps\, and registration: https://www.aravaiparunning.com/cocodona/
URL:https://whatracetorun.com/event/cocodona-250/
LOCATION:Cocodona 250 | Black Canyon City\, 18600 E Deep Canyon Trail\, Black Canyon City\, AZ\, 85324\, United States
CATEGORIES:Trail Races
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://whatracetorun.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cocodona-250.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR