The Crown King Scramble dates back to the mid 1980's. It was one of Arizona's first organized ultra running races and grew to be the largest and most important in the desert South West into the late 90's and early 2000's. Then suddenly it was gone. Aravaipa Running brought the race back in 2013 (the year I ran) and I was grateful to be able to run this race.

This classic point to point race travels from the shores of Lake Pleasant in the Sonoran Desert (think saguaro cactus and ocotillo plants) 6000 vertical feet up to the finish line in the cool pines of the Bradshaw Mountains. The finish line is at the historic Crown King Saloon, one of Arizona's oldest and longest running bars in the heart of a mining ghost town.

The change in scenery along the way is stunning as you move through different ecological zones. The aid stations are very well supported and it is like a giant moving party along the way. One aid station had beers and shots laid out for thirsty runners and the party at the finish line was classic. A barbecue lunch is included with entry and there is plenty of beer on tap. There was karaoke at night and there are cabins to stay in post race in Crown King.

The only negative is the logistics of a point to point race in the mountains. It takes support crew about 2 hours to drive from the start to finish line and there is a 25 mile dirt road to get to the Town of Crown King itself. Race management does have an optional shuttle service that will get you back to your car after you run for a modest fee. All in all a classic and beautiful 50K race.