Now that you’ve got some reasons to run Black Canyon I thought I’d put together a list of tips for first-timers. 100k or 60k, it should hopefully help runners get to that finish line – whether it be Black Canyon City or that nifty 100k finishers buckle.
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Beware the elevation profile
Yes, look at all that nice downhill in the beginning. You’re quads are fresh, you just started so you’re feeling great, it’s incredibly easy to breeze through the first 20 miles. The worst (or best)thing is that the first 20 miles are smooth, twisty and a whole lot of fun. You’ve got expansive desert scenery that’s easy to get sucked into (not that you shouldn’t). The climbs don’t look that bad, and realistically they’re not at all bad but know that the miles will add up, it will get warmer and the trail gets considerably more rocky as the race goes on.
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Pace yourself
Do the best you can to pace yourself. If you’re doing the 100k it’s likely the first time you’ve raced this length. You might think that it’s only 12 mile miles longer than a 50-miler and of course, that’s true. That doesn’t mean it feels that way.
Prepare yourself mentally at mile 51 (Table Mesa Road) that you have still 11 miles left and a few more climbs. At this point it might be getting dark (or already is) so know that you will be doing this with a headlamp. The trail is more technical and feels generally harder to manage.
Photo credit: Bret Sarnquist
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Exposure
There is absolutely no shade on the course. Zero. It will be in the 80’s by afternoon. I’m fairly certain most people have not been running in these temperatures. Not even people living in Phoenix. Take care of yourself at aid stations, make sure you soak yourself, use ice – whatever works for you. Additionally, there are several creek crossings along the course, which are conveniently placed later on in the race (how nice!). Use these to your advantage! I unfortunately made the mistake of not taking off my iPod shuffle through a creek crossing and ruined it the first year I ran. Yes, boohoo sad story for me but it stinks because I really wish I had some music.
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Managing the combo
In a nutshell, you will start out at a higher elevation – ~4100 ft. at a cooler temperature then descending through smooth trail. As you lose elevation it will gradually become warmer (think total exposure) while the trail becomes more rocky but yet 100% runnable – just to rub it in when you’re feeling it. The climbs are not severe but will feel harder than they should given this combination of these elements. Also, the creek crossings can be a blessing or curse – depending on the state of your feet.
Photo credit: Ron Ceton
*I hope some of these points/tips will help prepare you for a great race out there. Black Canyon has some of the most fun trail that Phoenix offers. Enjoy it!
Are you going nuts with nothing to do while you taper? Check some of these cool things to do in the mean time!
Mike Carson Runs 
Thank you for posting this! Training in MN in single degree temps should make the 85+ degrees this weekend interesting!
Glad I could help! Yes, temps always seem to be in the 80s race weekend. Makes it more interesting!