Sunrise Challenge Trail Run June 6

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A relaxing and scenic network of hiking paths for most visitors -- the trails of Round Mountain Park here in Globe offer a challenging 5K course on June 6 with the annual Sunrise Challenge event. Described as “a challenging run for trail runners of all levels of skill and experience” the course includes steep climbs and descents over rocky trails - with plenty of boulder hopping. There is also the option of running or hiking the two-mile fun run (or walk) course. It starts and ends at the same location, but follows a different route. The registration cost is the same as the 5K. This 2 mile Fun Run/Walk is not competitive, so there are no awards for this event.

Bill Nowak, two-time Boston Marathoner, and three-time winner of Sunrise Challenge 5K Extreme Trail Run posted this quote: “This is the most challenging 5K race in the State.  Overcoming climbs , descents, boulders and weaknesses in mind and body will be your test.  But you can smile when you are done and coming down the East Trail after Sunrise.  It’s like Boston’s “Heartbreak Hill” --but you start with a hill 3 times higher, more or less.”

Sign-up online, there were 40 spots left as of last week -- when the early-bird preregistration price increased. Race day check-in is from 4:45 - 5:45 a.m. at the Round Mountain Visitor Center, with the race starting  at 6 a.m.  sharp. All participants receive a T-shirt; with trophies or medals awarded for the top three finishers in each division and to the overall top finishing male and female runners (male and female divisions are for 11 and under; ages 12-20, ages 21-35, ages 36-50, ages 51-65, and 66 and over). Participants can expect two water stations, the first at the .75 mile point located at the top of the highest point in the race near the flag. The second is at the approximate 2 mile point.

Read more and signup online at  runsignup.com/Race/AZ/Globe/RoundMountainSunriseChallenge5K