Northern Arizona Trail Runners Association (NATRA) (northern_arizona_trail

NATRA – A Brief History and Who We Are

In October 2001, a few members of what has now grown to become NATRA, (Because trail runners do it NATRAlly), put on a trail running race in Flagstaff. The Soulstice Mountain Trail Run (a 11.5 mile course) stands as one of the few trail running races that has ever been staged in Flagstaff. It was first run in 1997 by NATRA member, Bill Ring of Soulstice Racing Company.

After the race, a few runners put forth the idea of forming a regular running group and thus the Saturday group runs were born! NATRA’s regular Saturday group run began on October 27th 2001, with a fledgling group of only 6 runners. By March 2003, we have now reached over 300 members and continue to grow by leaps and bounds.

Group run sizes have varied but grown sizeable since our inception. Lately, we had as many as 27 runners (when we beat that record we will update the home page photo!). The runs are typically between 6-10 miles on an “out and back” trail or loop course. Some prefer to run shorter distances and they simply turn back at their desired point.

Given the wonderful plethora of trails we have here in Northern Arizona, the group has kept things interesting and lively by introducing new runs each week, either in the Flagstaff or Sedona area. Any member of the group can suggest and/or lead a run on their favorite trail. Details of these runs are posted on this web site’s index (click on “Next Run”).

NATRA will also stage the Soulstice Mountain Trail Run again in October 2003. We intend to offer a Spring and Summer Trail racing series that will include a 5K/10K race, perhaps a trail marathon, a hill-climb event and a pre-Imogene Pass Run course (~19 miles). So come join us…you’ll learn to love breathing hard while still managing to enjoy the beauty of Northern Arizona’s forest trails.

The Saturday run is comprised of runners of varying ages and capabilities and they range from some of Arizona’s elite short and long distance competitors to strong intermediate and beginner runners. In short, no matter what your running capability, you are welcome and would surely have someone to run with. Anyone visiting our web page or “catching wind” of our runs is welcome to come out and join the group.

See the website for information about the next run:

http://www.natra.org/

(then click on \'next run\')

Northern Arizona Trail Runners Association (NATRA) (northern_arizona_trail_runners)