Canyon De Chelly Ultra

Beyond the Painted Desert, much of the far northeast of Arizona is barren and not particularly scenic, as the land forms wide, empty valleys interspersed by low, scrub-covered mesas. Three of these, named the First, Second and Third, lie at the center of Hopi Indian territory but most of the northeast is Navajo land, including Chinle which is the largest town in the area and the gateway to Canyon de Chelly National Monument. This comparatively little-known canyon is not as immediately spectacular as others in Arizona or Utah but it does have sheer sandstone walls rising up to 1,000 feet, several scenic overlooks and many well-preserved Anasazi ruins, and the area provides a fascinating insight into the present day life of the Navajo, who still inhabit and cultivate the valley floor.

The Canyon de Chelly 55K is the only Navajo owned and operated ultra-marathon on Navajo land. The race will take place entirely in Canyon de Chelly, one of the most significant spiritual locations to the Navajo people. It will start by signal from the birth of a new day, the rise of the sun over the canyon rim. Runners will experience the traditional values of Navajo distance running by running as a celebration of life, running as a form of prayer and learning to use the sport as a mentor to better ourselves, on canyon and trails that are normally off limits to all non-Navajos.

The race’s purpose is to support Navajo youths who want to pursue running. With the proceeds from the race, Saun Martin, race director, has purchased new uniforms for the junior high and high school cross-country and track athletes.