On Saturday, June 12 at 6 a.m., the City of Cottonwood will be hosting their 28th Annual Vintage Run (formerly known as the Brian Mickelsen Marathon, in honor of one of Cottonwood’s previous city managers). After being canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, the run is returning with spaced-out start times to promote social distancing and keep everyone safe. This beautiful race offers a ½ marathon, 10K, and 2-mile races through the area’s most scenic vistas.
“This is a historic event for the city that showcases the area’s most breathtaking views and we are thrilled to be able to safely bring it back,” said the Parks and Recreation Manager Jak Teel. “The waves of different start times will allow ample spacing for all runners as they enjoy a run through The Heart of Arizona’s Wine Country.
Details regarding each race include:
½ Marathon:
Beginning at 6 a.m., attendees can run or walk through historic Old Town Cottonwood, along the gentle hills to Sycamore Canyon Road up to Tuzigoot National Monument, where the Sinagua Native Americans once lived. The path continues on a short series of trails with views of the beautiful Verde River into Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
10K:
An evening run beginning at 5:00pm, the 10K trail winds through beautiful Dead Horse Ranch State Park nestled between Sycamore Canyon and Mingus Mountain.
5K:
An evening run beginning at 5:30 p.m., runners race through the Heart of Arizona Wine Country in historic Old Town Cottonwood, and through the natural canopy of the beautiful State Park’s Jail Trail.
2-Mile:
An evening run beginning at 6:00 p.m., attendees can run or walk from the Riverfront Ramada area to Dead Horse Ranch State Park’s main gate and back. This route is fairly flat but the scenery is breathtaking.
Registration is open now for the 28th Annual Vintage Run, with early bird pricing available up until April 30, 2021.
- For the ½ marathon: $50 (Mar 20 – Apr 30), $60 (May 1 – June 10) or $70 day-of.
- For the 10K run: $30 (Mar 20 – Apr 30), $40 (May 1 – June 10) or $50 day-of.
- For the 5K: $25 (Mar 20 – Apr 30), $35 (May 1 – June 10) or $45 day-of.
- For the 2-mile: $20 (Mar 20 – Apr 30), $25 (May 1 – June 10) or $30 day-of.
To register, visit www.runcottonwood.com. Packet pickup is Friday, June 11 from 3 – 8 p.m. at the Cottonwood Recreation Center. Registration the day of the race is from 5:15 to 5:45 a.m. for the half-marathon & 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. for the 10k, 5k, and 2-mile runs.
