Shenaya McManus, an Air Force ROTC cadet, tekes time to run on her usual route, the Flagstaff Urban Trail System. (Photo by: Vanessa Marchena)
In Flagstaff, the air can be cold or warm and the sun can be hidden or shining. However, one aspect remains constant: the elevation that has running enthusiasts and potential Olympians clamoring to call it their training grounds.
In the January 2012 issue of Running Times magazine, Flagstaff was listed as one of the world’s best places for runners to train. According to local experts, utilizing Flagstaff as training grounds for Olympians and marathon runners has proved to be worthwhile.
Mike Smith, coach and co-founder of Team Run Flagstaff, said Flagstaff provides a variety of local elevations making running a year-round possibility.
“[Flagstaff] has certain aspects that blow away other cities,” Smith said. “There is amazing running at 9,000 feet and Sedona is just a quick drive down. Getting down fast is crucial in winter as snow can really hinder certain types of training.”
Smith added the availability of indoor tracks also appeals to many runners.
Running Times lists April to September as the best months for training; with temperatures averaging from 35-degree lows in the spring to 81-degree highs through the summer.
Diego Estrada, a junior distance runner, said Flagstaff is nothing short of a runner’s paradise.
“Flagstaff is hands down the best place to train as a distance runner,” Estrada said in an email. “No other place compares. The conditions are ideal for the most part and the scenery makes it easy to put in the miles.”
Estrada recently broke NAU alumnus Lopez Lomong’s one mile record, now currently ranked by the NCAA as second best in the country. Estrada added Flagstaff holds qualities over other locations that push athletes looking to reach the top of their game.
“I am convinced the environment takes a big toll on the runner’s performance,” Estrada said. “Since I made the move from northern California I have noticed a big improvement on mine [performance] due to the fact that I am stress free when it comes to training. It’s hard to complain while training out here.”
Vince Sherry, a Run Flagstaff employee, said Flagstaff hosts runners of a broad range of skill levels.
“There’s people that have been running in town . . . for 50 years and there’s people that just started running last week,” Sherry said. “I think part of [there being a broad range of runners] is because there’s a community that’s excited about doing it.”
Smith agreed and said Flagstaff is a town that rallies around running and looks to continue to house running fans in the future.
“There are great organizations here in town that allow people to build community through running,” Smith said. “Northern Arizona Trail Running Association, Team Run Flagstaff and great organizations that help children like Girls on the Run and FitKids. I can’t think of a place I’d rather live as a runner than Flagstaff.”
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