13 years old and finishing the AZTR!

James and Rich carry on, Leigh Bowe Finishes and Kevin Emery is at the Canyon

AZTR Update, Some Winning Recaps

ALEXANDERA WINS THE WOMEN'S RACE!

AZT Day 10

JUSTINAS IS BOUNCING

Justinas is in the Grand Canyon! Day 6

Day 5 and Two Special Riders

Day 4 and the night is almost over...

We Have Reached Picketpost! Day 3 Roundup

Rich and James Rothwell have finished the AZTR in 18d 7h 53m.

With such a technical and challenging trail before them, there were some stops due to weather, difficult trail conditions and reroutes due to unrideable trails. Yet, 13-year-old James Rothwell finished the full 800 mile Arizona Trail Race with ultra-racer dad Rich Rothwell.

Congratulations to the two!


James and Rich Rothwell are still battling it out on the trails, with stories being shared on Rich's instagram, the pair seems to be going well. They reached Jake's Bar a couple of days ago and managed a hot meal after a warm welcome.

![Screenshot 2024-10-29 at 20.03.37](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/0ke2L0rOS73qaRh4LLheF/70e04c1c177e66b0c0c67cfa6967b630/Screenshot_2024-10-29_at_20.03.37.png)

However, those that are closely following the pair may have seen they were hit with some rough weather earlier today and have holed up. They seem to be moving again, hopefully having slept through the worst of it.

![Screenshot 2024-10-29 at 20.03.50](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/48t2racvEz6NsDCB8m84cc/97aef0d9205297a8583e6a554f68c157/Screenshot_2024-10-29_at_20.03.50.png)

## Leigh Bowe Finishes 3rd Woman

Leigh Bowe finished in 11 days, 12 hours and 19 minutes, rounding up the women's podium. She finished just a few hours shy of Karin and put in an impressive effort throughout. 

![Screenshot 2024-10-29 at 20.09.14](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1UxjPU5wofxZTwvDjImywi/4d7be8d674f3ac46201ccc6ccf4215ac/Screenshot_2024-10-29_at_20.09.14.png)

Finally, fisherman Kevin Emery is in the Canyon now as he is about to hike through. He'll be finished in under a fortnight if he keeps pressing on at this speed! Well done Kevin.


What an exciting series of finishes!

## Karin Pocock Is Second

Karin Pocock has come into the Utah Border in 2nd place for the women in 11 days and 5 hours. After a strong battle with Alexandera, Karin has certainly stamped her mark on the Arizona Trail this year.

![PXL 20241020 213934042](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1Lrx8kLkkKLoaH9PBsHZVh/4fa7cc0ae696d71bd2788be5aeb89f22/PXL_20241020_213934042.jpg)

## Top 3 Mens

Alex Schultz came in as the second place man behind Justinas. With Alex suffering from the heat, he took a few slower days to try and recover before pressing on into the Grand Canyon. The prior race winner had put up a good fight, riding neck and neck with Justinas for the start few days.

J Dewbee$ (Justin Dubois pictured) pulled in as the first Single Speeder and third overall, in 9d11h39m. The rider had quite the battle with the other single speeders including Max Keegan, Johnny Price, Alexandera Houchin and Rootbeer Hero (Matt Annabel). Finally it came down to 3, 4, 5, overall with Justinas Max and Matt and then 5th and 6th to Alexandera and Johnny. 

This means that from spot 2-6 it was Single Speeders all the way!

![Screenshot 2024-10-28 at 20.18.52](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6Ua2SVszPnw89o2wx7ojin/3fa6a651cc41488d06abe389a7ba30a5/Screenshot_2024-10-28_at_20.18.52.png)

Johnny Price (pictured by John Schilling) was overtaken by Alexandera in the last moments, with her clinching 4th Single Speed overall and him in 5th 3 minutes later - 10 days 6 hours and 3 minutes then 10 days 6 hours and 6 minutes. This means Johnny completes the AZTR Triple Crown on his Single Speed!

![Screenshot 2024-10-28 at 20.24.19](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2vrpsU6rQyHYrT5UBAnQph/54d7ce631cdfbe9544ae5f217014f298/Screenshot_2024-10-28_at_20.24.19.png)

## A Full AZTR Triple Crown Sweep

Speaking of the Triple Crown, that means the four that started the AZTR have finished, Dylan Disarro and Tom Kavanaugh finished together in 10 days and 23 hours and 50 minutes. An astonishingly fast finish time for the little recovery post Colorado Trail Race. Congratulations to these riders for a once in a lifetime acheivement.

The two celebrated their Triple Crown Challenge finish with three crowns from the King of Burgers no less.


Alexandera has won the women's AZTR!

After coming 2nd place woman for the past three years and setting a single speed record along the way, this Triple Crown Challenge finisher (2023) has set the standard yet again for US Off-Road Racing.

Congratulations to Alexandera and we can't wait to see more in the coming few races.

We'll have more of an update for you tomorrow morning! But for now, congratulations to the riders who have finished and those who are still out on the trail.

Since Justinas’s finish early yesterday morning, only Alex Schultz has finished in a time of 8D 17H 50M which is a whopping twelve hours faster than his winning time from last year! The record for the AZT800 was set by Austin Killips this spring in 8D 23H 27M, but due to the reroute around the Highline Trail this year’s route deviates too far to allow for records, riders were made aware of this potential reroute well ahead of time. This will feel a blow to Justinas and Alex given they have both ridden (and hiked!) a time faster than Austin’s thanks to such good weather and trail conditions; last year Alex took a few breaks to avoid the worst of the heat. The uncertainty surrounding the reroute ahead of the race is part and parcel of taking on an off-road event in the US. Record or not, they’ve both ridden exceptional rides. Bravo!

J Dewbee is only 55km from the finish and set to take third place on the event at his first AZT800; although he does have two finishes at the AZT750 from 2018 and 2019, alongside the AZT300 and the Colorado Trail Race.

Alex Houchin and Johnny Price appear to be riding together and have only 112km to the Utah border. Alex is set to finish first women and to date her fastest time on the AZT800 is a little over ten and a half days while Johnny’s is slightly under so they are both on track to set their new fastest times!

What’s in the water out there for all these riders to be going so fast?! Hint: it’s the cooler temps allowing for faster riding during all hours of the day.

- Beccy. Kitty will be back tomorrow will her insights from across the field.


After only 7 days, 19 hours and 47 minutes Justinas has won the 2024 Arizona Trail Race, whilst not eligible for the FKT due to a reroute, this is the fastest anyone has ever finished the Grand Depart. Well Done Justinas!

Justinas is the first to reach the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for his epic 24 mile hike-a-bike. With his bike on his back, trekking poles in hand and plenty of smiles, he seems ready to take on this MARATHON walk.

A bit about Justinas today...

[Justinas Leveika](https://www.instagram.com/justin.and.bikes/) came to the attention of a lot of DotWatchers when he won the Race Around Rwanda in 2022. Justinas had been around the top ten at a few races including Baldands, Transpyrenees and TransIberica, but had never clinched the top spot. He then exploded in 2022 with a few wins and podiums under his belt.

![IMG 8633 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4ZLmDSPO7fP8FCqtqZz4F4/5c5a72e603af20b28a5ec35717b4c043/IMG_8633__1_.JPG)

But what was it that made Justinas the people's champion (DotWatcher approved!) in 2023? After being a genuinely nice and exciting rider, who works full time as a nurse in his home country of Norway, Justinas stole the attention of the DotWatching world. Come 2023 Tour Divide and he was up there with the ultra-racing legend Ulrich Bartholmoes in a fierce battle for the win. From sleeping in porta-loos (portapotties?) to beaming from ear to ear on the dotwatcher cams this race was the talk of the year.

His coach, [Peta McSharry](https://www.instagram.com/petamcsharry/) (coincidentally DotWatcher of the year two years in a row) saw the weather conditions this year, Justinas' strong stats and steered him towards attempting the Triple Crown Challenge.

Justinas won the 2024 Tour Divide, taking the FKT for the Grand Depart. He was the fastest to finish on this year's Colorado Trail Race however, due to a rule stipulating he mustn't use vehicular transport AT ALL, Justinas was not crowned the winner - Xavier Chiriboga was.

This means Justinas is heading into this edition of the AZTR without clarity on his Triple Crown Challenge standing with further complications added by the reroute. We'll be working out what the consensus is, but for now, please enjoy the smiles of a rider who genuinely loves being out there, whatever the result.

![Screenshot 2024-10-24 at 12.03.41](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4VBjTfiOMR2g7haghZyffK/f24c74f27f6928ac14866f0f36552b7f/Screenshot_2024-10-24_at_12.03.41.png)

## Alexandera Continues to Press On

As Alexandera is doing the 300 mile race, the 800 mile race contains it, she has taken the win for that whilst she presses on. The time is 4am and Alexandera is already pressing on on her journey to the finish in top spot for the women. 

Unlike Justinas and his European background, Alexandera remains mostly within the US off-road bikepacking scene. A world which is familiar with Single Speeds, hike-a-bike and general legend status, Alexandera has been a stalwart of the Triple Crown Races. She holds multiple records for the Single Speed category and has taken outright wins as well.

She is mostly know for her down-to-earth attitude, sharing her exploits with DotWatchers and creating a sense of community around the Trail Races. Her racing trajectory is looking good and as she moves into more ultra-running maybe we could see some more impressive yo-yo foot and bike attempts.


Before we delve into our two intrepid riders, let's just take stock of the action!

Justinas has put a huge gap between himself and Alex Schultz, who seemed to have stopped for a long stint the night before last and last night. We're trying to learn a little more about what may be happening but hope he's well!

We also had the following message from the organiser, John Schilling, regarding the reroute and the possibility of an FKT this year:

"Unfortunately, still no official word on the Highline trail. Latest rumor has it possibly opening on Wednesday. So don't be alarmed when Justinas & Alex appear to go off route by Pine. I've asked Scott to display the Control Road detour on Trackleaders.

For those following along, what this means is, no official FKT will be recorded due to the reroute. An official finish time will be recorded as they are riding the published route. Such a bummer because both fellas are well under record pace. The riders were informed of this potential well before the start."

![Screenshot 2024-10-22 at 11.22.40](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/Y71Cfo49FqDXV3Y0Nk7Mn/236dc325dfd5fda3427af9cb4cd127bc/Screenshot_2024-10-22_at_11.22.40.png)

Given there's no chance of the FKT, Justinas seemed to have made the pub last night just before happy hour! He's sunk a beer with the gap and had a bit of a longer rest at 5 hours last night. Even though he's not eligible for the FKT, there is always a chance at the Triple Crown Challenge if he still finishes the routes within a 10% buffer of the original routes.

![Screenshot 2024-10-22 at 18.06.34](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5OcqEk9SVyNe8a9EI5aWaK/692cf0fda001d7d86975e6bad487ec1c/Screenshot_2024-10-22_at_18.06.34.png)

Alexandera is still riding strong leading the women's race, but Karin seems to have picked up the pace. She is riding slightly faster than Alexandera over the same sections after her rest in town on night 5. Could this be a strategy that closes the gap?

J Dewbee$ is leading the single speed race and is also currently in third place overall at around 450 miles. He's now closer to Alex that Alex is to Justinas, could be see a shakeup in the top 3?

## 300 Mile Race Update

All of the 300 mile riders are in with Andrew Denham finishing last night after a solid few days of riding, 4 days and 20 hours to be more precise.

![Screenshot 2024-10-22 at 17.54.17](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/68j1hHwT78R3VXuQzOSbVr/2cffd489f497c20cde8dcd221b11aa91/Screenshot_2024-10-22_at_17.54.17.png)

## The Pair from the UK

For those of you not from the UK, or not in the HT550 (Highland Trail 550) fan club, you may not have heard of Rich Rothwell and his son James. 

Rich is an extremely accomplished ultracyclist, starting his race called the Land Between this year. However, what makes this duo special is that James is still only 14! After completing the Highland Trail 550 in just 11 days and 13 hours in 2023 they decided to take on a new adventure. 

The duo have been practicing their hike-a-bike in the North Yorks Moors where they ride regulary. We'll add a screenshot of Rich's post on their motivation as they put it so well themselves:

![Screenshot 2024-10-22 at 18.14.16](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/ybRmhO3XH6WDehLqyOGRA/52d6164752c38d53abf4b83a694cbc43/Screenshot_2024-10-22_at_18.14.16.png)

James and Rich completed the HT550, something that is no mean feat for any rider, let along a 13 year old. However, the key factor on the AZTR, the 24 mile through-hike of the Grand Canyon from rim to rim is not something we can find here in the UK. We hope Rich and James enjoy the experience and have some great stories to tell.

![Screenshot 2024-10-22 at 18.14.29](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2D1mVJjHOIEfOszSmiBwQS/9dcef9072c2ba521fc7fd15830da45fe/Screenshot_2024-10-22_at_18.14.29.png)


Photos by Race Director, John Schilling.

## The Front of the Field

Justinas and Alex have still been battling it out, with Justinas pulling away with only a two hour stop last night from 8:22pm-10:24pm at Sunflower, mile 410. Alex stopped earlier at mile 390 between Sagauro Lake and Sunflower, he has been there for five hours so far. The elusive Alex did post a few instagram stories yesterday giving us an idea of what the terrain is looking like.

![Screenshot 2024-10-21 at 10.54.29](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/294KEMKzKZ1egie1Kx69yu/97527ee197a58f418a979d0fe5bd6cc9/Screenshot_2024-10-21_at_10.54.29.png)

Justinas has been riding at a terrifically strong pace and as always has his trademark smile ready whenever a DotWatcher, this time Race Director John, sees him. This photo was yesterday near Sagauro Lake where Justinas was looking cool as a cucumber. 

![464124792 10232794518835889 3139726698439060603 n](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5L1Eu7CFVknfJDMfCUIrXz/d5336cf64c8a21401c4ccaafd8806b7c/464124792_10232794518835889_3139726698439060603_n.jpg)

## Alexandera continues to lead

Alexandera has stopped for the night just 22 miles above the 300 mile mark. However, this interesting moment after Picketpost could change the race, Karin has moved off the trail into Superior to rest for the night. Will the R&R light a fire in Karin as she chases down Alexandera?

![Screenshot 2024-10-21 at 11.14.53](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3v6IyQVsQGPMNDjetA9xBm/dff01835caa54e11796ad33cf728642d/Screenshot_2024-10-21_at_11.14.53.png)

As Alexandera has explained in her stories, a key factor in this race is the heat! Here she is in the SNOW and then dropping from the peaks they're battling with exhausting heat and constantly having to manage the threat of heat stroke. With the highest point of the race touching 9000ft, it is difficult to pack for every eventuality and to make sure you stay both warm and cool within the same few hours.

## 300 Mile Race

We've had seven finishers in the 300 mile race so far with only 3 left out on the field. Ricky Bobby came in in 3 days 2 hours and 30 minutes with Rocky Gingg following only 24 minutes later. With the AZTR, CTR and TD, the Grand Depart style of the race means that riders can choose to name themselves whatever they like on Trackleaders! This means there's often some nicknames ready to delight us in our DotWatching Endeavours.

IRL DotWatchers were out at the finish in Picketpost taking photos, the conditions looked good but hot! With riders hiding from the stark sunlight.

![464143201 10232801986502576 4846741938565939679 n](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5XrnvPdMdLxNd0rOZF3cmU/4fae0693f6bdb5e9067bae5c3b19f15b/464143201_10232801986502576_4846741938565939679_n.jpg)

Matt M (M@ M) has finished the 300 mile route, but his shoes seem to have not quite made it! Showing just how much hike-a-bike is required on this route.

![464124799 10232801987102591 8644621972552696982 n](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7kbq0aKpssrCoPnLDrKbl3/77f12f681cdf7063896a1e2610b538a5/464124799_10232801987102591_8644621972552696982_n.jpg)

## Elsewhere

The trailhead at Picketpost is incredibly scenic, as you can see Johnny Price here below the sign. It's a great mile marker for the riders, providing some time to relax in the shelter from the sun or as a great motivator to press on. 

The Grand Canyon Crossing from South Rim to North Rim will be happening in the next few days and we've seen some photos from the North Rim:

![463895461 10232788077474859 4515985265792974883 n](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3HVaug9MIYZYJ2DeBEbEvQ/9d47a1a951a097b8501147ce981db510/463895461_10232788077474859_4515985265792974883_n.jpg)

Let's just say the high points of this race really are quite snowy! This could be an unanticipated change for some of the riders out there. 

We'll keep you updated as the race progresses!


Jake Inger is the first to Picketpost in a blistering 2 days, 7 hours and 17 minutes! With a stopped time of just touching 10 hours, Jake was riding very quickly and efficiently making his win of the 300 mile edition a race to be proud of.

![Screenshot 2024-10-20 at 08.36.06](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/qav1lRPIhBcfsmupjQvXj/271457053b0ceb36b29d7f1ce07c8e74/Screenshot_2024-10-20_at_08.36.06.png)

As noted by our most keen in-house DotWatcher, Amanda, Jake and Justinas have been in a sleepover club stopping together on both nights - similar race tactics from these speedy riders! Congratulations to Jake.

Sadly, Ivy Pedersen had a nasty crash and had to scratch due to losing the ability to use her bars properly. A solid ride from Ivy, we hope she can return next year and tackle the 300 miler again.

![Screenshot 2024-10-20 at 08.40.39](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1nvXeAsYvrY4SpGuq2ijfl/50206296da036a70d40eaa10465deb59/Screenshot_2024-10-20_at_08.40.39.png)

Justinas (photo from Mark Camimiti on Facebook) was the next into Picketpost at 2 days 13 hours with Alex shortly after at 2 days and 16 hours. We haven't had any other 300 finishers, with "Rocky Gingg" being the next rider out on the course for the 300 mile edition.

## MTB Cast

Make sure you're tuning into MTBCast where the riders can call in and share their stories from the trail. There are a load of fantastic call ins from riders as they ride, the entertainment factor is incredible if you can find one describing the rides. They're only short and give an insight into trail conditions, mood and rider's mindset. 

Alexandera's is particularly good as she starts off describing her actual riding. She then goes into a little bit about how her ride is feeling which is worth a listen for the keen DotWatcher. 

__If you're a rider make sure you're calling in!__

![Screenshot 2024-10-20 at 08.46.08](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1cSaLk7Z0L2iTLMHv7RT5F/6a6315890f141961783a5a6a5fca636f/Screenshot_2024-10-20_at_08.46.08.png)

## The 800 Mile Race

Alexandera and Karin continue to push with Leigh chasing. Alexandera's gap is growing however with Karin now around 20 miles behind. Leigh, a Nurse Practioner by day and enduro-bikepacker by day off, is a strong off-road rider. With a thin women's field this year it is hard to put into perspective how strong all three of these amazing riders are. With all covering over 180 miles in 3 days. The riding is so hike-a-bike heavy that they're having to almost walk at a run to keep pace.

Justinas and Alex continue to battle it out at the front. Just like the CTR with Xavier, Justinas is having to tackle a local on their home turf for his clean sweep of the Triple Crown.

![PXL 20241017 154051679](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5birKXrfzQmW4RWVbSzuTx/042b0e73f7ba8dff2e9584d2867c98a6/PXL_20241017_154051679.jpg)

Speaking of the Triple Crown, our next Triple Crown contender to go over is Johnny Price! Johnny is a bikepacking aficianado who is tackling the TCC on a single speed. Johnny kept everyone's spirits high and entertained on the Tour Divide as he and two other single speeders duked it out for top spot. He spends a huge amount of time bikepacking and the energy required to complete the Triple Crown Challenge on a single speed is unfathomable.

Well done Johnny!

We'll add some more updates soon.


Kitty Dennis

Arizona Trail Race AZTR 2024 Tracking + Commentary: A stalwart of the MTB bikepacking calendar along the Arizona Trail known for its rough nature, heat and long stretches without resupply, including a 21 mile hike of the Grand Canyon. the AZTR regularly attracts some of the strongest off-road racers and has remained true to its original self-supported ethos.

Arizona Trail Race AZTR 2024 Tracking

A stalwart of the MTB bikepacking calendar: the Arizona Trail Race is known for its rough nature, extreme temperatures, long stretches without resupply and an arduous 23 mile hike-a-bike through the Grand Canyon. The AZTR regularly attracts some of the strongest off-road racers and has remained true to its original self-supported ethos.

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