[Author’s Note: This is the fourth article in an 11-part series celebrating legendary aid stations. You can read about the series here.]
High up in the Bradshaw Mountains north of Phoenix, Arizona, sits the tiny settlement of Crown King. First a living and mining region for the Hohokam, Yavapai, and Apache Indigenous tribes, and later the site of an 1875 gold strike by non-native miners, the town has been a hub of activity in the midst of a remote and difficult-to-access mountain range. Home to the oldest continuously operating saloon in the state, Crown King is also the long term finishing location for the iconic Crown King Scramble every March and, more recently, the location of the 36-mile aid station at the Cocodona 250 Mile every May.
A welcome sight for runners after traversing 36 rugged miles from the desert of Black Canyon City to the pine-crested ridges of the Bradshaw Mountains, the Crown King aid station at the Cocodona 250 Mile provides runners with much-needed sustenance after nearly 11,000 feet of climbing. The aid station is located on the grounds of the saloon, and the saloon itself provides runners with hamburgers, black bean burgers, pulled pork sandwiches with all the fixings, and typical mountain town hospitality.
The saloon at the Crown King aid station on the Cocodona 250 Mile. Photo: Carrie Setian
Crown King also marks the first key transition point in the race as the hot expansive desert gives way to the cooler mountains. Since most runners take 10 to 16 hours to cover the 36 miles from the start to Crown King, the aid station is the jumping off point for the first night of the five-night event. While regrouping at the aid station, runners must collect their mandatory cold weather gear, which includes an insulated jacket, long sleeve shirt, hat, gloves, space blanket, and enough calories for the next rugged 16-mile section to Arrastra Creek.
Back in 2023, I volunteered for a shift at the Crown King aid station and was struck by how heavy the runners’ packs were. Between the mandatory gear for the rapidly changing temperatures and the large hydration bladders necessary for traversing long stretches between aid stations, many runners’ packs I carried were at least 15 pounds.
The author volunteering at the Crown King aid station at the 2023 Cocodona 250 Mile. Photo: Emily Flinn
Next, the most significant malady impacting the runners, even just 36 miles into the race, was foot issues. By the time the midpack converged on Crown King at about 14 hours into the race, the medical staff was treating a seemingly nonstop flow of blisters and macerated feet. The combination of wet feet and warm temperatures seemed to take an early toll.
Of course, in an event that can last as long as 125 hours for some people, I was not all that surprised at how long most runners spent in the aid station. It was a far cry from the pit stop-style gear changes at fast races like Western States 100. Here at the Cocodona 250 Mile, with so much time on the clock, the lack of urgency was refreshing and made for a pleasant social experience for runners, crews, and volunteers. It was simply fun!
Finally, through the day it became clear to me how important drop bags are in these multi-day races. In fact, some runners spared no expense in packing their drop bags with enough stuff to supply a small army. In addition to the usual things like shoes, socks, layers, headlamps, batteries, and more, runners packed some of their own food like pizza and tater tots in their drop bags. They also stashed charging devices for their phones and watches, and a few good luck charms like small teddy bears to be pinned onto their packs.
Now, two years after my volunteer shift at the Cocodona 250 Mile, I am preparing to run the race myself. Having been to Crown King many times over the years, I very much look forward to arriving there sometime in the early evening of May 5, 2025, to enjoy for myself the simple pleasures of this legendary aid station.
Bottoms up!
Jake Jackson getting ready to head back out on the course from the Crown King Aid Station at the Cocodona 250 Mile. Photo: Mandie Holmes
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s beer of the week comes from THAT Brewery in Pine, Arizona. Arizona Trail Ale is THAT’s flagship beer. A classic English Pale Ale, Arizona Trail Ale is a rich, malty beer, with hints of yeasty bread and a floral finish. A classic take on an outstanding variety, Arizona Trail Ale is one of Arizona’s finest beers.
Call for Comments
- Have you done the Cocodona 250 Mile or the Crown King Scramble?
- If so, what are your memories of the settlement of Crown King itself or the Crown King aid station?
