Soulstice Mountain Trail Run

Soulstice Mountain Trail Run is a small, high-altitude trail race held in Government Prairie, within Kaibab National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona. Participants can select from 10K, 18K, and 30K distances, with a Kids’ Dash also scheduled. The race takes place at approximately 7,400 feet, meaning even the shorter distances require significant effort in the thin air. Entry is limited to 200 runners because of its Forest Service permit, and it has consistently sold out since the early 2000s. The race originated as Flagstaff’s response to the Imogene Pass Run, after William Ring, Wiley Addis, and Paul Brinkmann sought a northern Arizona mountain race. NATRA, the Northern Arizona Trail Runners Association, now manages the event with volunteers, including an unpaid race director. They introduced the short course to make competitive trail running more accessible for newcomers. Local backing is provided by groups and businesses such as Pay n’ Take, Aspen Sports, Fratelli’s Pizza, the Coconino Amateur Radio Club, and Northern Arizona University recreation management students. All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff youth mentoring programs, with the race generating over $12,000 annually for the organization. Runner’s World recognized Soulstice as one of its top U.S. trail races and highlighted the post-race gathering as exceptional.