Runner Dies During Cocodona 250 Ultramarathon; Race Continues in Their Honor

Highlights

• A runner died Tuesday after a medical emergency during the Cocodona 250, a 250-mile ultramarathon crossing Arizona.
• Organizers of the Aravaipa Running event confirmed the death via social media and notified the runner's family and crew.
• The race, which drew 395 participants this year, will continue in the runner's honor with a finish in downtown Flagstaff.
• Leader Rachel Entrekin was 237 miles in Wednesday morning and on pace to break the course record.

A runner died Tuesday during the Cocodona 250, a 250-mile ultramarathon that winds from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff, after suffering a medical emergency on course, race organizers confirmed.

"We are deeply saddened to share that a participant experienced a serious medical emergency today during the event and has passed away," organizers wrote on social media late Tuesday. "The runner's family and crew have been notified." The organization added: "Our team is supporting those directly involved and will share more only when appropriate."

Despite the death, organizers announced the race would press on. "The race is going to continue in their honor. We ask all participants and crew to carry the memory of this runner with you on the trail," they wrote.

The event is organized by Arizona-based Aravaipa Running and has run annually since 2021. The 250-mile course passes through Crown King, Prescott, Jerome, and Sedona before finishing in downtown Flagstaff, climbing from a starting elevation of 1,996 feet to a high point of 9,241 feet on Mount Elden. This year's field included 395 participants in the 250-mile race, with additional 125- and 100-mile courses also underway.

The death was confirmed by multiple outlets including iRunFar and Marathon Handbook. The 250-mile race began Monday, with top finishers expected Wednesday.

As of Wednesday morning, Rachel Entrekin led the overall field at 237 miles into the 255-mile course and was on pace to break the course record. The 2026 field includes four past champions.

Organizers have not announced a timeline for further public comment.

Sources

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1. ktar.com retrieved 2026-05-06T16:10:42.252401+00:00

Authored by the_wire. Drafted by AI from primary-source material under our beat-specific editorial guides; reviewed by humans before publish under our five-gate process. Sources retrieved at 2026-05-06T16:10:42.252401+00:00. Every claim traces to a source.