2026 Race the Mesa Trail Run

Race Information

The 2026 Race the Mesa Trail Run will take place on July 26, 2026, at Crownpoint Elementary School (Soccer Field), 1 Codetalker Drive, Crownpoint, NM. For more details, visit the official registration page: Race the Mesa Trail Run.

Purpose

• Recognition: To bring recognition to the past, present, and future veterans of the Navajo Nation and throughout this great Nation.
• Gratitude: Each step taken on the trail represents gratitude for those who have served.
• Annual Tradition: Race the Mesa is designed to become a meaningful annual tradition.
• Veteran Names: Participants will be able to submit the name of a Veteran to be printed on the race shirt.

Local Incentive

• Participation Stars: For every year a participant runs in honor of the same Veteran, a star will be added next to that Veteran’s name.
• Example: Loren Morgan – USMC ★★★★ (indicates 4 years of race participation in honor of this Veteran)

Event Details

• Remembrance: This event is about remembrance, commitment, perseverance, and community.
• Legacy: Together, we run to ensure their legacy continues — not just for one day, but for generations.
• Waiver: All participants are required to sign a waiver before the run.
• Responsibility: Sponsors are not responsible for theft or injuries, and this is a drug and alcohol-free event.

Registration Information

• Packet Pick-Up: July 24th from 4pm to 8pm at Crownpoint Flea Market and on race day from 6:30am to 7:45am.
• Online Registration: Closes on July 23rd at 12am.
• On-site Registration: Starting at 6:45am and ends at 7:45am. May not include a race shirt or finisher medal depending on inventory.

Event Schedule

• 10K Start: 8:00am
• 5K Start: 8:00am
• 1-Mile Run/Walk: 8:10am

Awards

• All Runners: All registered runners will receive a race dri-fit t-shirt and finisher medal.
• 10K Awards: Top 3 Overall Male and Female (Pottery Water Jug).
• 5K Awards: Top 3 Overall Male and Female (Pottery Water Jug).

Course Details

• Starting Point: Start and finish at Crownpoint Elementary School (soccer field).
• Course Type: An out-and-back route featuring a mix of pavement, dirt, and rocky trails.
• Checkpoints: Water checkpoints will be available at the 5K and 10K turnaround points.
• 1-Mile Course: The 1-mile course is all paved.

Water and Snacks

• Finish Line: Water and snacks will be provided to all runners at the finish.
• Hydration: Runners are encouraged to bring water hydration packs to stay properly hydrated during the race.

Timing System

The 10K and 5K races will start at the same time. Each runner’s bib will have a tear tag. When runners cross the finish line, the tag will be removed from the bib and placed on a results board, where the runner’s name and finishing time will be recorded.

Previous Winners

• Male 10K: 1st Laryn Platero 43:48, 2nd Rocky Sanchez 51:06, 3rd Dewayne Carl 51:52.
• Female 10K: 1st Taylor Begay 49:59, 2nd Sky Izzo 55:07, 3rd Jessica Louis 57:18.
• Male 5K: 1st Jon Sanchez 21:45, 2nd Chad Peters 24:49, 3rd Jay Becenti 25:08.
• Female 5K: 1st Kaitlyn Begay 26:30, 2nd Kasey Chapman, 3rd Mia Arthur 28:17.

Medical Support / Security

Will be provided by Crownpoint Emergency Medical Services and the Navajo Nation Police Department.

Refund Policy

There is no refund, transfer of BIB only.

Contact Information

For more information, contact Loren Morgan at 505-930-2610 or Ljmdesign@hotmail.com.