FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - It was a busy day for Northern Arizona cross country runners not just in California, but back home in Flagstaff as well. Saturday's Flagstaff Marathon from the Flagstaff Nordic Center on Highway 180 presented a service opportunity for those Lumberjacks not in action. Over a dozen members of the squad made the trek north of town.

The "Coolest Marathon in Arizona" featured a full marathon, half marathon and 10,000-meter run. All races began at 8:00 a.m., but members of the team were there from 6:45 until 10:45 for the first shift of the day. The second shift arrived at 9:45, and worked until 12:45 when all of the races reached their completion. 

The Lumberjacks assisted in a variety of ways Saturday. Some members served as course marshals, directing the participants in the right direction as they ran through the rocky terrain. Others worked aid stations and distributed food, drink and oxygen. 

The aid stations were scattered throughout the course as all trails were 100% off-road with varying (single-track, cross-country, dirt roads) terrain. Elevation gains were approximately 2200 feet for the full marathon, 1100 feet for the half-marathon, and 450 feet for the 10Km loop. The course ranged from 8000 feet to 8600 feet above sea level. 

The marathon has been described as the most scenic and difficult marathon in the Southwest.