Flagstaff, Arizona · Saturday, August 15, 2026
The Cosmic Solstice is a cycling and ultra event held on Saturday, August 15, 2026. It is located in Flagstaff, Arizona.
We love the spirit of the west and this is our homage to an Arizona legend. Jessie "Bear" Howard who was, a bear of a man. At 6’4” it was said he could “whip just about anyone” even in his twilight years. The stories began with his arrest and time spent at San Quentin, later escaping and finding his home at Oak Creek. He earned his nickname when he began killing bear for the Babbit meat market and Sante Fe Rail Road. The name "Bear" inflated and outgrew the man, but like the extinction of Arizona’s grizzly he so lustily aided, Bear Howards end in 1910 marked the end of an era…..until now! In the spirit of adventure and exploration, like Bear Howard himself, we came up with an event to leave you feeling legendary (if only in your own mind). Sure the stories that follow around the campfire will be exaggerated and inflated, fueled by whiskey and grandeur, but we promise you adventure and a good time with this classic loop around Flagstaffs peaks.
For 2023 we have changed up the format a bit by starting and finishing in the town of Flagstaff. It took some time but finally got approval on the course we have been wanting, by adding a challenging out and back climb up Saddle Mountain, north of the Peaks. This added some distance to make it an even century, YOUR WELCOME! We have also added two shorter distances at 60 miles and a a very pleasant 30 mile loop. All legends start somewhere, who will be Arizona’s next Bear Howard Legend.
PARTNER RACE: OCTOBER 10th SOULSTICE MOUNTAIN TRAIL RUN 30K/18K/10K
On August 8th, join Flagstaff's oldest race, and the 2nd oldest half marathon in Arizona sponsored by Kinney Construction Services! This year we are hosting our 49th annual race on our challenging and breathtakingly beautiful course. All half marathon participants will get a commemorative finisher's medal similar to last year's popular design. Both 5k or half participants will receive a $34 Sweatvac Hi-Tech colorful long-sleeved shirt, free digital race photos, and admission to the FREE August 7th Fratelli's pre-race pizza party located in their Party Room directly behind their 4th Street restaurant (2120 N Fourth Street). Kid's Dash participants will get a medal. See photos and the last year's race!
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Half Marathon and 5K are walker-friendly events! Those who would like to take their time on our beautiful but challenging half-marathon course, there is a 6 AM start. While you will receive a chip time and finisher's medal, you will not be eligible for age division awards.
Our beautiful course starts at Thorpe Park and climbs the steep urban trail onto Observatory Mesa (where astronomers discovered Pluto) and follows dirt roads on with spectacular views of the San Francisco Peaks. Elevations range between 6957 ft at the start, to 7731 ft near the 7.5 mile mark! Most of the climbing is done over the first 1.25 miles, so pace yourself. If you are from lower elevations, heed the race director's advice and power walk!!!! You will easily make up the time over the rest of the course! The 5K is also on Observatory Mesa. ALL proceeds benefit BBBSF Mentoring Programs that create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
The race is also part of the 22nd annual soon to be announced Flagstaff Running Series value package of five of Flagstaff's most iconic foot races. You can save big on the Series package of races by registering for one-stop shopping at https://runsignup.com/Race/AZ/Flagstaff/FlagstaffRunSeries
6hr. Mtn Bike relay located in Flagstaff AZ.
The 10.5 mile loop course Begins on a fire road for roughly a mile to give the mass start time to thin out. Then hitting the famous AZT with its tight, smooth, single-track connecting to Rocky Moto. These two trails are a gradual climb sustained climb and a few roots and rocks. Eventually connecting to Moto! From the top, it slaloms down a whopping 3.5 miles descent mostly smooth and fast with one or two rock gardens. Then back to Start/Finish single-track to finish the race. The course is fast and fun, accessible by most recreational riders. And yes, you can ride it solo, as a duo or a team of 4.... Are you ready to "grin and bear it"
CASH MONEY to SOLO Podiums.
Race starts a 9:00 am
Packet Pick up; Friday AUG. 22nd. noon to 4PM
KickStand Kafe
719 N. Humphreys