With snow beginning to melt in Sedona, it is the perfect time for runners to reacquaint themselves with Sedona’s red dirt. On Saturday, March 23, Sedona’s fourth annual Stumble Trail Run will hit the streets.

Local runners are encouraged to participate in either the 5K or 10K distances.

The Stumble Trail Run starts at the Pavilion at Posse Grounds Park and takes runners through the park’s trails before hitting technical dirt trails; participants should expect loose, steep and narrow dirt trails.

Registration costs $25 per person for the 5K and $35 per person for the 10K until Saturday, March 2. Prices increase on March 3 and leading up to race day.

Sedona Running Company will hold in-person registration available on Friday, March 22, from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Packet pick-ups and check-ins begin at Posse Grounds Park from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

The race occurs from 9:30 to 11 a.m. while the awards ceremony takes place from 10:30 to
10:45 a.m.

Sedona Parks and Recreation Manager Rachel Murdoch spoke on how the Stumble Run came about and how participants can prepare for success.

• How did the Stumble Train Run come about?

A variety of different reasons. Running is popular and we understand that. Running on trails during an event is pretty difficult in this area because events on forest land that could have a negative impact on the trail are not supported. So we thought, “hey, we have dirt trails in the park, so we could approve a small trail run here.” Also, we have tried other runs on pavement but for one reason or another they didn’t really work out. We love working with Adam [Gifford] at Sedona Running Company, so we kept working until we found a unique fit for our event. That created the Sedona Stumble. Registration is already past where it was last year at this time, so we think it will continue to grow in popularity.

• How can people sign up for the Stumble Trail Run?

It’s all online. [People can] go to this website and click the link: https://register.chronotrack.com/r/46752

• How should runners prepare for the trail?

Start running. Though they will not know the course, our trails are currently existing and they are welcome to get out and run. If they really want information about it, they should contact Adam at Sedona Running Company. He is the runner and helped map out the course.

• Will weather have any effect on the trail?

Cold and heat don’t matter. I guess if it was pouring rain, we would have to cancel because really muddy trails and 400 feet running on them would damage some of our trails. I’m not really concerned about the rain but I guess it’s always a possibility. If it began raining that morning, the run would probably still take place. It would be if it rained the night before and the ground was saturated and muddy [that the race would be canceled].

• What precautions should runners take?

Wear appropriate shoes and slow down when going down hill or up rocks. We have an area where they get to climb a little and use their hands. It’s fun. And we have some steep downhill areas, so just using common sense on the dirt and loose gravel is all that is necessary. There will be water stations.

All race participants will receive a medal upon completing the track.

Trophies will be awarded to age group winners as well as the top three male and female runners.

Run Flagstaff will provide timing for this event using RFID chip technology.

The Sedona Food Truck Festival will immediately follow the Stumble Train Run at Posse Grounds Park and admission is free to the public.

The event features over 20 food trucks, a beer garden and live music.

Each truck will contain a $5 sampler menu, $5 beer and wine choices, plus more options.

Dogs and strollers are not permitted on the course due to the nature of the terrain.