Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Alex Schultz took first place at the 2025 Arizona Trail Race over the weekend, knocking out the AZT800 route in 9 days, 10 hours, and 29 minutes. His finish also marked his successful Triple Crown Challenge, completing the Tour Divide, Colorado Trail Race, and Arizona Trail Race in the same year. John Schilling met Alex in Flagstaff to learn more about his ride…
Words and photos by John Schilling
Congratulations to Alex Schultz for winning the AZT800 with a time of 9 days, 10 hours, and 29 minutes. This is Alex’s third finish in the 800. He won in 2023 and finished second last year. This also wraps up his 2025 Triple Crown Challenge. He finished the Tour Divide in 16 days, 16 hours, and 27 minutes and the Colorado Trail Race in 5 days, 2 hours, and 16 minutes.
This year’s AZT800 was unique because the route could not finish at Stateline campground on the Utah line due to the indefinite closure of the North Kaibab Trail. To keep the 800’s reputation intact, riders still portaged through the Grand Canyon, but in a shorter loop. To make up for the shorter Canyon carry, they were encouraged to hike up Humphreys Peak to Arizona’s highest point at 12,633 feet. The final distance was actually closer to 830 miles, and it ended in Flagstaff this year.
Alex’s ride wasn’t as smooth as it may have appeared. He suffered a significant sidewall slice before reaching the end of the 300. With the aid of a trail angel, he was able to get back on route after hiking nearly 13 miles. The cold nights up north also played a role, and his final night out left him with 12 hours of sleep.
He said he felt good at the finish, and I’m sure that final long sleep did wonders. Congrats again, Alex, that was fun to watch!
Check out the 2025 Arizona Trail Race Tracker page for updates, where you can follow along on the live tracking map and stay tuned in for more event coverage. Find it here.Further Reading
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