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Cracked: Stories from the Arizona Trail Race
During the Arizona Trail Race, racers can call in and leave messages with stories from the trail. Aaron Johnson’s new film “Cracked” is a compilation of those stories that examines how the 2024 event unfolded through the racers’ words. Watch the 40-minute film here…
Film, photos and words by Aaron Johnson
The Arizona Trail has lodged itself in the back of my brain for the last 10 years, ever since I first completed the route in 2014, when the race was “only” 750 miles. That experience was transformative, and I knew I’d be back someday. In the years since, race organizer John Schilling has continuously improved the route, replacing pavement detour miles with more singletrack and dirt roads, resulting in significant changes and adding another 80 miles.
A decade older and maybe a little wiser, I finally got the opportunity to return this past fall to test myself against the beautifully brutal landscape again. As someone who has completed both the old 750 course and the new 800, I can definitely say the new one is much harder!
This film is a collection of footage from the racers paired with with the MTBCast call-ins and recorded messages the racers leave throughout the event. I have always loved the MTBCast call-ins. They are the best glimpse into the physical and emotional roller coaster the racers are swept into during these events. They’re often hilarious, sometimes tear-jerking, and always entertaining and inspiring.
Further Reading
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