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Much of Arizona is steeped with the history of the Old West pioneer days and old mining history of the 1800’s and early 1900’s. The Mogollon Rim and the surrounding area that encompasses what is the Mogollon Monster course is no different and has a long history in ranching, Indian wars and gun battles. Ranchers on the land below the Rim in the Tonto Basin used to graze their cattle in the areas around Payson during the winters and come spring they would drive their cattle north onto the Rim to the lush, green meadows of the Cabin Loop region and beyond. There water was plentiful with springs, rivers, streams and ponds scattered about the forest while the Payson area below the Rim crept into the upper 90’s and 100’s and watering holes went dry, grass went scarce. The Mogollon Rim rises out from the earth 2,000 some feet for a span of 200 miles across Arizona and into New Mexico, defining much of the eastern part of the state. This Rim takes the race from elevations of 5,300 feet at the start to upwards of 8,000 feet at the top of the Rim, changing ecosystems along the way in distinct flora changes as the elevation changes switch the scenery from high Sonoran Desert to the largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest in the world. If the history of the course wasn’t enough to lure you in, if the beauty of the course wasn’t enough to lure you in well how about a mystical monster that has been sighted in this area for nearly 100 years? The "Mogollon Monster" has been sighted on the Rim in the area of the race itself since as far back as 1903. The Mogollon Monster 100 is a rugged, challenging trail race taking place about 90 minutes northeast of Phoenix, Arizona just outside the small town of Pine, Arizona. This is an advanced degree endurance race of 106 miles. The race navigates its way up, down, around and through the beautiful Mogollon Rim. This race started very small a few years back and now has grown in popularity because of its extreme difficulty and course beauty. Last year this race was recognized by the Hardrock 100 as one of the toughest 100’s in the country and they granted runners entry into their lottery with a successful finish. Runners raved about the incredible views and old school race atmosphere as they ran up, down, and around the Mogollon Rim several times. This is a must run for all runners looking to really challenge themselves to see what their made of. With only two sub-24 hour buckles in existence there are plenty more to be handed out for those willing to train for the beast.