Antelope Canyon 100 miles - An Ultra Running Documentary

Running Antelope Canyon 100 miles Ultra Marathon is much hard than it looks. Sand, heat, cold - you don't realize it but it's slowly grinding you down. In this Ultra Running Documentary, I race Antelope Canyon Ultra 2024 in Page Arizona. A great running adventure alongside hundreds of ultra runner facing Antelope Canyon 55k, Antelope Canyon 50 miles, Antelope Canyon Trail Half Marathon.
Curious about the trail running gear I use and recommend: check out this link
linktr.ee/runningwithsimon
This is my second time trail running this ultra marathon by Vacation Races. Similarly to Zion Ultras - my next ultra marathon race - expect some scenic landscape, some sun, and some cold night! The race came around my birthday, and, drum rolls, Fanny's Birthday. Joining me for the adventure are my wife Nora, and Fanny who's raced with me before (Grand Slam '22, Badger Mountain, Bear 100, etc) AND paced me at Badwater 135. They'll be both racing the 50 miles.
Again, this ultra marathon will test you. It's easy to look at the elevation profile and simply shrug it off. But with a DNF rate of ~60% - there is no doubt that running here, maybe it's the sand, will be exhausting.
Next for me is Zion Ultra Marathon 100 miles - April 13. I'll be using it as a dress rehearsal for my big race this year - Cocodona 250. Stay tuned!
As always, thanks for watching!
Simon
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Instagram:
/ runningwithsimon
Strava:
/ strava
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Music credit:
• By Infraction : Over the Mountains, Positive, Tokyo Streets, Distance, Back to You, Searching, Make me Happy, Feel the time, Joy Rising
• By Mokka Music: Claps, Purple Summer, Ambient Aria, Retrograde
• By Lakey Inspired: Chill Day
• By Ikson: New Day
• Megaman X: Cast Roll, Password
Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org/
Track Name: AMBIENT ARIA (AMBIENT)
inaudio.org/track/ambient-ari...
Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org/
Track Name: BACK TO YOU (EDM)
inaudio.org/track/back-to-you...
Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org/
Track Name: RETROGRADE (SYNTHWAVE)
inaudio.org/track/retrograde-...
Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org/
Track Name: POSITIVE (TROPICAL)
inaudio.org/track/positive-tr...
Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org/
MAKE ME HAPPY (EDM)
inaudio.org/track/make-me-hap...
Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org/
Track Name: DISTANCE (CINEMATIC)
inaudio.org/track/distance-ci...

[@runningwithsimon]

Congratulations to Fanny and Nora!!! And now I'm getting a little nervous about Cocodona...

[@jaredayres]

Thanks for all the helpful videos! All my life I told myself I wasn’t a runner. Then I found trail running and something flipped. I’m running my first 50k in November. Your channel is my go to for advice and inspiration. Thanks for what you’re doing! Good luck at Cocodona!

[@runningwithsimon]

That’s great! What race?

[@jaredayres]

@@runningwithsimon I live in Texas and I’m running the Austin Rattler. It happens to be a Leadville Qualifier. I’m working towards that 100 mile distance.

[@runningwithsimon]

@@jaredayres Good luck! Golden coin would be nice

[@jaredayres]

@@runningwithsimon thanks so much! That’d be really cool!

[@user-ji8kc8jl3e]

Beautiful! Thank you for bringing us along.

[@runningwithsimon]

My pleasure! I try as much as possible to 'bring you down in the trench with me' on those. So filming won't always be smooth, no slow motion, and no post race voice over. If I was so tired I was slurring my words - I'll keep it. I want it to be as honest and transparent as possible - sometimes it's majestic, and...well sometimes I'm not a pretty sight. But that's just how it is - and it's tough for a somewhat perfectionist, but I feel honesty is important here.

[@Gator35]

Great job, Simon! You’re such a gift and an inspiration to this community!!! ❤❤❤

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks - that means a lot!

[@runninrob7922]

Appreciate the trail etiquette! Happy birthday 🎉🎉

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks! 1 year wiser :) I'm never upset at anyone doing it, and I'm sure I'm guilty too some times. But I think it's nice if we all try to be aware. My kogalla was particularly bright...

[@NancyMayhew-uw5dz]

Thank you so much for sharing this epic adventure ! I ran the 55k in March 2020 with my friend, Heidi, just as COVID was starting to shut things down. We were glad we opted to wear our gators for all that bloody sand ! I just wanted to say that your commentating and little videos interludes were awesome. I actually got emotional watching you rallying yourself for the last 10 miles just as the sun was coming up. Please continue sharing your adventures and happy birthday to you and your friend, Fanny !

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks Nancy! And wow, that must have been right under the wire for 2020 shutdown! My first 100 was supposed to be Zion and that one was canceled 3-4 weeks later

[@emmarunyeard6832]

This was better than anything on T. V., I have been using your wise advice for my current batch of speed training runs... Found myself doing reps saying 'FIRST BLOOD' 😂😂

[@runningwithsimon]

haha classic! One of my first tip video :)

[@Sanko1960]

Another terrific video. You said several times that this race is harder than it looks, but it looked pretty hard to me with all that sand and in the first part it looked very hard to see the course markings. But as usual, you did a great job. I have a good friend running Cocodona so I can't wait to see how all of you manage that one. Thank you!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks :) I meant mostly that it's harder than it looks if you quickly glance at the distance + elevation profile which is "100 miles with only 6k feet and 30 hours". It doesn't do it justice, but once you see the sand... yup it's hard!

[@jg5555]

Sure looks like a fox at 33:45 🙂 Ugh those loops look hellish. Big congrats to Fanny, Nora & Simon and good luck at Cocodona!!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thank you! Yeah I couldn't tell - but we heard coyote later so I figured must have been one of them

[@lynnebert859]

I grew up boating, skiing, camping on Lake Powell…definitely one of my favorite places. I was able to run the 55k a few years back…it was amazing! Glad you got to experience this amazing area! You inspire us to keep going!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks :) It's really interesting from far to see the contrast in color from the river. Would be curious to see further - the lake is so big!

[@cindydawn4252]

The editing this video was sooooo funny 😂😂😂 love your videos! Thanks for taking us with you

[@runningwithsimon]

My pleasure! The race video are the most fun to produce! And TRYING to be funny is my guilty pleasure

[@xuanwang5488]

Congratulations!!!! I was also there!! My very first ultra (50mi, was only able to stretch to the 38mi AS). Thank you for your training tips, I've been watching your adventure videos with Nora and learning from your running tips!!! Have fun with all your races!

[@runningwithsimon]

Sorry to hear you didn’t have the day you were hoping for still - but let’s never forget that 38 miles is an ultra :) …also you didn’t miss much skipping the rim trail lol

[@PatrickMartin-lw7tu]

What a great way to celebrate birthdays on such a gorgeous course. Congrats on a great finish! OMG, loved the South Park pieces. I was watching while doing an incline intervals workout on a treadmill, it made me laugh out loud and I almost got crossed up and flew off the back of the machine. Fantastic!

[@runningwithsimon]

haha oh well. Next time make sure to film yourself just in case...

[@sethgrad2908]

Great job, Simon. Your videos are getting even more entertaining. The clips on this one were hilarious. Best of luck on all your adventures!

[@runningwithsimon]

Glad you enjoyed it! And thanks for the support :)

[@Drunkbuffalo31]

When other runners tell me I’m getting there “LIAR”😂

[@runningwithsimon]

Exactly! That, or when they tell me "looking strong brother!"...pff yeah right

[@fannyb7438]

Thanks for this video!! Well done!! See you at Cocodona 🙂

[@runningwithsimon]

I'm starting to be nervous... :)

[@Kelly_Ben]

Congratulations to you all, and Happy birthday to you both! What a way to celebrate! 😂 I was impressed - but not surprised- when the ladies got their stiff achy selves up to run you in! That is such a cool, unique course, definitely adding it to my bucket list. Thanks for another great video!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks :) Both of them are absolute treasure! It's going to be fun to see fanny at cocodona too - she's always positive and smiling. Really great when the going get tough!

[@Jameshooperlikesrunning]

Inspirational way to start off the weekend! Thanks.

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks - the support is much appreciated!

[@liamallport3361]

Very inspiring Simon. Your grit to keep moving forward when your head is telling you to quit

[@runningwithsimon]

You know - I don't think my head has ever literally suggest quitting in a race. I can get in a dark and negative space, like "this stinks" and "why am I doing this" and "I don't want to do this anymore". But the option of quitting is never where it leads me - more in the direction of sitting down, maybe sleeping a little. The good thing with that is that at some point I mostly just want to be done, and paradoxically, the fastest way to be done with this is to run (which is basically what happened this time from like 80ish to the finish)

[@hibiru6868]

Nice footage and congratulations for finishing. I love the sense of humor - I hope you got all the sand out of your...

[@runningwithsimon]

I DON'T HAVE SAND IN MY V G G!!!

[@xuanwang5488]

I was definitely defeated by the sand!! Planning to go back next year to finish the full trail course with more training and preparation!

[@runningwithsimon]

Never give up!

[@SeeChadRun]

What a cool run! Those canyons and views are so neat! Great job out there!!!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks! They kinda make up for the 6x 10 miles loop...kinda

[@vroc5689]

Great way to finish off the night! Lets go Simon!!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks! In the movie it looks like I’m walking a lot but I was even able to push to a jog often (however would stop filming)

[@MyChallenge-StartsToday]

Thanks

[@runningwithsimon]

Sure thing! It was a fun one to put together :)

[@jonathanlamontagne1731]

Simon tu est une inspiration pour moi . Ma mère est atteinte d'un cancer du sein stage 4 . Elle décèderas dans la prochaine année . J'ai décidé de devenir un ultra runner a force de te ragardé . Je m'identifie beaucoup a toi . Nos énergir et facon de pensé ce rapproche beaucoup . J'adore regardé ton contenus . Merci de le partagé !

[@runningwithsimon]

Désolé d'apprendre ça au sujet de ta mère. Bon courage. Et content de savoir que je puisse être une source d'inspiration dans ces temps difficile.

[@sabinapodversich5282]

Thanks for your advices. I remember crossing you in my last 3 miles. Antelope Canyon was my first ultra. The best at Cocodona!

[@runningwithsimon]

Congratulations :)

[@iterato1]

Happy Birthday!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks :) And appreciate the support - good timing, I'm putting together a little recording space to be more efficient with the tip video!

[@user-mr9iz3or6z]

I remember talking with you on lap 4/6 at page rim aid, you crushed it brother !!! You gave me some inspiration to run this 100 miler on your last video (during the rainy season )! Appreciate your videos man keep it up !

[@runningwithsimon]

Always love to hear I helped inspire someone. Congrats - tough race.

[@ryanf9028]

Dang bro, you are a monster. Training for my first 100 mile run. I’m a little scared 😫

[@runningwithsimon]

Good luck! It's tough, but you can do it! Did you pick a race already?

[@cameronmueller]

Great coverage as usual Simon, Hope to see you at Cocodona! :)

[@runningwithsimon]

Are you racing? Yeah we'll def see each other :) I'm (finally) getting antsy about it! And we're last minute having major logistics issue (Nora has a work trip May 6-8...ouch)

[@cameronmueller]

Yes I am, it will be my first 200. Oh no, I hope you're still able to get it figured out logistically.@@runningwithsimon

[@runningwithsimon]

@@cameronmueller We'll find a way. We have a few friends racing and they have crew, so just need to organize a bit

[@lindawilliams6220]

Thanks!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks Linda! Much appreciated your support again :) It's good timing too - I'm working on making a DYI cheapy studio to help on the "how to" video, and might need to buy some gear to film cocodona in a few weeks (...wow it's coming fast!)

[@lindawilliams6220]

I really enjoy your videos and how honest you are about how it feels at different points of the race. I'm inspired to try the Javelina 100k after watching your video. Hope to meet you and Nora at one of these races someday. Good luck at Cocodona.

[@runningwithsimon]

@@lindawilliams6220 We'll be at javelina this year! Not sure if nora will race, but I'm sign up for the 100M :)

[@BesterInvestor]

Great video, beautiful scenery, congrats on the run! It's just a pity you edited in those silly little clips to "reduce the viewing experience" for adults, but maybe that's just me?

[@marshallbassford5430]

What would you recommend as a first 100 mile? I have done a 50k, plan to do a 100k in Arizona in October and then next year hopefully try a 100 mile

[@runningwithsimon]

I think Zion Ultra 100 miles is a solid choice. It's not the easiest course, but 100 miles is always hard. I think the 36 hours is very reasonable and allows for things to not go as planned, yet still finish. Views are very nice. And because of the overall course design, it makes for an epic adventure. I guess you've seen my recap and tip on this race, so should give you a good idea what to expect and if that's the type of race you want.

[@marshallbassford5430]

Thanks for the advice! I’d the 100k goes well this year I will probably look into Zion Ultra next year. Congratulations on this finish! Well done

[@user-rv2ri4gn8g]

Love watching your videoes, but it seems that you are always underfueling??🤔🙏🏼

[@runningwithsimon]

I don't know - what makes you say that? I think I fuel more than most people around me in race.

[@user-rv2ri4gn8g]

@@runningwithsimon It just seems like the tally of calories on the screen, combined with the total calories used seems like too little? Or maybe I’m Reading it wrong🤗

[@runningwithsimon]

@@user-rv2ri4gn8g It's always a struggle to eat enough for sure. It's hard to get more than 200-300 Cal per hours, especially later. When you add the ~2000 Cal worth of stored glycogen, and probably 50-100Cal worth of lipid oxidation per hour, I get about 11-13k in 100 miles. Which is reasonable. I see a lot of people consuming closer to 100-200 on average. But yeah, I struggle at the end