iStockphoto / Noah Sauve/Pavel1964
The 2026 Arizona Monster 300 has a winner! Michael McKnight was the first to cross the finish line of the 304-mile point to point trail race across Arizona that features a total of 41,162′ elevation gain.
The ultra race began last week. So while the rest of us were all enjoying our weekend these runners were out in the scorching hot Arizona desert dodging rattlesnakes and heat stroke and eating up the miles.
Michael McKnight Sets Arizona Monster 300 (Mile) Race Course Record
Next year, the Arizona Monster 300 race course will be moving some. So when Michael McKnight set out to grab a new course record he did so with the knowledge that his record would then never be broken because the course is moving.
Over the course of 304-miles through Arizona’s Sonoran Desert across National Forest Lands, Michael McKnight spent a grand total of 2 days, 21 hours, and 30 minutes of moving time with just 13 hours and 21 minutes of resting time. He crossed the finish line with a cumulative time of 3d10h52m, beating the previous course record by several hours.
His moving speed averaged 4.3 miles per hour over the course of 3.5 days. That is insane. That average speed includes stopping to eat, use the bathroom, check in with loved ones, take naps, etc. He was an absolute machine!
Here is the 2026 Arizona Monster 300 winner Michael McKnight, looking fresh and alert, speaking about his win right after finishing:
I’m just astonished with how fresh and clean he looks after spending the last 3+ days running through the Sonoran Desert in Arizona where temperatures hit 100 last weekend. It was scorching! Most runners strategized by taking it really easy during the daytime and the BOOKING IT at night when the temperatures dropped and running conditions were more favorable.
The moment Michael McKnight crossed the finish line had the crowd AMPED UP. Check it out:
How Does This 300-Mile Race Work?
It is a point to point race beginning near Phoenix, Arizona. Runners then span 304 miles south across the Sonoran Desert in National Forest Lands and finish in Patagonia, Arizona. When they finish, they receive a sick belt buckle for their effort.
In total, the runners ascend 41,162 feet of elevation… All on dead tired legs because they are running 304 MILES.
259.1 miles of the race takes place in single track trails, 34 miles on bike paths, 9.5 miles on paved roads, and 6 miles on dirt roads.
There are 19 aid stations over the 304 miles. Runners stop at these aid stations to fuel up on carbs and everything else they need… Quesadillas, candy, sushi, burritos, flat soda, anything they can get into their bodies that their bodies won’t reject.
All of the runners have 170 total hours to complete the 304 mile race. If they don’t cross the finish line by the 170-hour mark they get pulled off the course. Last year’s winner finished in 86.63 hours while this year’s Arizona Monster 300 winner, Michael McKnight, finished in around 82 hours. Incredible stuff.
If you are curious of what life is like out there on the trails go follow Andy Glaze on TikTok or Instagram today. He has been posting a ton of videos from the race including some clips to his IG Story yesterday after running into a rattlesnake.
Imagine crossing 200 miles and knowing you still have 100 more to go:
Congratulations are in order for EVERY SINGLE ONE of the Arizona Monster 300 finishers this year. As of now, the women’s race is not over yet. Selene Mallone is at 272.5 miles and being closely trailed by Anne Tisdell who is at 267.4 miles.
You can track all of the Arizona Monster 300 finishers and results on the Destination Trail Run website.