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Entrekin Sets Overall Cocodona 250 Course Record in Winning Time of 56:09:48
The 34-year-old Colorado ultrarunner finished the 250-mile Arizona race in 56:09:48 on May 6, 2026, surpassing all previous male and female times. She overcame self-doubt with the mantra "Why not you? Why not now? Why not try?" The event drew more than 1,300 runners but was marred by a competitor's death.
May 8, 11:57 PM·2m read1 source
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Rachel Entrekin crossed the finish line of the Cocodona 250 in Flagstaff, Arizona, on May 6, 2026, becoming the first woman in history to win the race and setting an overall course record as the fastest person ever, male or female. The 34-year-old professional ultramarathon runner from Colorado completed the 250-mile endurance event in 56:09:48, according to Aravaipa Running, which organizes the race.
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This was the third time Entrekin has run the Cocodona 250.
The 2026 edition drew more than 1,300 runners. The Cocodona 250 takes competitors up 38,791 feet along a route that includes the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail, Prescott Circle Trail, Sedona, Arizona Trail, Flagstaff Loop Trail and the Sonoran Desert.
The race continues from day to night and stretches multiple days, exposing runners to extreme heat and cold in addition to dramatic geographical changes.
"I didn't expect to be a pinnacle or champion for women's sports and what I just got to be a part of. So, yeah, it's pretty incredible," Entrekin told ABC News in an interview after her victory. Entrekin said she did not start the race believing she would finish at the front of the pack.
"I had a lot of doubt, actually. I thought that maybe I was being foolish," she said. She adopted a mantra that helped carry her through: "Why not you? Why not now? " "Somebody has to win, so ... " Entrekin added.
