Javelina Jundred
This 100 mile or 100 km race (pronounced Ha-vel-eena Hundred) happens in Fountain Hills, Arizona (in the desert outside Scottsdale), right around Halloween. Aravaipa Running, which organizes the race, calls it the "original costumed 100 mile trail run party." You're likely to see runners and spectators in costume, which adds a unique element to the race.
From a crewing perspective this race is great - because the course takes runners on consecutive loops around the course. So, the Crew basically get to stay put at "Javelina Jeadquarters." The race certainly has its challenges, but crew logistics isn't one of them. To make things even more straightforward, many folks reserve camp sites at McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Four Peaks Staging Area which also serves as the start/finish area for the race. The race also partners with a nearby hotel to provide lodging at a discount rate. Once parking fills up at the start/finish, there is a satellite parking lot with shuttles that take crews and spectators back and forth. Plan a little extra time in your schedule for this - the years that we have been there, the shuttles have been frequent and adequate for the number of people, but the process still takes time.
There's lots of helpful information in the 2017 Javelina Jundred Runner Guide
Note: McDowell Mountain Regional Park normally charges an entry fee ($6 at last check). While the Javelina website indicates that admission for one car is included in the runner packet, you may need to pay (use correct change if you can) if you have additional cars for crew or pacers. The two times we've been there, the park ranger's station was empty for much of the weekend, so be sure to be on your honor about paying to show your support for the place that makes the race possible.
What's new on Instagram for this race? These iphotos tagged by Instagram users with the hashtag #javelinajundred and #jj100. No ownership of these images is implied.