We get it, running 100 miles in 100 degrees through the desert is hard enough… why make it harder with a costume? Because it’s fun! Duh.
We captured a glimpse of the incredible array of fabulous kits at Javelina Jundred this past weekend. So grab your Squirrel’s Nut Butter and lube up, because there is no excuse to not wear a costume on your run this Halloween.
If you haven’t heard of the rowdiest ultrarunning party in the desert, let us introduce you to the Javelina Jundred. This one-of-a-kind event in the Sonoran Desert draws runners and thrill-seekers from around the world. Picture a course that loops under the blazing Arizona sun, where runners don costumes, celebrate Halloween-style, and push their limits to go the distance—all while fueled by high-energy aid stations, enthusiastic volunteers, and the infectious spirit of camaraderie. The Javelina Jundred is an ultra-running experience like no other, where finishing the race is just part of the adventure. Not keen on running a hundo? Check out the 100K and nighttime 31K races.
We found David Roche milking a cow and wondered how he could be two places at once… 🤔
Then we found the *actual* David Roche leading the race (and eventually winning) in a time of 12:45:04, just shy of a course record (12:43:10) with an average pace of roughly 7:40 min/miles. 🦖
Glinda the Good Witch was contemplating enjoying a Freak Bros Pizza before blasting through the Jackass 31K. 🍕
The best part of dressing up as an avocado is being able to bounce your pit all day keeping the finish line vibes extra hyped. 🥑
ATTENTION ELITES: You can run in costume and still be victorious. Jeff Mogavero finished 2nd place overall, securing his Golden Ticket, all while rockin’ devil horns. 😈
Head accessories are a great place to start if you’re unsure about a functional “running” Halloween costume. 🤖
It turns out 70s fashion pairs quite well with HOKAs. 🕺🏽
This is a moth, not to be confused with a butterfly. Her commitment to the black body suit was next level. Paired with a lamp (not pictured) and you have the couples costume you’ve been dreaming of. 🦋
We found a lot of Waldos out there. Not sure which one was the actual Waldo. But rest assured, he’s been found. 🕵🏻♂️
Laz showed up and shared a little second hand smoke with the runners. 🚬 He also won the costume contest. 🏆
Possibly the best costume of ALL TIME! The McDowell Mountain Regional Park dressed up as a homeless encampment for the weekend… but actually it’s just a bunch of stinky runners. ⛺️
Massive kudos to everyone that kept trail running weird [and spooky] this weekend! 👽👻
For me running is a way to live my life to the fullest. Ultrarunning challenges my mind and body, and I feel most alive when these two things are working together. Every run gifts a magic key to unlock the next lesson and there is an endless meadow filled with future challenges to test that lesson. A new hill, trail, race, friend, location, distance. Running is pretty awesome, amirite?
My favorite place to run:
I have a bit of an obsession with the 68-mile long Backbone Trail through SoCal's Santa Monica Mountains. With a mix of sunny fire roads, winding single track, and sweeping ocean views, the entire trail is straight out of a dream.
What I hope to convey through my content:
As the Sr. Content Marketing Manager for UltraSignup I aim to inspire individuals to play within our fabulous trail running community as much as possible. I encourage you to set wild goals, to push yourself, and possibly surprise yourself on your way to achieving them.
More about Shelby:
I was not always a runner — a sucker for a good turkey trot, I felt being able to run three miles was a fair test of fitness. After college I decided to kick it into another gear. With a new found focus on my personal health and wellness I trained for my first marathon — the Vermont City Marathon — in 2013. Finishing sub four hours, stronger than I ever expected, I became hooked on running, setting big goals, and chipping away at them day after day. Furthest distance to date is 290 miles. I like the long stuff.
Waffles over pancakes.
Alien believer.
Oh, and I live in a van with my husband and two cats.
