Runner dies after suffering ‘medical emergency’ during ultramarathon

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) — Tragedy struck an ultramarathon race in Arizona on Tuesday when one of the runners died after experiencing a medical emergency.

The 2026 Cocodona 250 organizers posted on social media that one of their participants had a “serious medical emergency” and later died.

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said first responders were called to the area near Senator Highway and the Groom Creek Trailhead around 5 p.m. Deputies said a woman in her 40s had collapsed.

The sheriff’s office said there were no signs of foul play involved and the death was not considered suspicious. The woman’s name has not been released.

The organizers and the sheriff’s office sent their condolences.

“Please keep the runner’s family, friends, fellow runners, volunteers, and first responders in your thoughts. We are deeply grateful to this beautiful community. The race is going to continue in their honor. We ask all participants and crew to carry the memory of this runner with you on the trail,” the organizers said.

The Cocodona 250 is a 253-mile race that starts in Black Canyon City, about 20 miles north of Phoenix, and goes all the way to Flagstaff. The race started Monday and ends Saturday.

Runners have 125 hours to complete the race, which includes more than 38,000 feet of elevation gain and links some of the most iconic trails and towns in Arizona. The event has been held annually since 2021.

Last year, a Michigan woman collapsed and died during a 100-mile race in the southwestern Colorado mountains.