Across the Years 6 Day

Across the Years is rooted in the old pedestrian tradition: cover as much ground as possible while the clock keeps running, with complete freedom to walk, eat, rest, or sleep. The six-day race is the longest timed competition in Aravaipa's New Year festival and shares the Peoria Sports Complex with shorter timed races and fixed-distance events. Results are based on total distance when the six days expire, not on reaching a preset mileage.

The 1.42-mile loop winds through the Peoria Sports Complex on dirt paths and asphalt or concrete, passing training fields, the main stadium, and parking areas. Each circuit gains about 23 feet, a small number that becomes meaningful after hundreds of laps. Runners can establish a trackside base, use permanent showers and restrooms, and sleep in tents or the shared napping area, but every break consumes the same six-day clock.

The Phoenix area is usually mild around New Year, but six days expose runners to the entire winter range. Past editions have seen freezing nights, afternoons in the 70s, and prolonged rain. The open complex offers little protection from sun or wind on the loop, so a successful setup needs warm sleep gear, rain protection, sun coverage, and enough dry clothing for repeated day-night cycles.