This past weekend, I again found myself immersed in the stunning beauty of the Kaibab National Forest’s historic Government Prairie. I was voluntarily leading the third annual Willow Bend Environmental Education Center’s fundraising trip across the Kaibab National Forest’s Beale Wagon Road with my pal, Eric Souders, and his two camels, Gamal and Rakuda.
As I stood at our tour’s starting point along one of the best-preserved sections of the historic wagon ruts, I realized this will be the same scenic spot where in less than five months, on Oct. 11, the Soulstice Mountain Trail runners will tackle our new 30K (18-mile) race route. This spot was exactly where, in 1857, Lt. Edward Beale, along with 50 men and 22 camels, surveyed and later constructed the United States� first federally funded wagon road through the Southwest.
Neil Weintraub cofounded Northern Arizona Trail Runners Association in October 2001. Thanks to his many friends, the group has met for 1,181 consecutive Saturdays whether to run, race, volunteer at aid stations or help maintain trails. Visit to learn more and join the free group runs.
Rachel Smith is a professional runner and amateur mother. She is also the coordinating editor for this column and encourages people to send their stories to her at [email protected].
