Listen now
Listen in the appEpisode Notes
We spend a lot of time talking about how hard Cocodona 250 is. The miles, the climbing, the heat, the sleep deprivation.
But this course didn’t start as a race. Bryce Brooks teaches us all about that.
In this episode, we go through the history of the Cocodona 250 route, from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff, and all the strange, wild, and sometimes brutal stories that came long before runners showed up.
Mining towns that popped up overnight. Roads built to haul gold through the mountains. Saloons, fires, outlaws, and entire buildings moved by hand. Sections of trail that were once trade routes, stagecoach roads, and lifelines through unforgiving terrain.
And the realization that when you’re out there struggling… you’re not the first one.
This episode is part history lesson, part storytelling, and part reminder that these miles mean a little more when you understand where you are.
Support our Sponsors:
Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/
Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726
CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee
Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab
Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com
Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside
Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF
Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.com
Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside
Website: www.Freeoutside.com
Instagram: thefreeoutside
facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside
#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure
Next listen
All from Free Outside →
Next listen
40TH PLACE IN THE WORLD, The Midwest McGrady of Running
2 days ago1:05:09
Listen guide
How do I listen to this episode of Free Outside?
"Cocodona 250 History: The Stories Beneath the Miles" is an episode of Free Outside. Runtime 1 hr 27 min. Published April 24, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.
Step by step
- Open Spot Sports. Get the free Spot Sports app for background play, lock-screen controls, and offline downloads.
- Or stream right here. Tap play on the episode card above. No app needed.
- Browse the full podcast. Jump to the Free Outside page for the rest of the catalog.
- Or subscribe in any podcast app. Free Outside ships on a standard RSS feed, so Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, and Pocket Casts all work too.
Quick FAQ
- When was this episode published?
- April 24, 2026.
- How long is this episode?
- 1 hr 27 min.
- What podcast is this from?
- Free Outside. Browse the full back catalog on the show page.
- What does this episode cover?
- Free Outside covers running. This episode runs on the show's regular cadence.
