Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, we sit down with Mike McKnight, the 2023 Cocodona champion and course record holder, as he returns to Arizona with unfinished business.
Despite winning and setting a record, Mike feels there’s still more to unlock at Cocodona. He's not just chasing another title—he’s chasing a perfect race, one where everything clicks from start to finish. From dialing in execution at every moment to pushing for a time goal he knows he’s capable of, Mike shares why winning once wasn’t enough—and why the pursuit of personal excellence keeps pulling him back.
Beyond the competition, Mike reflects on the special community around Cocodona, the friendships formed on the trails, and why Flagstaff now feels like a second home during race week.
Catch new episodes right here on the Aravaipa Running YouTube channel, or listen to the Distance to Empty Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
📍 Subscribe for more: @aravaiparunning
🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
🎥 Subscribe to Mountain Outpost for the live broadcast: @mountainoutpost
🌍 More information on Cocodona 250: cocodona.com
Follow Mike on Instagram: instagram.com/mikejmcknight
#Cocodona250 #FlagstaffBound #DistanceToEmpty #TrailRunning #UltraRunning #EnduranceForAll
Aravaipa Running is committed to the development of a vibrant community centered around being active in the outdoors.
We feel most alive on a trail, experiencing the solitude and restorative power of nature.
From our course markings, pre-race email, chip timing, convenient packet pickups to unique awards we want to make your event experience flawlessly smooth and something you can count on.
From music to wood fired pizza, beer gardens, meeting new friends, beautiful trails to stunning sunrises and star filled nights, having fun is easy.
Come explore with us.
More Info Below:
Sign up for next year's event aravaiparunning.com/races
Get Live Updates live.aravaiparunning.com
Follow us on Social
Instagram instagram.com/aravaiparunning
Facebook facebook.com/aravaiparunning
Twitter twitter.com/AravaipaRunning
Follow Aravaipa Rides for Arizona's best Mountain Bike events instagram.com/aravaiparides
Subscribe to Run Steep Get High youtube.com/user/runsteepgethigh
In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, we sit down with Mike McKnight, the 2023 Cocodona champion and course record holder, as he returns to Arizona with unfinished business.
Despite winning and setting a record, Mike feels there’s still more to unlock at Cocodona. He's not just chasing another title—he’s chasing a perfect race, one where everything clicks from start to finish. From dialing in execution at every moment to pushing for a time goal he knows he’s capable of, Mike shares why winning once wasn’t enough—and why the pursuit of personal excellence keeps pulling him back.
Beyond the competition, Mike reflects on the special community around Cocodona, the friendships formed on the trails, and why Flagstaff now feels like a second home during race week.
Catch new episodes right here on the Aravaipa Running YouTube channel, or listen to the Distance to Empty Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
📍 Subscribe for more: @aravaiparunning
🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
🎥 Subscribe to Mountain Outpost for the live broadcast: @mountainoutpost
🌍 More information on Cocodona 250: cocodona.com
Follow Mike on Instagram: instagram.com/mikejmcknight
#Cocodona250 #FlagstaffBound #DistanceToEmpty #TrailRunning #UltraRunning #EnduranceForAll
Aravaipa Running is committed to the development of a vibrant community centered around being active in the outdoors.
We feel most alive on a trail, experiencing the solitude and restorative power of nature.
From our course markings, pre-race email, chip timing, convenient packet pickups to unique awards we want to make your event experience flawlessly smooth and something you can count on.
From music to wood fired pizza, beer gardens, meeting new friends, beautiful trails to stunning sunrises and star filled nights, having fun is easy.
Come explore with us.
More Info Below:
Sign up for next year's event aravaiparunning.com/races
Get Live Updates live.aravaiparunning.com
Follow us on Social
Instagram instagram.com/aravaiparunning
Facebook facebook.com/aravaiparunning
Twitter twitter.com/AravaipaRunning
Follow Aravaipa Rides for Arizona's best Mountain Bike events instagram.com/aravaiparides
Subscribe to Run Steep Get High youtube.com/user/runsteepgethigh
