@cocodona250 2025
96th Overall
110:54:03
417km (256 miles)
10,871m+
I wouldn’t have been able to do this without a number of people. Dad, Katie, Jordan & Zac were with me for 5 days helping me travel from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff, Arizona. It was physically and mentally the hardest thing I have ever done. We experienced sun, snow, heat, rain and thunderstorms. It was wild. It really exposed me to things that made me question what I was doing and why I was out there. I can’t dedicate a whole year of my life to a goal and not give everything to achieve it. I faced a lot of adversity like sleep deprivation, sore feet, bum chafe and mental challenges. Nothing too greater than what I or other people I know have faced in their lives. I dedicate this race and all the races I run to my crew, my friends, my family and anyone who has had an impact on my life.
Thank you to everyone who contacted me throughout the week, I was reading all your messages and they were giving me strength. You all inspire me to be better and I hope I do the same for you.
My crew for 5 days reminded me of how tough I am and how I can do it but you don’t need other people to tell you that. All you need to do is have a little bit of self belief, discipline and a positive attitude to do anything you want. It does not matter, we are all the same.
I am so grateful to @aravaiparunning@jamilcoury & Race Director Steve Aderholt for creating this race that is quickly becoming the best in the world. I will see you again soon.
If you ever think you can’t do something, you can, you just don’t know it yet.
@dcegroup_@trainade@springenergyau@creeperssocks@fractelrunning@curranzaustralia@lululemonausnz@thexfitdietitian
On our way to Utah after a life changing week spent in Arizona. What a beautiful part of the world with endless mountains, forests and canyons. Thank you @cocodona250 for allowing us to traverse such diverse landscapes and discover what our bodies are truly capable of.
If you’re ever looking for an event to do in the United States, this is the one.
✌🏻
Not many of you may know this but about 200km into @cocodona250 last year I think Katie and I were leaving Jerome aid station when she decided to to tell me that this guy had sustained a stress fracture in his leg a few days before travelling to the states to crew and pace me. He decided not to tell me as he didn’t want to let me down or stress me out. Katie and Jordi took it upon themselves to tell me but after that, it was in the past. We didn’t mention it.
Some of my best sections were done with this bloke. We killed the Mingus climb, we were running uphill in Sedona 250km deep, we hit the summit of Mount Elden and we managed to run the last 6km of the race to cross the finish line.
Once we did, he told me. I got a stress fracture a week ago. I said “I know, Katie and Jordi told me 2 days ago.”
It just goes to show how selfless people are and the sacrifices they are willing to make to see their friends succeed. I couldn’t have done it without him.
Thank you brother @zac_oneil
2027 🤞🏼
It’s @cocodona250 race week and we can’t believe it’s been 12 months since we were there supporting @tobysteele__ take on what’s become one of the most popular races in the world 🌵
Here are the stats;
🏃♂️ 260miles/417km of distance
🏔️ 3900ft/12000m of elevation
🏅 125 hours to get it done
The BEST ultra endurance runners in the world show up to Arizona each year to test themself against this legendary terrain.
“Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” - Dean Karnazes
Follow along as we relive our Coke and Donuts 250 Mile experience from 2025 and follow @aravaiparunning to stay up to date with the live race!
#cocodona250
The 2026 edition of @cocodona250 kicks off on Monday which means it’s been 1 year since I ran 417km across Arizona
What a freaking ride it was and what a freaking ride the last 12 months has been.
2027? 🤔
Saturday morning spent on Mount Glorious. A beautiful part of our country that is worth it every time. Love watching the sun rise over the mountains and the ridge line view of Lake Wivenhoe. We are bloody lucky to have this right on our doorstep.
It’s been a pretty crazy 12 months and to be honest I think I fell out of love with running towards the end of last year. I have taken my time and acknowledged that I haven’t felt the itch to really do anything like I did before I completed Cocodona. I’m having a really cruisy start to the year, trying to get that mojo & fitness back and for the first time in 7 years I haven’t actually signed up for a race yet. I enjoy waking up saying “I might sleep a bit longer” or “I’m only doing 2 hours today.” It feels fucking good.
But whatever is happening in my life, I can always look back and say I did this with my friends and family and know I can do it again, eventually.
INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST LEGEND: TOBY STEELE
Making it to the start line of Brisbane’s biggest ultra is a monumental task. Finishing it year after year? That’s the stuff of legends.
We’re stoked to announce that Toby Steele has joined the 500km Legends Club. After five successful 100km finishes, Toby has become a true fixture of the Guzzler family.
Why does he keep coming back?
“Guzzler will always hold a special place in my heart… I hope to not take a year off for another 40 or 50 years! To be able to say I was there at the start and I still keep coming back is something I’m truly proud of.”
Toby, we’re just as proud to have you. Thanks for being part of the fabric of this race.
👇 Are you on the road to 500km? Let us know how many Guzzler finishes you’ve ticked off in the comments.
@tobysteele__ #TheGuzzler #500kmLegend #UltraRunning #TrailRunning #BrisbaneTrails #UltraRunningAustralia
This little darling, Miss Ella, is going to sleep tomorrow.
I remember over 15 years ago I went to visit the litter and seeing this little black lab laying with her head between a wagon wheel, saying that’s the one.
I couldn’t have asked for a better first dog. She was naughty, she was loving, she was loyal and she has always been a puppy at heart. We are so lucky that she never got sick and that it was time & old age that finally caught up with her. We thought 2 years ago it could have been it but like all Steeles & Thompsons, she is stubborn.
Weekends saying “I’m going to visit Miss Ella” are done and family time will never be the same. That’s life but god, I will miss her.
