From Spectator to Participant: My Unexpected Journey at the Arizona 6 Day Race

Author: Dave Nevins, Tourism Coordinator

What began as a casual Sunday photography assignment slid into an immersive, exhausting, and exhilarating plunge into one of the rarest endurance events in the world, the Arizona 6 Day Race. Initially intending only to document the event, I was drawn into the race's rhythm, eventually joining the small but incredibly passionate field of participants circling 15th Street Park in Douglas, Arizona.

The 6 Day Race is steeped in a rich tradition dating back to the 1870s when multi-day footraces drew tens of thousands of spectators. Though they faded from popularity in the early 1900s, a revival began with a 6 Day Race in Woodside, California. Today, approximately 20-25 of these events are held worldwide. Douglas may be only one of two held in a small community.
Race Director Gary Cross created the Buffalo Soldier 24-Hour Run in Sierra Vista and would later establish the Arizona 6 Day in Douglas in 2005. Gary is an Ultra Legend. He was the youngest (19 years old) to finish the world-famous iconic Western States 100 (100 miles) in 1980. He is also a military war vet who served for 20+ years. This year, the Arizona 6 Day Race reached its notable 20th anniversary.

A true legend of this race is Jerry Schuster, who has won numerous times and has been involved in some fashion for each of the 20 years. This year, Jerry started the race but would deal with a health issue, so he shifted into volunteer mode. A local, Peter Hessing, put in his 10th year not only doing the race but also setting it up and taking it down. This small race with big stories was a community effort, and special thanks go out to Gary, Arizona, Jerry, Peter, Leo, and others for their time and enthusiasm, making the race possible. Additional thanks to Zoe, who brought a guest. Some participants may have thought they were hallucinating, but the guest was her chameleon, Rangel. This race would not have been possible without the City of Douglas: Parks & Rec employees, Douglas PD, the volunteers, and the athletes. Thanks also go to the iconic Gadsden Hotel, where some racers stayed. The Golden Time Restaurant welcomed everyone for the after-race festivities, and I made a few trips to Burger King for highly desired Impossible Whoppers.

Jason Lester - set a record of 378 miles at the Arizona 6 Day Race

Gary would be on site for approximately 143 out of the 144 hours while the race clock was spinning. Volunteering can also be an endurance event. This is a 24-hour event! Thank you very much, Gary. 

At this unique event, I was encouraged to see a world-class athlete, Jason Lester. Not only because he won the prestigious ESPN ESPY Award and a 2-time USAT (USA Triathlon) Athlete of the Year Award. When Jason was 12 years old, he was hit by a speeding car that ran a red light. This collision resulted in 21 broken bones, a collapsed lung, and a permanently paralyzed right arm. He is competing in triathlons with only one usable arm. He was the first AWAD athlete (Athlete With A Disability) to finish the Ultraman World Championships in Hawaii, where he swam 6.2 miles, biked 261.4 miles, and ran 52.4 miles.

Dave Nevins (author) with Rangel. Photo taken by Zoe Pinon

Jason credits his mental fortitude, determination, and persistence as the characteristics that taught him how to turn his adversities into his greatest gifts. I am living with my interesting challenges while living with type 1 diabetes. Combining diabetes with extreme events and/or adventure can lay out interesting stories and a unique life. Every step can lead to a new story.

Next year, the Arizona 6 Day Race may adopt a 6-12 format to be more friendly to volunteers and participants. Those walking or running would only be able to tick off laps for 12 hours each day, eliminating the difficult hours late at night or early morning, for both athletes, and those logging laps.

To contact Gary Cross about participating in and/or volunteering at the 2026 Arizona 6 Day Race, please call (520) 266-7638. The Arizona 6 Day Race is for everyone! The race always starts on the Sunday before Easter. For 2026 The Arizona 6 Day Race will be Sunday, March 29th to Saturday, April 4th.

Tim Lawson

Final Results:
1.Jason Lester - 378 miles (New Record!)
2.Tim Lawson - 101.5 miles
2.Dave Nevins - 101.5 miles
3.Peter Hessing - 37.5 miles
4.Jerry Schuster - 30.75 miles
5.Arizona Cross - 21 miles
6.Antonia Tipoco - 12.75 miles
7.Gary Cross - 2.75 miles
8.Rosa Cuevas - .75 mile

Reflection:
More than just a footrace, The Arizona 6 Day Race is a test of resolve, routine and quiet endurance. For the author, the event transformed from a simple assignment into a meaningful personal journey, echoing the original spirit of multi-day racing: grit, camaraderie, and unexpected adventure.

On the Left - Race Director, Gary Cross. On the Right is Jason Lester