About Us
Elevating What a Running Challenge Can Be
Founded in the rugged heart of Northern Arizona, High Tail It Racing was created to bring a new kind of thrill to endurance athletes — races that challenge, inspire, and celebrate the climb.
We believe the best races are more than just a finish line. They’re shared experiences of grit, passion, and altitude — moments that remind us what we’re capable of when we push beyond comfort.
From the desert red rocks to the alpine trails of Flagstaff, our events connect runners with nature, community, and the joy of vertical movement.
Meet Robin Allen, Founder of High Tail It Racing
Robin Allen is the driving force behind High Tail It Racing. A lifelong athlete and lover of Arizona’s mountain landscapes, Robin has always been drawn to endurance sports that test both body and spirit.
After years of competing in trail races, IRONMAN races, and mountain events across the world, Robin recognized a gap — there weren’t enough races that captured the intensity and beauty of Arizona’s vertical terrain.
So, in January 2025, she founded High Tail It Racing with a simple goal: To bring exciting, high-elevation race experiences to runners who crave a new kind of challenge.
Today, Robin and her team are proud to host the Southwest Vertical Challenge at AZ Snowbowl — a USATF-MUT sanctioned event and the first-ever summertime uphill challenge at this iconic resort. Her passion for mountain racing and community drives every detail, from course design to the post-race celebration.
Our Mission
At High Tail It Racing, our mission is to create performance events that celebrate the climb — races that push limits, forge connections, and honor the landscapes we run through.
We are dedicated to:
Bringing innovative, high-quality race experiences to the Southwest.
Showcasing Arizona’s diverse terrain — from desert canyons to alpine ridges.
Building a community of runners who live for the challenge and the journey.
We don’t just organize races — we craft adventures that stay with you long after the finish line.
The Future of Vertical Racing
The Southwest Vertical Challenge at AZ Snowbowl is only the beginning.
Our vision is to expand the High Tail It Racing Series — bringing more vertical challenge events to new locations across the country.
Each course will be unique, challenging, and unforgettable, designed to highlight the character of each landscape — from red rock ascents to alpine switchbacks.
Because for us, it’s not just about racing uphill — it’s about elevating the entire running experience.
