Ethiopians dominate Scottsdale Beat the Heat Race

Nahom Mesfin of Flagstaff won the inaugural Scottsdale Beat the Heat Race held Saturday, June 22, clocking in at 35:34 in temperatures hitting 105 degrees in the afternoon.

There were over 1,000 runners and 1,500 spectators who braved the heat for both the 5K and 11.22K event, a press release states.

Mr. Mesfin, the 11K winner, received $1990, a figure chosen to celebrate the year of the hottest day ever recorded in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Mr. Mesfin also received a two-night, all-inclusive stay at the premier luxury guest ranch Hidden Meadow Ranch valued at $1,200.

Women’s Race

The top female finisher was Belainesh Gebre, also of Ethiopia and now training in Flagstaff, who posted a time of 41:03. The second female finisher was Simegn Abnet of Flagstaff, with a time of 42:56. The third female finisher, Alvina Begay of Flagstaff, clocked in at 44:21. read more