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The 5 Pillars Of Pain: How Cam Hanes Conquered The Cocodona 250 In 84 Hours

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Cameron Hanes, the relentless bowhunter and ultra-endurance athlete, has once again cemented his legacy in the grueling world of ultra-running with a formidable finish at the Cocodona 250. This feat, completed in the most recent running of the race in May 2025, saw Hanes push his body and mind to the absolute limit, traversing the rugged Arizona landscape over three and a half days. His performance, a testament to his "Keep Hammering" mantra, is more than just a race result; it’s a masterclass in discipline, mental fortitude, and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement that defines his entire career.

The 250-mile race, known for its extreme elevation changes and diverse terrain, is a proving ground for the world's toughest athletes. Hanes’s ability to not only finish but to secure a top-tier placement at the age of 57, highlights a training regimen and mental toughness that few can match. This article breaks down his incredible performance, the brutal course, and the philosophy that drives him from the mountains to the microphone.

Cameron Hanes: Biography and Ultra-Endurance Career Profile

Cameron Hanes is an American professional bowhunter, ultra-marathon runner, author, and entrepreneur, widely recognized for his extreme dedication to physical and mental discipline. His career is a unique blend of high-altitude hunting and world-class endurance sports, all under the banner of his "Keep Hammering" philosophy.

  • Full Name: Cameron Zachery Hanes
  • Born: October 22, 1967
  • Age (as of December 2025): 58
  • Birthplace: Eugene, Oregon, USA
  • Primary Career: Professional Bowhunter, Host of the Keep Hammering Podcast, Author (Endure: How to Work Hard, Outlast, and Keep Hammering)
  • Ultra-Running Highlights: Finisher of the Western States 100, Leadville 100, and the Moab 240.
  • Cocodona 250 2025 Result: Finished in 84 hours, 33 minutes, and 37 seconds (84:33:37).
  • Overall Rank (Cocodona 250 2025): 18th overall.
  • Key Philosophy: "Keep Hammering"

The Brutal Reality of the Cocodona 250 Course

The Cocodona 250 is not just a long run; it is a multi-day test of survival across the most challenging terrain Arizona has to offer. The race is approximately 251 miles (404 kilometers) long, connecting historic towns and trails, starting near Black Canyon City and finishing in Flagstaff.

Extreme Elevation and Diverse Terrain

The course is notorious for its staggering amount of vertical gain, totaling nearly 39,500 feet of ascent and 34,000 feet of descent. This is comparable to climbing Mount Everest from sea level and then descending almost all the way down. The route is a point-to-point journey that takes runners through an unparalleled diversity of ecosystems:

  • Sonoran Desert: The initial stages involve hot, dry conditions and winding single track through the desert, demanding extreme hydration management.
  • Bradshaw Mountains: A significant portion of the race includes steep, rocky climbs and descents in the Bradshaw Mountains, testing the runners' quads and ankles.
  • Verde Valley and Sedona: Runners pass through the iconic red rock country of Sedona, offering stunning views but treacherous footing.
  • Flagstaff Finish: The final push involves high-altitude running near the San Francisco Peaks, often bringing cold temperatures and unpredictable weather, a stark contrast to the desert start.

Hanes, whose training is centered around running with a heavy pack in the mountains to prepare for backcountry bowhunting, is uniquely suited for this type of rugged, high-gain course. His experience in the Moab 240 and other mountainous ultra-marathons provided the foundation for his strategic approach to the Arizona desert and mountain sections.

Cam Hanes's 2025 Cocodona 250 Performance Breakdown

The 2025 Cocodona 250 race saw Hanes deliver a performance that many consider his most disciplined to date. His official finish time was 84 hours, 33 minutes, and 37 seconds, placing him 18th overall—an incredible achievement in a field of elite ultra-runners. This result is a slight improvement from his previous attempts, showcasing his continuous commitment to improvement, even as he approaches his sixties.

The "Keep Hammering" Mental Fortitude

Hanes’s success is less about raw speed and more about sheer, unyielding consistency, which is the core of his "Keep Hammering" philosophy. This mantra is about pushing past the mental barriers that cause most people to quit, digging deep when the body is failing, and maintaining forward momentum.

  • Minimal Sleep Strategy: In a race that spans over three days, sleep deprivation is a major factor. Hanes is known for strategically minimizing sleep to maintain his pace, often taking "power naps" of just a few minutes. The physical toll of the Cocodona 250, including minimal sleep and post-race illness, is well-documented in his post-race interviews.
  • Relentless Consistency: Unlike runners who rely on bursts of speed, Hanes’s performance is built on a steady, grinding pace. He treats the entire 250 miles as a single, extended effort, refusing to allow the inevitable low points to derail his mission.
  • The Bowhunting Connection: For Hanes, ultra-running is integral to his bowhunting. To successfully hunt big game in the backcountry, he must be able to hike for days, often carrying a heavy pack, at high altitudes. The Cocodona 250 is simply a proving ground for the physical demands of his true passion.

The Training: How Hanes Prepares for 250 Miles

Cam Hanes’s training regimen is legendary and often discussed on podcasts like the Joe Rogan Experience. It is a daily, year-round commitment that eliminates the concept of an "off-season."

A Typical Training Day Includes:

  1. Daily Run: Hanes famously runs a marathon distance (26.2 miles) or more almost every single day, leveraging this training to complete various ultra-marathons.
  2. Lifting Heavy: Despite being an endurance athlete, he incorporates heavy weightlifting to build the strength needed to carry a pack and endure the physical pounding of ultra-distances. This focus on strength prevents injury and aids in recovery.
  3. Archery Practice: Every day, he shoots his bow, often after his run and lift, to ensure he can perform under physical duress—a critical skill for a bowhunter.

This unwavering consistency is the secret sauce. His training is not just about preparing for a single race like the Cocodona 250; it is about building a foundation of enduring fitness that serves his life’s mission. He embodies the idea that discipline is the new freedom, pushing past self-imposed barriers to find what he is truly capable of.

The Legacy: Beyond the Finish Line

Cam Hanes’s participation in the Cocodona 250 and his subsequent top-20 finish at age 57 sends a powerful message to the ultra-running and fitness communities. He is a prime example of an athlete who has successfully cross-trained his way to elite performance. His journey inspires thousands to adopt a more rigorous and disciplined approach to their own goals, whether they involve running 250 miles or simply getting off the couch.

His story, chronicled in his book Endure, emphasizes that the true victory is in the daily grind—the early mornings, the miles run in the dark, and the refusal to compromise on training. The Cocodona 250 is just a public manifestation of a private, lifelong commitment to being the toughest version of himself. He continues to prove that age is merely a number when matched with an indomitable will to "Keep Hammering."

cam hanes cocodona 250
cam hanes cocodona 250

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