Arizona is a state with majestic canyons, massive rocky mountains, dull white foothills, and a fantastic red desert. A meteorite crater, pristine nature of national parks, emerald waterfalls, crystal clear rivers, and lakes attract thrill-seekers, and the famous Grand Canyon is located there. Among the desert landscapes of Arizona, there are bright spots of breathtaking green valleys.
Arizona running events are a great opportunity to enjoy spectacular views and set a personal record. In this blog post, we will look through the best running races in Arizona.
Charity Running Events in Arizona
Arizona running races for charity are an excellent opportunity to set a personal record while admiring scenic views and a noble chance to help others.
1. Whiskey Row Marathon
Oct 8, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K run
Prescott, AZ
The Whiskey Row marathon course starts and finishes in historic downtown Prescott and is considered one of the most challenging in the U.S. You’ll find panoramic views of Northern Arizona along this partly paved and partly dirt course. You can walk or run each event.
Proceeds go directly to the scholarship fund at the Prescott YMCA to assist children and families.
2. Lost Dutchman Marathon
Feb 19, 2023 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 2M run | 8K trail run
Apache Junction, AZ
The Lost Dutchman Marathon is a charity run by an all-volunteer board of directors and officers. Proceeds go to local youth organizations.
The marathon start, and the first six miles, can be magical, with the pre-dawn campfires, moon, and stars giving way to the scenic desert scape during sunrise.
The 10K begins and ends in Prospector Park over the last 3.1 miles of the Marathon course and is an out-and-back. Most of the race is on paved roads, but some will be on dirt. The distance is relatively flat but includes a slight incline and decline to the finish line. There is no time limit for the 10K.
Boston Marathon Qualifier
The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) has complicated the standards for runners who want to participate in the world’s oldest marathon – the Boston Marathon. The qualifying time for each age group will be reduced by 5 minutes from 2020. So if you want to set a personal record and qualify for a Boston Marathon – AZ running is for you!
3. Buckeye Marathon
Jan 7, 2023 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K, 1M run
Buckeye, AZ
The Buckeye Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The 9th Annual Buckeye Marathon, Half, 10K, 5K, and 1 Mile Fun Run will take place on Saturday, January 7, 2023.
The course is known for its downhill and fast route. Runners will drop over 530 feet in elevation from start to finish.
The marathon starts in the community of Sun City Festival, then goes around the beautiful White Tank Mountains, and ends at the runway of the Buckeye Municipal Airport.
Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and 1M runners will start and finish at the airport, with scenic views of the White Tank Mountains.
4. Mesa Marathon
Formerly Known As Phoenix Marathon
Feb 4, 2023 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K run | kids run
Mesa, AZ
The Mesa Marathon (formerly known as the Mesa-Phoenix Marathon) is presented by Mountain Vista Medical Center.
This is one of the Phoenix races and is the premier run in Arizona. Athletes receive the experience of a major marathon as well as the local flavor of the town. On race day, you will get industry-leading shirts, medals, and course support.
The downhill course with scenic views offers the perfect opportunity to qualify for Boston.
With a marathon, half marathon, 10K, and free Kids 1K, everyone can find something for themselves at their favorite Arizona marathon event.
5. Tucson Marathon
Dec 10, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M run | 26.2M relay
Tucson, AZ
The Tucson Marathon, Half-Marathon & Marathon Relay event is a Boston Qualifier. It is an annual event that attracts around 4,000 runners in December.
The Tucson Marathon has an incredibly picturesque USATF-certified course, from the rural Oracle to the hamlet of Catalina, just north of Tucson suburb Oro Valley. In recent years, the run has attracted local and visiting athletes from as many as 48 states and five foreign countries.
Trail Races
Where the paved road ends, the fun begins. This is a short description of the charm of cross-country running or trail running. Arizona trail races are the best for those seeking challenging courses with scenic views.
6. Flagstaff Marathon
Oct 15, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K trail run
Flagstaff, AZ
Coconino Community College, Arizona Nordic Village, and Sundog Running proudly present the Flagstaff Marathon. It was founded in 2006 and benefits CCC Athletics.
The Flagstaff Marathon, Half, 10k, and Kid’s Kilo runs are off-road routes in the Coconino National Forest – set in the ponderosa pine and aspen forest on a single and double-track trail.
7. Red Rocks of Sedona Trail Race
Nov 5, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 20M, 10M trail run
Sedona, AZ
The Red Rocks of Sedona Trail Race is a spectacular and challenging event along the best trails on Sedona’s eastside. Choose from a Full Mountain Marathon, 20-miler, or 10-miler.
You have two options to register: on Ultrasignup or on the website http://www.trailrunningescapes.com/ to avoid Sales tax and Registration fees.
Sedona is a popular destination place, so hotel prices are high. As an alternative, Cottonwood offers lower prices and is about 45 minutes away from the race start.
Fun Marathons and Half Marathons
Want an incredible running experience? There are running events in Arizona that you will remember for a long time.
8. Four Corners Quad Keyah
Dec 1, 2022 – Thursday
26.2M, 13.1M run
Four Corners Monument, AZ
The Four Corners Quad Keyah marathon and half marathon will be completed each day, Thursday through Sunday. All runs begin at 8:30 a.m. There is no distance limit, and all athletes have the chance to finish the race.
Each day begins and ends in one of the 4 states. – Thursday will feature a marathon beginning and ending in Arizona; Friday is Utah; Saturday will be Colorado; and Sunday will begin and end in New Mexico.
You can also find a 2-mile Community Fun Run on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. There is no fee or award for this event.
All runs are timed by Rocky Mountain Timing.
9. Across the Years
Dec 28, 2022 – Wednesday
240H, 144H, 72H, 48H, 24H, 26.2M run
Dec 29, 2022 – Thursday
72H, 48H, 24H, 26.2M run
Dec 30, 2022 – Friday
72H, 48H, 24H, 26.2M run
Dec 31, 2022 – Saturday
72H, 48H, 24H, 100M, 26.2M run
Jan 1, 2023 – Sunday
48H, 24H, 12H, 6H, 26.2M run | last man standing
Jan 2, 2023 – Monday
24H, 26.2M run
Jan 3, 2023 – Tuesday
26.2M run
Phoenix, AZ
Across the Years is a fixed-time multi-day running event celebrating the New Year! Athletes select their event and cover as much distance as they can. Each runner can walk, stop, eat, and sleep whenever they wish, but the time is on.
It starts on December 28. Celebrate the traditions of pedestrianism and fixed-time racing with a festival that lasts 6 days!
The race will feature the traditional 6-day run along with 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour races, plus fixed distances and the Last Person Standing event!
