General Information

Enjoy beautiful Tucson winter weather with temperatures at the start averaging in the high 30s and reaching 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit by 11 a.m.  Be prepared to be outside at the starting line for up to 60-80 minutes.  Your race goodie bag can be used as a drop bag – you can deposit extra clothing in this at the starting line, leave it on the appropriate bus at the starting line and it will be available for pick-up at the finish line.

These are primarily a downhill courses.  The Old West historical town of Oracle marks the marathon starting line, with the course winding along the beautiful Santa Catalina mountain range on paved roads before finishing at the Coronado Middle School, just off of E. Wilds Road.  Marathoners will descend almost 2,200 feet in elevation as they run on the mostly downhill, point-to-point course along the beautiful Santa Catalina mountain range. (There are hills and inclines between miles 2-5 and miles 10-13, as well as mile 24-25).  The Half-Marathon starts halfway along the Marathon course, following it to the same finish line. Both courses (Marathon and Half Marathon) close at 1:30 p.m.

Our runners continue to tell us it’s one of the prettiest courses in the country and one of the easiest to run a personal best. Be sure to train your quadriceps as you’ll be running downhill, which takes a toll on the body!

The events benefit local school sports programs and other selected youth groups.