The Phoenix 10K race has been around for fifty years. I ran this race for the first time and really…read moreenjoyed my run. I did the 5K version. I thought it was well organized and I enjoyed the race route. You get nice views of the Valley as you are running toward the finish line. There are five race options - 5K, 10K, half-marathon, full-marathon and the kid's Mollen Mile. The race was founded by Dr. Art Mollen and is presented by HonorHealth Foundation. It was once called the 3TV Phoenix 10K. The Phoenix 10K the longest-running 10K in Arizona and is for runners of all ages and levels of experience. The race takes place near the Biltmore Fashion Park and includes a shirt and finisher's medal. I like that the event is big on promoting healthy habits and a healthier lifestyle. I had a fun time and look forward to running it during their 50th anniversary in 2025.

I participated in the Phoenix 10K last Sunday, and while I also was not a fan of the race t-shirts,…read moreI thought the race was extremely well organized, and I had a lot of fun! With over 2000 people racing, there seemed to be adequate staff and volunteers working so that it flowed smoothly. I'm pretty sure the race started right on time also - I hate it when races don't start when they say they are going to! Since it was a timing chip calculated race, it didn't matter that we were not right up at the start line when the official start (gun shot or horn) went off. We finished up at the porta-potties and walked over and then jumped into the crowd. I didn't mind the fact that it was 2 loops... I took the first loop slow and picked it up once I was warmed up for the second time around. Thanks to the guys who were cheering from behind me during that last mile - you did motivate me to pick up my pace, and I was happy with my time even though my BF beat me for the first time ever! Thanks Marcus for convincing me to sign up for this race even though it was early and cold on a Sunday morning - it was a ton of fun! Thanks also to all of the sponsors, volunteers, and bands that came out to motivate that morning! I look forward to participating again in future races!

This is now the Mesa Sprouts Marathon. I've done the full twice & here is the Breakdown…read more EXPO: you HAVE to pick up your race bib the day before the race at the expo, which is located in the same shopping center parking lot where the finish area will be. Good way to see the lay of land & check out where to park race day. The expo itself is decent & you get some free samples of stuff. BEFORE THE RACE: Parking is in the same vicinity & buses take runners of all distances to their respective start. GET ON THE CORRECT BUS. They are all marked & in separate sections. Twice I've seen people end up at the wrong starting line. My biggest complaint is how early this race is. It's a 0630 start & the buses run from 0400-0515. It's still completely dark the first 30 minutes of the run- & the marathon start is in a desert area. I saw several runners almost trip over cones in dark areas. The port a potty line pre-race was longer than other races i've done, so much so that some were peeing in the bushes. The course was good- a decent amount of decline in the first half (some incline) & flat the second half with a slight decline at the end. The course support was excellent. There were 3 stations with fruit & at least 2 with gels. & i was so happy to see hydration almost every mile the last 6 miles. The finisher area is hard to gauge for marathon runners because some food is gone by the time we get there. My husband does the 10k & he tells me how much more stuff there is for them. Gear check & pickup was easy, & the walk back to our car wwas not excessive. I do wish the vendor area sold a better selection of female cut finisher shirts. I would have bought one.

Choosing our first marathon ever together was no easy task. Location was a big deciding factor…read more Since my friends and I all live here in Arizona, it was super convenient to have the race right here in town. I still find it funny that even though the race is titled, "The Phoenix Marathon," it takes place entirely in Mesa. The downhill first half is a gift. The views are beautiful gliding into the city all the way from Usery Mountain. The run is enjoyable since the gradual downhill descent makes running somewhat easy and you are tempted to bolt down the mountain. The main tip here: "Pace yourself! (And don't get too carried away!)" Enjoy the scenery while you can! The second half - flatter. More running through the city so you kind of miss the desert scenery at the start... Shuttle Drop Off - The full marathon drop off point was basically where the shooting range is at Usery Mountain. All runners whether it's the full or the half must ride a shuttle since the race ends at the Mesa Shopping Area off Dobson and the 202. There is basically no where to drop off runners close to the start of the full marathon since as a runner, you'd have to trek uphill a bit to get there and who wants to do that before running 26.2 miles? So shuttle, it is! They say the last shuttles leave at 5am but some our friends straggled behind and were a little later and still were able to make it on one of the transports but I don't recommend risking waiting until the last minute. The Start - both starts had fireworks to send us off. DJs played music and talked to keep us entertained while waiting for the race to start at 6:30am. Heaters warmed people in line for the porta-potties and there were bonfires that people gathered around. It was a great way to meet people and share running stories! Aid/water stations - adequately placed throughout the race. It was fun to see what each group themed their stations. A contest for cash prizes was given to the most energetic and fun themed station so it kept groups cheering for runners the whole time! Typically Gatorade, water, fruit, and energy GUs by Clif were provided for us. The only mishap is the porta-potties were out of order at the halfway point (the only time we planned to stop briefly - go fig!!) so we had to wait until the next 2-3 miles before finding the next one to use. Finish - full of energy, a variety of food trucks, Photogs ready to take pics. Your typical finish except this time, there was a tent offering massages for finishers. There were chairs and rest areas for people to kick back and lots of tents present just like at the Expo. Next year for both the full and the half, the medal is collectible and can be put together with medals for the next four years to create a star - all you have to do is run the Phoenix Marathon or half marathon 5 years in a row to complete the star made of running medals. That's quite the commitment, don't you think? Still very tempting though, those sly race planners!

We ran the half over MLK weekend (2016) and, as is customary for all Rock n' Rolls, the event was…read morewell organized and runners took home a nice little haul of goodies. The expo is probably the only thing that was actually in Phoenix at it's downtown Convention Center. Runners can look around for metered parking, but there were some $5 dollar lots maybe a block or two from the expo. The run itself had a late'ish start, 7:50 am. The weather was perfect, 40 degrees in the am and about 65 degrees when the sun came out. The course is mostly flat with a good sized hill mile 9. There are bathroom stops pretty much at most mile markers and plenty of water stations throughout, especially in the first half of the race. Miles 7-12 are the most scenic of the the course, runners really took in the desert landscape. The Rock n Roll series organizers do a good job at seeking out nearby hotels. We went with their recommendation and stayed at the Aloft Tempe hotel about a mile from the race start, it made for a nice warm up and cool down walk. #ontoursince2008

Fun and scenic half marathon through the streets of Tempe, Scottsdale and Phoenix! The weather is…read moreusually perfect too in January! Not too cold or warm! Perfect for running! I've run this event twice now (2020, 2022), and have had a lot of fun! The race starts at ASU and ends when you run back across Mill Ave Bridge to the finish line!

My family and I have been participating in the Run Your Race AZ 5k's for the past two years. Shawn…read moreand his team run an amazing operation and for wonderful causes. They treat everyone like family and we've made some great friends along the way. Whether you're a seasoned runner, or a first timer, this is a great place to be.

Love Run Your Race AZ. When I started my health journey 2 years ago, I wanted to try something new…read morefor myself. I am not a runner and all other runs I would see required for you to keep a certain pace, which I didn't know what that meant. Run Your Race AZ keep time but don't judge if you don't keep a certain pace. Shawn and Deborah Chambers are great people and proceeds of the 5K go to a different charity. Highly recommend if you are competitive or if you just want to run or walk with no judgment.

Review #400, folks. For reasons unknown I decided to wake at the crack of dawn to run 6 miles!…read more Sleep in on a Sunday morning? Pshaw! (FYI, I've NEVER run before in life. I guess I'm just hardcore.) Renowned among local runners as one of the premier races in Phoenix, the New Times 10K drew quite the crowd as a rush of humanity (10,000 runners) traipsed the Tempe Town Lake bridge on a crisp 68 degree morning to invade the major streets of Tempe in a race to the finish. Local bands along the way provide for some chill, cool entertainment. The all-Asian rocker boy band was pretty damn good. Some stuff I learned that morning about the New Times 10K. * It's the 13th largest 10K race in the U.S. * It's the oldest running race in Arizona. * The race used to be in Central Phoenix, until two years ago. * The uphill incline on Curry Road seriously sucks ass. * Hayden Square at 4th St. hosts a lively pre-race and post-race festival with vendors and bands. * Beer tastes so much better (and you feel less desperate) in the morning if you've just run 6.2 miles. * Beer tastes even better when it's free. * Hometown Buffet (or any buffet for that matter) also tastes better when you've just run 6.2 miles. * Hometown Buffet doesn't taste better when it's free. * When you're running with 10,000 other runners and want to be found by your friends, wear something bright or noticeable. (See my profile pic.)

(My 14th Half this year!)…read more Phoenix, Arizona: my hometown, so to speak, since moving there during my 5th grade year. What I looked forward to most was running alongside a couple of my childhood friends, ones who I've known forever, it seems (and ones whom you could never have told me I would be running a Half Marathon with so many years later.) Nostalgia--as it always does when it comes to my Phoenician classmates--delights. So when a 13.1 came up, one that would bring me back to my cactus roots in the desert, I registered. The Illuminations Half, Arizona--having been its inaugural in 2014--takes place upon the beautifully scenic golf course trails of the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort. Although it commences at sundown--and, believe me, you'll need a headlamp for this run--there's really no escaping the gorgeousness of the resort itself. My photos--some taken during daylight hours in order to fully illustrate and capture the surrounding areas--stand as testament. The trails, illuminated by glowsticks--hundreds and hundreds of glowsticks--direct runners along the greens, lakes, fairways, and residentials outlining the course. At times, there are bottlenecks and congested impediments, so emphasizing PR's shouldn't be prioritized, but they can be overlooked. As dark as it becomes along this run, one that begins around 6pm, you shouldn't set caution to the wayside. Navigating this run carefully is important: some Halfers neglected the signs, running the 5K mistakingly. There are also times when the route crossed itself, runners having to slow their pace, yielding for others heading toward them. (It's actually quite dangerous.) Only at the race's end are there truly any luminaries; however, the celebration upon the Marriott's fountained courtyards make up for that. Music, food, fire pits, and congratulations await. It's a party, really. Registration bibs provide free chicken tacos and hot chocolate (the deserts are cold in November) after your run. And what is even better is that registrants are offered discounted rooms at the resort, and heated pools and steaming jacuzzis are plentiful. You cannot beat having run 13.1, only to relax and unwind immediately upon completion without having to drive home afterwards. If the Illuminations Half becomes tradition, and I suppose it will be if my friends have anything to do with it, the Marriott--once again--will definitely be included in our trip.

This path is a great stretch that goes through Tempe and along the water. A perfect place to take…read morein a walk, ride or to train for a race. Plus there are places to rent boats along the water. Parking lots can be found along the path as well. Best to enjoy early in the morning to be the heat as there is no shade. The path provides gravel to preserve the needs or cement ground if you prefer. A surface for everyone.

The Rio Salado Pathway is a 10 mile paved trail that runs along the Salt River in Tempe and Mesa…read more You can see it when driving on the 202 freeway. I have been running on this trail for some time. I really enjoy the views of the surrounding area when I run on it. The trail runs from Tempe Beach Park to Mesa Riverview. Along the way you pass by Sloan Park, ASU campus, Tempe Town Lake and Tempe Marketplace. It is perfect for running, walking, biking, inline or roller skating and dog walking. I usually jump on this pathway at Tempe Marketplace. There is a lot of parking nearby and it is near my home. You can also park at Tempe Town Lake and Mesa Riverview. There you can find restrooms if needed. This is a popular pathway. I always see lots of bike riders and college students running on it. I personally like to run on Rio Salado Pathway at night. You can connect to the Indian Bend Wash Path at the bicycle and pedestrian bridge near the Tempe Center for the Arts if you want to extend your trip. This route will take you into downtown Scottsdale. This pathway is sometimes called the Tempe Town Lake Trail.

I've run this event 3 times. I ran the half marathon in 2022 and the marathon in 2015 and 2026…read more When I ran the half marathon, they had race morning packet pick-up. When I ran the marathon in 2015, I picked up my race packet on Saturday at the Apache Junction Multi-Generational Center. This year, I picked up my race packet on Friday at the Road Runner Sports at the Tempe Marketplace. The half marathon was an out-and-back course that started and ended at Prospector Park. For the marathon, we parked at the Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo ground and got a bus ride over to the start at Don's Camp on the Peralta Trail. Both times they had set up many campfires for people to stay warm. If breathing in smoke before running a marathon isn't your thing, you can also stay warm on one of the buses. It's a fairly small race for the marathon and they had a lot of portapotties. From there, you make your way over to the finish line at Prospector Park with scenic views along the way. Post race they have buses that will take you back to your car.

I have heard about the Lost Dutchman Marathon for many years and finally had a chance to…read moreparticipate in one of their races. The Lost Dutchman Marathon and its other races takes place over President's Day weekend at Prospector Park in Apache Junction near the rumored site of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine. It is run by an all-volunteer team with proceeds going toward a local youth organization. Race day includes the marathon, a half marathon, a 10K and 8K trail run, and a 2 mile fun run. I was impressed how organized this event was considering how many people come out to run it. One tip I will give is to get to the event early as the traffic gets crazy toward start time (plus you can watch the sunrise!). There is parking at the nearby rodeo grounds and they will shuttle you over to the starting line. Lost Dutchman has been doing this since 2002 and it draws quite a crowd. There is a medical team on hand for emergencies and snacks and drinks available afterwards I personally love trail runs and just bought new trail running shoes before this event. I participated in the 8K trail run. The views of the Superstition Mountain are just gorgeous as you are running. I had a really good run that day and runners are given a medal at the finish line. It was cool to hear my name being called out as I crossed the finish line. I will definitely considering doing this again some time in the future.