Phoenix Marathon

There’s a marathon and half marathon. Had perfect weather this year for long distance running (cool, cloudy). Set a half marathon PR here as the course was very flat. Maybe I’ll come next year for the full marathon.

Choosing our first marathon ever together was no easy task. Location was a big deciding factor. 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!

Wow. I have to say, for a somewhat smaller race, this is the most well put together run I’ve done. At first I was a little annoyed we couldn’t park near the start lines like most races have, but parking and having buses provided to transport us to the start line actually worked out smoothly. Bathroom lines before start time were an issue. Took us 45 minutes to get in one which could translate to a few more porta potties being necessary next year. They did not have heaters at the 10K start line as they promised online which was a bummer. There were fireworks at the start of the race which was pretty unique and fun! The aid and water stations were plentiful and perfectly placed throughout the course. To me that is essential and a determining factor of whether or not I will return next year. Overall, awesome race and very well planned!