FAQ

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Do I need to ride the bus to the start line or can I be dropped off? Is parking available near the start line?

ALL MARATHON & 10K RUNNERS MUST ride the bus to the start lines. There is no parking available at those respective start lines and it will not be possible to be dropped off anywhere near the start lines due to road closures that will be put in place several hours before the race begins.

For the half marathon runners, parking and drop-off DOES occur near the start line. This is the only way to the start line for the half marathon. THERE ARE NO BUSES THAT RUN FROM RIVERVIEW PARK TO THE HALF MARATHON START LINE. All half marathon runners must make their way to their start line for drop-off or parking. Following the race, there will be shuttles that run from the finish line at Riverview Park back to the half marathon parking area.

Please refer to the Parking & Busing section on the Race Day Info page for additional information on busing times and locations.

Is the Mesa Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, it is a USATF-certified marathon course. Certification #: AZ23023JOE.

For more information regarding Boston Marathon qualifying standards and timelines, please visit the Boston Marathon website.

Are there course time limits?

Roads used for the race must be re-opened for normal traffic, requiring set course time limits. The time limit for both the half marathon and marathon is 6.5 hours. The time limit for the 10K is 3 hours.

Marathon runners need to maintain a pace of 15:00 per mile to finish ahead of course closure.

Half marathon runners need to maintain a pace of 30:00 per mile to finish ahead of course closure.

Both the half marathon and marathon start at 6:30 a.m. and the finish line closes at 1:03 p.m.

Are there recommended locations to cheer?

Spectators are welcomed and encouraged along the vast majority of the route. Please be considerate of public and private property and never interfere with the progress of any race participant. Spectators are required to follow the instructions of volunteers and law enforcement officers at all times.

Recommended cheering locations:

SE or SW Corner of Hawes Rd. and E McDowell Rd.
Community park on N Ridgecrest just North of E McDowell Rd.
Corner of N Power Rd. and E Thomas Rd.
5000 E McDowell Rd. (The Boeing Company)
4136 E McDowell Rd. (WAXIE Sanitary Supply), west of N Greenfield Rd. on E McDowell Rd. (East-bound traffic is closed from 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m., but you can park on the south side of E McDowell Rd. or behind WAXIE Sanitary Supply by entering on E Virginia St., north of N Greenfield Rd.)
2700 E Brown Rd. (Mt. View High School) on E Brown Rd. and N Lindsey Rd.
Corner of Mesa Dr. and E Brown Rd.
Banner Corporate Center on N Date (525 W Brown Rd.)
945 W Rio Salado Pkwy. (Westwood High School)
48 North Robson (Inside the Bungalow)
Finish Line approach on N. Riverview

What is the course surface composition?

The course is composed entirely of paved asphalt roads.

How do I join a team after I have already registered?

Go to the Join My Team page, and fill out the form. You will need the confirmation number emailed to you when you registered in order to complete the form.

What is your transfer/withdrawal/deferral policy?

Transfer/Withdrawal/Deferral Policy

Life happens. You shouldn't have to worry about what to do if you end up not being able to participate in the race, and you shouldn't have to pay for race insurance you might not use. Our generous policies allow you to transfer your bib to another person, defer your entry to next year, or withdraw from the race altogether and receive a refund. Runners can exercise these options at any time within the given timeframes for any reason whatsoever. Visit the Transfer, Withdrawal & Deferral page for more details.

If I can't make it to the expo, how can I get my packet?

If you are unable to attend the expo, we will allow individuals to pick up someone else's bag, but will require a digital or hardcopy of the person's ID and a written note authorizing them to do so.

If you will be arriving in town after the expo is closed or are otherwise unable to attend the expo, you may elect to have your packet mailled to you for an additional fee. This option may be selected during registration. Starting in 2026, there is NO race day packet pick-up. As our events have grown it has become increasingly difficult to deliver logistically on race day packet pickup. The challenges of transporting thousands of runners to a start line for an on time start are amplified with morning packet pickup options.

Are earbuds allowed on the course?

Runners will be allowed to use earbuds on the course. However, for your safety we highly recommend that you keep the volume of your music low enough to still be aware of your surroundings, as police officers, volunteers, or emergency vehicles may need to get your attention at some point along the course.

Are strollers allowed on the course?

Because of both logistical and liability issues, we are not currently allowing strollers on the buses or in the event for the marathon, half marathon, or 10K. We're sorry that we are not able to accommodate you at this point, but we will keep these requests in mind for future years.

Strollers are allowed in the Kids 1K Race.

How do I get my photos and personalized highlight video?

You will have the option to select a photo package at registration for an additional fee, or you may have the option to purchase race day photos at the conclusion of the event. They will be stored on your results page so you can always access them in the future. You will also be able to select photos to be included in your personalized video which is produced and shared via email within a few weeks of your race.