The Mesa Marathon has a beautiful race course that begins
below the large white Phoenix sign painted on Usery Mountain.
Marathon runners will experience nearly 1,000 feet of net
elevation loss in this fast Boston Qualifier. The race has
thousands of parking spots available around the finish at
Riverview Park. Marathon runners will enjoy the diverse scenery
from cactus desert to spectacular views of the Phoenix Valley
from N. Usery Pass Rd.
Please Note: Registration for the Mesa Marathon (formerly
known as the Mesa-Phoenix Marathon) is limited.
TURNS MADE FROM START TO FINISH:
Begin south on N. Usery Pass Rd.
Right at McDowell Rd.
Right at N. Ridgecrest
Continue on N. Ridgecrest
Veer Left onto E. Eagle Crest Dr. (N. Ridgecrest becomes E. Eagle Crest Dr.)
Right at N. Power Rd.
Left at E. Redmont Dr.
Left at N. Recker Rd.
Right at E. McDowell Road
Left at N. Lindsay Rd.
Right at E. Brown Rd.
Left at N. Mesa Dr.
Right at E. 1st St.
Right at N. Robson
Right at W. University
Left at N. Center St.
Left at W. Brown Rd.
Veer Left onto N. Date (W. Brown Rd. becomes N. Date)
Right at W. Rio Salado Pkwy
Right at N. Riverview to finish
Additional Marathon Information
All participants receive a tech shirt - choose from a long sleeve, short sleeve, tank or tri blend t-shirt.
Earn the Bird - finisher medals will be given to those who complete the course in less than 6.5 hours.
Awards go to the top 3 in each age division in the marathon.
Top 3 men and women receive prize money.
The Mesa Marathon (formerly known as the Mesa-Phoenix Marathon) is USATF sanctioned and certified.
Half Marathon
Brief Description
The Half Marathon has a beautiful race course that begins on the corner of
McDowell and Norwalk. The course descends down to Riverview Park. Half marathon runners will experience nearly 200 feet of net elevation
loss in this gentle downhill route that is great for a first time half marathon.
Half Marathon runners will enjoy the diverse scenery from the desert vistas down
to the beautiful citrus groves.
Please Note: Registration for the Mesa Half
Marathon is limited.
TURNS MADE FROM START TO FINISH:
Begin West on McDowell Rd. by WAXIE
Left at N. Lindsay Rd.
Right at E. Brown Rd.
Left at N. Mesa Dr.
Right at East 1st St.
Right at N. Robson
Right at W. University
Left at N. Center St.
Left at W. Brown Road
Veer Left onto N. Date (W. Brown Rd. becomes N. Date)
Right at W. Rio Salado Pkwy
Right at N. Riverview to finish
Additional Information
All participants receive a tech shirt - choose from long sleeve, short sleeve, tank or a tri blend t-shirt.
Earn the Bird - finisher medals will be given to those who complete the course in less than 6.5 hours.
Awards go to the top 3 in each age division in the half marathon.
Top 3 men and women receive prize money.
This Arizona Half Marathon is USATF sanctioned and certified.
10K
Brief Description
The Mesa 10K has a beautiful race course that begins at Fitch Park and
winds through historic downtown Mesa. The route quickly enters the marathon
and half marathon route, and boasts the same exciting finish line at Riverview Park. This Arizona 10K offers an easy course for beginners.
The 10K finish is only about 10 minutes away from the airport in Phoenix. 10K
runners will receive the highest level of treatment on our well-staffed route.
Please Note: Registration for the Mesa Marathon (formerly known as the Mesa Phoenix Marathon) 10K is limited.
TURNS MADE FROM START TO FINISH:
Begin East at Fitch Park at 8th Street
Right at N. Mesa Dr.
Right at East 1st St.
Right at N. Robson
Right at W. University
Left at N. Center St.
Left at W. Brown Road
Veer Left onto N. Date (W. Brown Rd. becomes N. Date)
Right at W. Rio Salado Pkwy
Right at N. Riverview to finish
Additional Information
All participants receive a tech shirt - choose from long sleeve, short sleeve, tank or a tri blend t-shirt.
Finisher medals will be given to those who complete the course in less than 3 hours.
Awards go to the top 3 in each age division in the 10K.
Pacers will be running both the full marathon and half
marathon to lead everyone to a fast time. Pacers will be
implementing Smart Pacing strategy, which is an effort-based
strategy that varies the pace of each mile according to course
elevation changes. Pace guide wristbands will be available at the expo.
The Marathon will offer pacers at the following paces:
The Half Marathon will offer pacers at the following paces:
1:30 (6:52/mile pace)
1:40 (7:38/mile pace)
1:50 (8:24/mile pace)
2:00 (9:10/mile pace)
2:10 (9:55/mile pace)
2:20 (10:41/mile pace)
Time Limits
Because the roads used for the race must be re-opened for normal
traffic patterns, we are required to set course time limits that
must be strictly adhered to. The course time limit for the full
marathon is based on a 15:00 minute per mile pace, which is a
light jog. This equates to a 6:33 marathon. The time limit for
the half marathon is based on a 30:00 minute per mile pace, which
is a leisurely walking pace. This equates to a 6:33 half marathon.
Both races start at 6:30am, and participants will need to finish by 1:03pm.
Those who are unable to maintain the required pace at
each mile marker must consent to be picked up by an escort
vehicle and escorted to the finish venue, where they will
still be allowed to cross the finish line and receive a medal.
Alternatively they may elect to move to the side of the road or
sidewalk and obey standard traffic laws such as stopping at stop
lights and intersections. Aid station support and course directional
signage will be removed immediately following the rolling
closure time at each mile marker.
Based on the USATF certification standards the course is
measured on tangents or SPR-Shortest Possible Route.
Therefore if you run on the inside or outside line the
entire length of the race your GPS may reflect a
distance slightly greater than 13.1 or 26.2.
Aid Stations
There are 13 aid stations along the marathon course,
7 aid stations along the half marathon course and 4 aid stations
along the 10k course. All aid stations will be supplied with
an electrolyte drink, water, portable
restrooms, and first aid. When passing an aid station, runners
will always be offered electrolytes first and water second.
Certain aid stations will also be supplied with
energy gels and other amenities. Additionally, several aid stations
will be supplied with muscle relief, fruit, and medical personnel.
In an effort to contain waste and facilitate cleanup operations,
runners are asked to discard trash and shed clothing as close as
possible to an aid station rather than elsewhere along the course.
Any clothing that is shed along the course or at an aid station
will be collected and donated to charity.
Safety & Medical
Course Safety
Various road closures and vehicle traffic patterns will be implemented
throughout the entriety of the course. Law enforcement officers, traffic flaggers,
course marshals, and volunteers will be positioned along the course to ensure a
safe race experience for runners as well as local commuters and residents.
Participants should follow instructions from law enforcement officers and race
personnel throughout all components of the event.
Medical Assistance
Each aid station will be supplied with a first-aid kit
that will include items such as bandages, petroleum jelly, and
basic anti-inflammatory medicine.
In addition to the first-aid kits, designated aid stations throughout the
course will be staffed by medical personnel and will be equipped with
advanced medical supplies. These aid stations will also have access to EMT
services for urgent needs requiring medical transport.
Sag vehicles and ambulances will be roaming the course to assist
participants who are unable to maintain the minimum pace requirement or
complete the course. Participants will be transported to the finish line
and offered the race recovery amenities as well as medical services, as needed.
Weather
Although we cannot predict the weather, we can provide some
historical weather averages for the area on the date of the race:
Average Low: 46F (right before sunrise at race start time)
Average High: 70F (late afternoon)
Please remember that these are average temperatures for
central Mesa and that temperatures may be considerably cooler
in the morning particularly at the marathon start. While we
will provide gloves, we highly recommend that you come prepared
for cold temperatures at the start line by layering and then
shedding your layers to put in your drop bag just before the race begins.
Road Closures
Motorists in the city of Mesa and surrounding area may
experience several marathon course-related street closures on
Saturday, February 14. Expect traffic to be slow in and around
areas impacted by the race course.
Street closures will begin at 4:00 a.m. on February 14.
Streets will re-open in stages with all streets re-opened
by 1:30 p.m. Traffic will not be permitted to cross the race
route during the event.
Motorists should plan ahead for possible delays. To avoid
the race route completely, travelers are advised to skirt the
perimeter by using the 202 Red Mountain Freeway (north and east borders);
the 101 Price Freeway (west border); and US 60 Superstition Freeway
(south border).
For a detailed map of the race route and street closures,
please use this link.
Porta-potties, water, electrolyte beverage, and basic first aid items
will be offered at each start area. While participant Amazon gear bags will be supplied
with disposable gloves, participants should be prepared for colder
temperatures at the start of the race.
Upon reaching the finish line, participants will be awarded a high-quality and distance specific
race medal. The finish line will offer a variety of post-race recovery, such as water,
electrolyte beverage, sweet & savory snacks, fruit, and cold towels. Medical personnel and EMTs
will be positioned at the finish line to support any post-race medical needs.
Finish Festival
Marathon / Half Marathon / 10K Festival Location:Riverview Park
Immediately after crossing the finish line runners will find themselves in an
enclosed Runner Services area. Spectators will not be permitted to
enter this area and should plan to meet up with their runners in
the festival area north of the finish line. Once runners exit
Runner Services they will not be allowed re-entry. They should
ensure that they have collected their medal and recovery items
before exiting.
Just past the runner services area, runners will be able to collect
their free post-race food by removing the tear tags along the
bottom of their bibs and redeeming them at the designated tents.
Runners of legal age will be treated to a free post-race beer
in the Beer Garden, located in the festival area. Runners may
either have their ID checked and receive a wristband or stamp
at the Beer ID Check Booth during the Expo, or bring proper photo
ID to the Beer Garden entrance.
Kids 1K
Stick around the finish festival to support the participants in the free Kids 1K at 12:00. There is
nothing better than seeing the joy on the young faces as they cross the finish line. Visit the Kids 1K page for additional information.
Parking & Transportation
All MARATHON & 10K runners MUST ride the buses provided by the
race in order to arrive at the start lines. There is no parking
available at the 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.
Runners who attempt to arrive at the start line in any way other
than via the race buses risk not arriving on time and missing the
start of the race.
Please plan to carpool with other runners as much as possible
in order to avoid long wait times and congestion in the parking area.
Unlike in past years, there are NO designated parking lots
for the specific distances. ALL parking in the Riverview Park
area around the finish line is open to all marathon & 10K participants.
Marathon
Marathon buses will depart from 4:00am to 5:00am from the
southeast corner of Sloan Park at the intersection of Sheffield
Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway. Marathon runners should arrive in
the parking area no later than 4:30am. Marathon buses will stage in
the southbound lane on Sheffield Avenue.
Runners who are NOT parking but only being dropped off are
encouraged to be dropped off near Riverview Auto Drive, just east
of the bus loading area. This will put you in an area to avoid congestion.
Half Marathon
All Half Marathon runners will
be parking near the start line of the half marathon.
THERE IS NO BUSING OF HALF MARATHON RUNNERS FROM RIVERVIEW PARK.
Half Marathon runners are encouraged to arrive at the parking
facility located at 3260 North 40th Street Mesa, AZ 85215 no
later than 5:15am. Please plan to carpool with other runners as
much as possible in order to avoid long wait times and congestion
in the parking area. It is a 10 minute walk from the parking facility
to the half marathon staging area.
Runners who are NOT parking but only being dropped off need to
be dropped off at 2908 North Omaha Mesa, AZ 85215. This drop off
location is just east of the half marathon staging area. This will
put you in an area to avoid congestion. It is a 5 minute walk from
the drop off location to the staging area.
When you have completed the race,
there will be shuttles at the finish line, staged along Clark
Street, to return you to the parking facility. These shuttles
will run from 8:00am-11:30am.
Please reference the map below to see where the new parking facility
and drop off area are located for the half marathon. To repeat,
THERE IS NO BUSING OF HALF MARATHON RUNNERS FROM RIVERVIEW PARK.
HALF MARATHON RUNNERS MUST GET THEMSELVES TO THE START LINE EITHER
THROUGH PARKING OR DROP OFF.
10K
10K buses will depart from 4:45am to 5:45am from the southwest
corner of Sloan Park at the intersection of Clark Street and Rio
Salado Parkway. 10K runners should arrive in the parking area
no later than 5:15am. 10K buses will stage in
the southbound lane on Clark Street.
Runners who are NOT parking but only being dropped off are
encouraged to be dropped off near Riverview Auto Drive, just
east of the bus loading area. This will put you in an area to
avoid congestion.
Drop Bags
You will receive a race bag when you pick up your packet at the expo.
This bag is for you to take to the starting areas. A number that
matches your race bib will be put on the outside of your race bag.
This is to identify your bag at the finish area after the race,
and you will need your bib to prove ownership of your bag when you pick it up.
Each start line staging area (including the 10K) will have a gear check
truck. Runners must place their bags in the gear check trucks no later
than 6:00am. Please do not leave valuable items such as phones, wallets,
or car keys in checked bags. The Mesa Marathon will not be responsible
for lost or stolen items.
Start Chute
Runners will be directed to line up in the start chutes beginning at 6:00 a.m.
Large markers denoting various paces will line each start chute and runners
will be directed to queue in the zone which marks their expected pace.
10K runners will line up on
E 8th St immediately north of the baseball
diamonds. Faster pace groups will stage on the east side of the chute closer
to start line, and slower pace groups will stage farther west towards Center St.
Half Marathon runners will line up on E McDowell Rd between Ogden St and Greenfield Rd.
Faster pace groups will stage closer to start line near Ogden St,
and slower pace groups will stage farther east towards Greenfield Rd.
Marathon runners will line up on
N Ellsworth Rd near the Rio Salado Sportsman's Club. Faster pace groups will
stage closest to the start line near Gun Range Rd, and slower pace groups will
stage farther north towards the bus parking area.
Expo
The Mesa Marathon expo will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 at a location TBD.
Each runner must present a valid photo ID or a copy of their
confirmation email in order to pick-up their bib, timing chip,
and race shirt. If you are picking up for another runner, do
not forget their photo ID (a photocopy or digital copy / picture will be accepted)
or a copy of their confirmation email as well. Please be ready to
confirm the name and date of birth on the bib(s) you are picking up.
There are many great vendor opportunities to take advantage of at our event.
From exhibiting at the expo, to being a part of the runner swag bag, or setting up at
the finish line, let us help you find the best way for your company to activate at
this year's event on our Vendor Page.
Participants who are unable to attend the race expo are encouraged to consider
our bib mailing option prior to the event. This option is available
for an additional fee and can be selected during
registration.
Runner Perks
Medals
All participants will be awarded a high-quality and race-specific
medal upon reaching the finish line.
Shirts
All participants will receive a high-quality, gender-specific race
shirt during bib pickup at the race expo. Participant are also able to upgrade
the race shirt to a long sleeve, tank top, or tri-blend during registration for
an additional fee.
Swag
Mesa Marathon race swag as well as swag provided by sponsors will be
included in race bags provided at the expo. Participants should visit the vendor
booths at the expo for additional swag.
In anticipation for cold temperatures at the start line, disposable gloves and
a mylar blanket will also be supplied.
Participants should subscribe to Mesa Marathon emails and social channels for
additional swag giveaways.
Transfer, Withdrawal, & Deferral Policy
In the event a participant is no longer able to participate in the registered
race, participants are able to change between race distances, defer their registration to the following year, transfer their
entry to a partnering race, transfer their entry to another participant, or withdraw completely.
Please see the
withdrawal, transfer, & deferral page for more details.
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.
Spectators are also invited to await the arrival of participants at the
finish line and/or finish festival.
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.
4136 E McDowell Rd. (WAXIE Sanitary Supply), west of N Greenfield Rd. on E McDowell Rd.
(Eastbound traffic is closed from 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m., but spectators 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
Mesa Marathon Cheer Challenge
The Mesa Marathon Cheer Challenge is a highlight of the race
experience. Local community groups are invited to take over an aid
station along the course and do anything they can to give runners a
boost as they pass the aid station. Music, costumes, fun signage,
and of course CHEERING is encouraged.
After the race, runners vote on which groups did the best job
of providing energy and excitement. The top groups are rewarded
with a financial donation to their organization. If your group
is interested in participating, please contact us at info@mesamarathon.com.
Travel
Partner Hotels
The Mesa Marathon is partnered with local hotels to offer special
rates for Mesa Marathon runners. You can book these now through the
link here to access the best rates for lodging near the race.
Rental Cars
The Mesa Marathon has teamed up with Enterprise & National
to get you the best rate! Book your rental car using this
booking link.
Local Events
More info on local events during race week can be found here.
Elite Runners
The following times qualify a runner as an Elite for purposes of the
Mesa Marathon. Times must have been achieved within the last three years.
Men - Marathon: 2:19:00
Men - Half Marathon: 1:04:00
Men - 10K: 30:30
Women - Marathon: 2:40:00
Women - Half Marathon: 1:13:00
Women - 10K: 33:30
The top three men and women in the Marathon will be awarded the following cash prizes:
1st Place: $1,000
2nd Place: $500
3rd Place: $150
The top three men and women in the Half Marathon will be awarded the following cash prizes:
1st Place: $1,000
2nd Place: $500
3rd Place: $150
Elite athletes may take advantage of a private fuel drop at
select aid stations. They will receive separate transportation to the
start line as well as private restrooms at the start and finish lines.
The Mesa Marathon will not provide travel and lodging accomodations
for Elite athletes unless separately agreed upon.
The deadline to request entry as an Elite athlete is January 6th.
Kids 1K
Race Time: 12:00 Noon
The Kids 1K at the Mesa Marathon is a free non-timed race for children 12 and under. Participation
is limited to the first 500 registrants on a first-come, first-served basis. All participants
will receive a finisher ribbon, finisher certificate, shirt, and race bib. Shirt sizes are not guaranteed to any registrants who sign up after January 25, 2026.
Kids 1K runners are encouraged to pick up their packets at the Mesa Marathon Expo.
The Expo & Packet Pickup will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026
at a location TBD.
Although it is discouraged, race packets may alternatively be picked up on race day between 10:00am and 11:30am
at the Kids 1K start line.
The race route can be viewed in the map at the bottom of this page. The start line location is located on the northeast corner of Riverview Park near the playground. An arch will be setup to designate the starting line.
The Kids 1K will be run along the perimeter of sidewalks that surround Riverview Park. Just before the intersection at N. Riverview, they will continue north on the sidewalk and end in the grassy field just southeast from the regular finish line. This area will be designated by an arch of its own.
The race begins at 12:00pm. Older children will be directed to line up nearest to the start line,
and younger children will line up towards the back. One parent or guardian may escort their child
along the route, but this is not required. Strollers are allowed, although they will be directed to
line up at the back of the pack at the start line.
Kids and their parents should arrive at Riverview Park via the 202 or Rio Salado Parkway from the west. Due to the significant amount of traffic and road closures that accompany the race, we HIGHLY encourage you to enter the Riverview Park property from the west on Rio Salado and then take Clark Street or Sheffield Avenue to meet up with Cubs Way to park.
Race results will be available shortly after participants reach the finish.
Race results certificate cards will be available to participants at the Results tent
located at the finish festival.
Qualifying for the Boston Marathon is a huge achievement, and we want to celebrate it with you!
If you qualify for Boston while running the Mesa Marathon, stop by the results tent to
receive a free BQ luggage tag. Use it proudly when you travel to Beantown next April!
Check out Boston qualifying times here.
Awards
Awards ceremonies for overall winners will take place at the Finish Line Festival. The 10K awards
ceremony will occur at 7:30 am; the Half Marathon awards ceremony will occur at 8:30 am; the Marathon awards
ceremony will occur at 9:30 am. There will not be an awards ceremony for age division winners.
You must be present to receive an award. Awards will not be mailed to individuals.
Age division awards will also be given to the top 3 finishers within their age division
and winners can claim their awards at the Results tent located at the finish festival.
