Staff Reports | Community Updates
More than 11,000 people marked Arizona’s 114th birthday on Feb. 14 by participating in the Mesa Marathon, setting a new attendance record for the event.
The marathon sold out registrations in all four distances—the marathon, half marathon, 10K and the free Kids 1K run—according to a press release.
The course was recently recognized as the top marathon in Arizona in Race Rave’s “Best Marathons in the U.S.” 2025 poll, which highlights preferred races in each state as selected by runners.
Among the large field were athletes who led their divisions. Cash prizes were awarded to the top men’s and women’s finishers in both the marathon and half marathon.
JJ Santana won the men’s marathon and posted the overall fastest time, finishing the 26.2‑mile course in 2:19:09. He was followed by Marcos Gonzalez in second place and Dominic Kiralyfi in third. The women’s marathon was led by Tiaree Towler, who finished in 2:38:54. Ms. Melanie DesAutels placed second, and Ms. Rahcel Keele finished third.
In the half marathon, Rory Linkletter led the men’s division with a time of 1:02:14, while Lauren Gregory topped the women’s field in 1:10:39. Dillon Maggard and Peter Borger finished second and third, respectively, in the men’s division; Ms. Annamaria Kostarellis and Ms. Katja Goldring took second and third in the women’s division.
Strong performances were also recorded in the 10K. Tsegay Weldlibanos won the men’s race in 28:54, and Jessica McClain led the women’s division in 31:12.
“Running is more popular than ever, and it’s evident in just how many events reach sell‑out status,” Phil Dumontet, CEO of Brooksee, producer of the Mesa Marathon, said. “With the record demand, it’s so important for organizers and communities to offer the highest quality experiences that will keep runners coming back for years to come. We are so proud of our partnership with the City of Mesa, and our shared commitment to making the Mesa Marathon a can’t‑miss running event that inspires our participants to keep chasing their goals.”
A total of 1,800 runners received the first Desert Double Medal, which recognized runners who completed both the inaugural Phoenix Marathon, held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, and the 2026 Mesa Marathon.
The marathon course began below the large white Phoenix sign on Usery Mountain. Marathon runners experienced nearly 1,000 feet of net elevation loss along a route ranging from cactus desert terrain to views of the Phoenix Valley from N. Usery Pass Road. The half marathon course featured nearly 200 feet of net elevation loss toward Riverview Park.
The 10K route began at Fitch Park and passed through historic downtown Mesa. The Kids 1K run, a free event for children 12 and under, drew 700 participants.
