Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
The Phoenix Marathon will return Dec. 11-12 for its second annual event, expanding its race weekend with a course contained entirely within Phoenix city limits and two new race distances.
The event will add a nighttime 5K and a 10-mile race to its marathon and half marathon offerings. The inaugural Phoenix Marathon in 2025 drew 7,200 registered runners from all 50 states and more than 12 countries, according to a press release.
“Our inaugural event was such a success, and it inspired us to see where we could continue to improve and expand the experience for our runners going into year two,” Phoenix Marathon Marketing Lead Austri Biddinger said. “By updating the course and introducing new distances, we also hope to open doors for more people to take part and encourage them to experience the incredible community here in Phoenix.”
The Phoenix Marathon race weekend will offer four distances. The 5K will take place Friday evening, Dec. 11, followed Saturday, Dec. 12, by the marathon, half marathon and 10-mile race.
The marathon is 26.2 miles, the half marathon is 13.1 miles and the 5K is approximately 3.1 miles. Saturday’s courses will remain within Phoenix city limits, with routes traveling through downtown toward the Arizona State Capitol, north through midtown and through city neighborhoods and desert areas, with views of Mount Suppoa in the South Mountains.
Organizers also have added the Valley of the Run Challenge, which requires participants to complete the 5K Friday, Dec. 11, and one of the three races Saturday, Dec. 12. Participants who complete the challenge will receive a Valley of the Run Challenge medal.
Phoenix Marathon participants also can qualify for the Desert Double medal presented by Human Powered Health by completing any distance at the 2026 Phoenix Marathon and any distance at the 2027 Mesa Marathon on Saturday, Feb. 13. Participants who register for a distance at both events will receive a bundle discount.
