Overview
The Mesa-PHX Marathon draws approximately 3,500 finishers each February through the Phoenix metropolitan area's East Valley. The course passes Usery Mountain views, the Salt River corridor, and Mesa's desert-city boulevards on flat Arizona terrain. February's ideal desert running weather — cool mornings and warm finishes — makes it a popular western US winter marathon.
Mesa-PHX Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Mesa-PHX Marathon 2027 race day
The next Mesa-PHX Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, 13 February 2027 with a 6:30 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
Mesa-PHX Marathon course route
The Mesa-PHX Marathon is an urban road that starts in the Mesa area and finishes at a central festival location in Mesa or Tempe. The loop follows desert-city boulevards, passes the Salt River corridor, and crosses the East Valley suburbs. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators gather at the start-finish festival and at organised cheer zones through the city centre and along the main boulevards.
Mesa-PHX Marathon elevation profile
The Mesa-PHX Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Mesa-PHX Marathon uses open registration at mesaphxmarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying time. Sign-up for the February race typically opens the previous spring. The fast, net-downhill desert course is popular with Boston-qualifier seekers and early registration secures lower tier pricing.
Mesa-PHX Marathon course video
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
2020 Mesa-PHX Marathon || Full Course
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Mesa-PHX Marathon elevation profile?
- The Mesa-PHX Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is very flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- How long is the Mesa-PHX Marathon?
- The Mesa-PHX Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. From the Mesa area to a central festival location in Mesa or Tempe.
- What time does the Mesa-PHX Marathon start?
- The 2027 Mesa-PHX Marathon starts at 6:30 am local time on Saturday, 13 February 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.mesaphxmarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Mesa-PHX Marathon start?
- The race starts in the Mesa/East Valley area and finishes at a central festival location. Course maps are at https://www.mesaphxmarathon.com/.
- When is the Mesa-PHX Marathon?
- The Mesa-PHX Marathon is held in February, typically on a Saturday. The desert winter timing avoids Arizona's extreme summer heat.
- Is the Mesa-PHX Marathon flat?
- Yes. The East Valley course across the Sonoran Desert floor is flat, though desert heat by late morning is a factor even in February.
- What weather should I expect in Mesa in February?
- February in Mesa is ideal desert running weather, often 8–20 °C (46–68 °F) from cool start to warm finish. Sun protection is essential.
- How is the Mesa-PHX Marathon different from Phoenix marathons?
- The Mesa-PHX Marathon focuses on the East Valley suburbs rather than downtown Phoenix, offering a flatter suburban course with Usery Mountain views to the east.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
