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Mesa-PHX Marathon

MesaArizonaUnited States

Next race

Saturday, 13 February 2027

6:30 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Flat · 50 m gain

50 m climbing

Race profile

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.

Typical participants

Approximately 3,500 finishers

Weather

Mild and dry winter

13–17°C · humidity 30–55%

Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Mesa-PHX Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

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 route map

Registration

Mesa-PHX Marathon entry requirements

The Mesa-PHX Marathon uses open registration at mesamarathon.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.

Getting there

Mesa-PHX Marathon travel

Airports closest to Mesa for flight planning and race-week travel.
Closest airport

Phoenix (PHX)

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

17 km / 11 mi

Race footage

Mesa-PHX Marathon videos

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

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mesa-PHX Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
The Mesa-PHX Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The Mesa-PHX Marathon holds a certified 42.195 km course that can be used for Boston Marathon qualifying times, subject to current Boston Athletic Association standards and the race's USATF (or equivalent) certification status in the registration year.
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 flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
Where can I find the Mesa-PHX Marathon route map?
This page includes a Mesa-PHX Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Follows desert-city boulevards, passes the Salt River corridor, and crosses the East Valley suburbs.
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 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 published before race weekend.
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.

Official resources

Mesa-PHX Marathon links

Websites

Social Media

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Mesa.

Phoenix Marathon
PhoenixArizonaUnited States· 24 km away

Phoenix Marathon

The Phoenix Marathon draws approximately 2,372 finishers each December on a desert urban road in Phoenix, United States. Organizers of the Mesa Marathon launched this December sibling race, which exceeded 2,300 marathon finishers in its first edition. The course runs from South Mountain through the Salt River trail corridor, downtown past the Arizona State Capitol and ASU Downtown, Hance Park, and midtown streets. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Saturday, 12 December 2026

REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon
Las VegasNevadaUnited States· 430 km away

REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon

The REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon draws approximately 1,707 finishers each April on a point-to-point road in Las Vegas, United States. It is one of the fastest Boston-qualifier courses in the West thanks to a sustained net descent of roughly 5,000 feet. The net-downhill course drops from Mt. Charleston through mountain roads with sweeping views before descending toward the Las Vegas basin. The route is net downhill overall.

Next race: Saturday, 3 April 2027

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Planning guides

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