Tucson, Arizona, United States
The Tucson Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each December on a desert point-to-point road in Tucson, United States. The race combines dry desert air with a long net drop that keeps it popular for late-year qualifiers. The course passes saguaro-dotted desert roads, Catalina foothill views, and broad urban boulevards into the city. The route is net downhill overall.
Tucson Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Tucson Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 6 December 2026 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 180 m of climbing on a net downhill then mostly flat layout.
Starts north of Tucson and finishes in the downtown district. The course passes saguaro-dotted desert roads, Catalina foothill views, and broad urban boulevards into the city. Moderate terrain throughout. The net descent rewards aggressive pacing but punishes the quads late.
The Tucson Marathon course is net downhill then mostly flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 180 metres of climbing and 220 metres of descent, with a net descent of 40 metres from start to finish.
The Tucson Marathon uses open online registration at aravaiparunning.com with no ballot or qualifying time required. Sign-up for the December race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Tiered pricing increases closer to race day, and charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Tucson.
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.
Next race: Saturday, 13 February 2027
The Every Woman's Marathon draws approximately 4,300 finishers each November on a desert urban road in Scottsdale, United States. It rotates U.S. host cities annually and was built specifically to celebrate women runners at scale. The course passes downtown streets, local parks, and signature landmarks of the current host city — recent editions have included Savannah and Scottsdale. Downtown streets, local parks, and signature host-city landmarks rotate annually as this women-focused November race celebrates runners at scale on a largely flat course.
Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026
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. South Mountain descents, Salt River trails, and downtown streets past the Arizona Capitol carry December's desert marathon through Phoenix on a largely flat route.
Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
The Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon draws approximately 3,500 finishers each January through the Phoenix-Scottsdale metropolitan area. The course passes Camelback Mountain views, Scottsdale's resort corridors, and Tempe Town Lake on flat desert-city roads with live music stages. January's perfect Arizona desert weather makes it one of the Rock 'n' Roll series' most popular winter events.
Next race: Saturday, 16 January 2027
The Las Vegas Marathon draws approximately 4,800 finishers on an urban road in Las Vegas, United States. The course starts on the Strip and finishes at the Festival Grounds. The route runs the length of Las Vegas Boulevard past the major casinos. Mostly flat along the desert floor.
Next race: Sunday, 8 November 2026
When a flat course helps your time, when hills are worth the view, and how to pick terrain that fits your training and goals.
Read guide →
How major marathons allocate places — open entry, lotteries, charity bibs, tour operators, and what to check before you commit to a trip.
Read guide →
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Read guide →