Registration details are on the race's own site.
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| Event | Distance | When | Entry fee | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, Dec 11, 2026 | ||||
| 5K | 5K | Dec 11, 20267:30 PM | $69 | – |
| Saturday, Dec 12, 2026 | ||||
| Marathon | Marathon | Dec 12, 20267:00 AM | $189 | – |
| Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Dec 12, 20267:15 AM | $169 | – |
| 10 Miler | 10 Mile | Dec 12, 20268:00 AM | $109 | – |
Fees and dates are from the race's official website on the date shown below; confirm them there before you register.
At $189, entry is about 26 percent above a typical marathon in Arizona, which costs $150 right now.
Sunrise on race morning is at about 7:22 AM, and the 5K starts at 7:30 PM. The start sits about 1,160 feet above sea level.
Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.
South Mountain Park Visitor Center, Phoenix, AZ
The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. The organizers have not shared a course map with us yet.
Around December 12 the day usually runs from 46°F at dawn to 70°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 4% of days. Cold snaps dip to 39°F and hot years reach 77°F.
Based on 75 days within a week of the date over the last 5 years, from historical weather for the start area. Not a forecast.
What runners should know about Phoenix Marathon, in brief, from the official race website.
Schedule and packet pickup
The expo is Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Phoenix Convention Center. Bring photo ID or your confirmation email. Every distance, the 5K included, must pick up at the expo; there is no race day pickup. Bib mailing is a paid option at registration.
Course
USATF sanctioned and certified. The half starts at El Reposo Park, the 10 miler at Central Ave and Pioneer St, and the 5K inside Steele Indian School Park, where all four finish. Marathoners must hold 15:00 per mile and finish by 1:33 p.m. Aid stations sit about every 2 miles.
Parking and travel
Park free at the Arizona State Fairgrounds; there is no parking at the starts or the finish. Marathoners must ride race buses from the Fairgrounds to South Mountain, as private cars are barred there. Half and 10 miler runners choose a bus or a drop off about 30 days out. Shuttles link the Fairgrounds and the finish.
Shirt and medal
Each entrant gets a race shirt (long sleeve, tank or tri blend upgrades cost extra), a distance specific medal and gloves for the cold start. The finish has snacks, food redeemed with bib tags, and a free beer for those of legal age. Finishing Phoenix and the 2027 Mesa Marathon earns a Desert Double medal.
Awards
The top 3 men and women in the marathon and half win $1,000, $500 and $150. Age group awards go 3 deep and are collected at the results tent. Overall ceremonies are at 9:00 a.m. (10 miler), 9:15 a.m. (half) and 10:30 a.m. (marathon); the 5K has none. Boston qualifiers get a free BQ luggage tag.
Facts on this page come from the race's official website (phxmarathon.com, phxmarathon.com/info, phxmarathon.com/register), checked Sep 27, 2026. Confirm dates and fees there before you travel.
Organize this race? Add details or a correction
A December road race across Phoenix from the same organizer as the Mesa Marathon. The marathon starts at South Mountain Park, runs along the Salt River path, then heads north through downtown past the State Capitol and Hance Park to finish at Steele Indian School Park. A half and a 10 miler share the finish, and a 5K runs Friday evening.