Registration details are on the race's own site.
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| Event | Distance | When | Entry fee | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Dec 13, 20267:00 AM | See registration | – |
| Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Dec 13, 20267:05 AM | $145 | – |
| 50K Ultra | 50K | Dec 13, 20267:20 AM | $175 | – |
| Marathon | Marathon | Dec 13, 20267:20 AM | $165 | – |
| Marathon Relay | Relay | Dec 13, 20267:20 AM | $299 | – |
Fees and dates are from the race's official website on the date shown below; confirm them there before you register.
At $175, entry is about 15 percent above a typical 50K in Arizona, which costs $152.50 right now.
Sunrise on race morning is at about 7:15 AM, and the Wheelchair Half Marathon starts at 7:00 AM.
Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.
Starts at Biosphere 2 near Oracle (half at Golder Ranch Fire Admin, Catalina); finishes at Pima Community College Northwest Campus, 7600 N Shannon Rd, Tucson, AZ 85709
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 13 the day usually runs from 43°F at dawn to 70°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 7% of days. Cold snaps dip to 37°F and hot years reach 79°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 Tucson Marathon, in brief, from the official race website.
Schedule and packet pickup
Pickup is Friday, Dec. 11, noon to 5 p.m. at the Aravaipa Running office in Phoenix, and Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the finish area, Pima Community College Northwest Campus, where the expo also runs. Online registration closes Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.
Course
USATF certified and a Boston qualifier. The marathon has rolling hills in the first two miles, then a long descent (about 1,490 ft net drop) with a 7.5 hour limit; the half loses about 800 ft with a 7 hour limit, and the 50K allows 8 hours. Expect a half mile walk from staging to the marathon start.
Parking and travel
Race shuttles leave early on race morning from Oro Valley Marketplace and the El Conquistador host hotel, with return shuttles after the race. Marathon and 50K runners may be dropped off at Biosphere 2; the half start has no parking or drop off, so half runners must ride the bus.
Awards
Every finisher gets a medal. The top three men and women overall in the marathon, half and 50K win shoes or Fleet Feet gift cards, masters winners are recognized, and the marathon has age group awards. Awards are handed out on site only. Beast Pacing runs pace groups in the marathon and half.
Rules and FAQ
Relay teams split the marathon into four legs of 8.4, 5.5, 5.6 and 6.7 miles, with exchanges at Oracle Junction, Coronado K-8 School and Steam Pump Ranch. Each team supplies one vehicle to reach the exchanges. Strollers are not allowed on the half course.
Facts on this page come from the race's official website (aravaiparunning.com/tucson), checked Sep 27, 2026. Confirm dates and fees there before you travel.
Organize this race? Add details or a correction
A December road race run since 1969 on point to point, mostly downhill courses north of Tucson. The marathon, 50K and four leg relay drop from Biosphere 2 along Highway 77 and a river bike path through Oro Valley to a finish at Pima Community College; the half starts in Catalina.