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Marathon Details - Tucson Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > AZ > Oracle > Tucson Marathon

Tucson Marathon

Holualoa Tucson Marathon & 50K, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay

Oracle, AZ USA

December 15, 2024

http://www.tucsonmarathon.com

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Contact Information

Name:	Pam Reed
Address:	PO Box 13292 Jackson, WY 83002
Phone Number:	(520) 403-3355
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (233)

Course 3.8

Organization 3.7

Spectators 2.3

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Number of comments: 233 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 24 > ]

A. L. from massachusetts (12/13/2022) "downhill but the view does not change" (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Tucson Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The parts of the first and all of the last half are along a 4 lane highway, which is straignt so you have the same view for a long long time. The course is net downhill but it is gentle so you don't notice it, there are a few uphills to suprise you. I stayed at the host hotel, the special rate made it a good deal and worth it, especailly as a desitination race. The orgainization was good, there was a new race director in 2022. The buses drop you off a 10 minute walk from the start. You can stay on the bus until you are ready for port-o-potties which are at the start, so bring warm clothes. There is a drop bag. Pros + net downhill, but gradual + good organization + we had good weather 32-60 Negatives - mostly on 4 lane highway - view does not change - sometimes on the shoulder which was uneven Glad I did it, not sure I would repeat,, a long trip from the east coast, but a fun special event
Wayne Wright from Palmdale, California USA (1/16/2020) "Downhill in the Desert" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Tucson Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 INTRODUCTION: I am a race-walker with a median marathon completion time of 5:22:52. The Tucson Marathon was my fifty-eighth 26.2-miler accomplished. COURSE: It was a great day for a marathon: 44 degrees, wind from the west at 5 mph with gusts up to 11 mph, and 50% relative humidity. The race, which began in Coronado National Forest just east of Oracle, was punctuated by a 300 foot drop in elevation the first mile. Shortly afterward, our five mile westward trek returning to and going through Oracle was met with undulating hills. At mile 6, we entered onto SR77, sometimes occupying one lane and other times being restricted to the shoulder, always going downhill, with vistas of the Catalina Mountains on our left, until passing mile 23 with the sole exception of a three mile out-and-back on Biosphere Road beginning at mile 10, represented by rolling hill terrain. The remainder of the course was mostly represented by running in almost a complete two-mile square represented by some slight inclines and declines to our finish line at the Catalina fire station, approximately 2000 feet lower in elevation from our starting point. Weather at the finish was 71 degrees, wind from the west northwest at 1 mph with gusts up to 5 mph, and 44% relative humidity. ORGANIZATION: Well organized. Expo was small but efficient. Motor coach transport from the host hotel went smoothly; also, we were given the opportunity to stay on the bus until minutes before the race start. Course support went without difficulty. Return bus service to both general parking lot and host hotel went without difficulty as well. SPECTATORS: Given most of the marathon route was on a state highway, there was little opportunity for spectators to be present. Some Oracle locals came out of their houses to cheer us on. CONCLUSION: A nice, quiet, mostly downhill run without many distractions. Well done.
R. B. from Lompoc, CA (12/29/2016) "Well organized marathon, early buses" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Tucson Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I enjoyed this marathon although some of the organization is a little strange. Buses depart a parking lot by the medical center between 4:45 and 5:10 am for a marathon that starts at 7:00 am. We arrived at the start more than 1.5 hrs early. Most stayed on the buses a while. Why so early? We had warm conditions around 45 at the start and around 72 by noon by the finish but plenty of course support with gels, orange sections, and clif bars I think. At the finish a volunteer read my bib number, found my drop bag and brought it to me so I didn't even have to look for it. Awesome. No steak and eggs at the finish but PB & J on flatbread hit the spot and water, bananas, etc. there.
e. m. from arizona (12/19/2016) "NOT AS DOWNHILL AS ADVERTISED" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Tucson Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Now I know why this marathon has steadily seen a decline in finishers for the past few years. Brutal course, brutal weather past 9 am. Run about half the course on the shoulder of a highway. But, well organized, and aid stations are well stocked and great volunteers. Will not run again. Tucson could have a more city-street marathon in January with a 6 am start
L. G. from AZ (12/11/2016) "fast primarily downhill course with a few hills" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Tucson Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The first 10K of this course is my favorite, starting on a dirt road and winding up and down (mostly down) rolling hills. Then we got to the highway, and while the race organizers had blocked off the shoulder and often one lane of traffic, we were still running on a sometimes busy road. The mostly downhill course makes for a faster time, even with some uphill toward the end. The mountains in the distance are inspiring, but I found this a boring course after the first 10K. The organization is top notch and the water stop volunteers excellent. Having to take a bus to the start and back from the finish adds in extra time so plan ahead.
J. W. from Chicago,IL (12/11/2016) "Tough course. Well organized." (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Tucson Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Don't let the first 10 miles lure you in. Seriously. Don't. Once you hit Biosphere road you will be in for a rude wake up call. I tried to 'bank time'. The classic rookie mistake. I gave back 9 minutes in the 2nd half. This course ROLLS. Make no mistake. Could just be the toughest course I've ever done. Our bus driver got lost in the morning. Why does this keep happening? Bottom line would I have done it knowing what I know now? No. Don't come here chasing a BQ. Do the training and find a flat/moderate course. This course had ZERO shade. That desert sun beating you in the face for 3 hours doesn't help. Wow and those last 2 miles were absolute torture. Did we really need more hills here. Holy smokes.
G. I. from ARIZONA (3/8/2016) "Not for the weekend Disney Runner" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Tucson Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Have run the AZ Rock and Roll and Phoenix Marathon. Tucson Marathon is above these Phoenix Area Marathons due to its much cooler weather, much better scenery and smaller size. This is not a race for the 6 hour Run Disney crowd-has challenging hills in the beginning, middle and end. Volunteers are fantastic. All stations are well stocked and organized. The scenery is gorgeous-much better than the Phoenix Marathon. Buses up to start line are great. Weather is near perfect most of the time. But, crowd support is near non existent and you run a significant portion on highway shoulder. Train for hills. Will run it again this year-this is a race for those who love a challenge in small race.
M. M. from West Yellowstone, MT (1/11/2016) "Very challenging course." (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Tucson Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I mistakenly followed the organizer's claims that this is a PR course, flat, fast, even a BQ qualifier. There are a few downhill sections. But the uphills add significant elevation gain. The out-and-back was a combination of long uphills and downhills, right smack in the middle of the race. By the time you hit some flats and the last few downhills, the sun was high and beating in my face. Not as advertised, I would say.
G. T. from Ohio (10/31/2015) "On my top ten list" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Tucson Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I was a little nervous about running this race, but it turned out to be one of my favorites. Running through the desert as the sun comes up over the ridge is a very zen experience. It was very peaceful and relaxed - definitely not your standard marathon experience. There was a water and restroom stop every mile. The sponsors had their water stops later in the course, and were very enthusiastic and supportive at a time when I needed it. Yes, there is a hill toward the end, but it's not a big one and to be honest, I was ready for some different terrain. Buses were fast and efficient, lots end of the race goodies were available (pb&j!), and I am writing this review as I get ready to register for this year's event. Do it!
J. R. from Colorado (7/28/2015) "Disappointing Course" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Tucson Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I love Tucson, and the Santa Catalina Mountains are inspiring and drop dead beautiful. This course wraps around the north/west portion of them, so that was the highlight. Unfortunately it's the only highlight. The course itself is horrible. Much of it is run along the shoulder of a major highway which is canted. IT problems anyone? If you have issues running on uneven roads stay away from this one. Hills were not an issue - just suck it up. One would think in this beautiful city there would be better course options. Very disappointing.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 24 > ]



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A. L. from massachusetts (12/13/2022) "downhill but the view does not change" (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Tucson Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The parts of the first and all of the last half are along a 4 lane highway, which is straignt so you have the same view for a long long time. The course is net downhill but it is gentle so you don't notice it, there are a few uphills to suprise you. I stayed at the host hotel, the special rate made it a good deal and worth it, especailly as a desitination race. The orgainization was good, there was a new race director in 2022. The buses drop you off a 10 minute walk from the start. You can stay on the bus until you are ready for port-o-potties which are at the start, so bring warm clothes. There is a drop bag. Pros + net downhill, but gradual + good organization + we had good weather 32-60 Negatives - mostly on 4 lane highway - view does not change - sometimes on the shoulder which was uneven Glad I did it, not sure I would repeat,, a long trip from the east coast, but a fun special event
Wayne Wright from Palmdale, California USA (1/16/2020) "Downhill in the Desert" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Tucson Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 INTRODUCTION: I am a race-walker with a median marathon completion time of 5:22:52. The Tucson Marathon was my fifty-eighth 26.2-miler accomplished. COURSE: It was a great day for a marathon: 44 degrees, wind from the west at 5 mph with gusts up to 11 mph, and 50% relative humidity. The race, which began in Coronado National Forest just east of Oracle, was punctuated by a 300 foot drop in elevation the first mile. Shortly afterward, our five mile westward trek returning to and going through Oracle was met with undulating hills. At mile 6, we entered onto SR77, sometimes occupying one lane and other times being restricted to the shoulder, always going downhill, with vistas of the Catalina Mountains on our left, until passing mile 23 with the sole exception of a three mile out-and-back on Biosphere Road beginning at mile 10, represented by rolling hill terrain. The remainder of the course was mostly represented by running in almost a complete two-mile square represented by some slight inclines and declines to our finish line at the Catalina fire station, approximately 2000 feet lower in elevation from our starting point. Weather at the finish was 71 degrees, wind from the west northwest at 1 mph with gusts up to 5 mph, and 44% relative humidity. ORGANIZATION: Well organized. Expo was small but efficient. Motor coach transport from the host hotel went smoothly; also, we were given the opportunity to stay on the bus until minutes before the race start. Course support went without difficulty. Return bus service to both general parking lot and host hotel went without difficulty as well. SPECTATORS: Given most of the marathon route was on a state highway, there was little opportunity for spectators to be present. Some Oracle locals came out of their houses to cheer us on. CONCLUSION: A nice, quiet, mostly downhill run without many distractions. Well done.
R. B. from Lompoc, CA (12/29/2016) "Well organized marathon, early buses" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Tucson Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I enjoyed this marathon although some of the organization is a little strange. Buses depart a parking lot by the medical center between 4:45 and 5:10 am for a marathon that starts at 7:00 am. We arrived at the start more than 1.5 hrs early. Most stayed on the buses a while. Why so early? We had warm conditions around 45 at the start and around 72 by noon by the finish but plenty of course support with gels, orange sections, and clif bars I think. At the finish a volunteer read my bib number, found my drop bag and brought it to me so I didn't even have to look for it. Awesome. No steak and eggs at the finish but PB & J on flatbread hit the spot and water, bananas, etc. there.
e. m. from arizona (12/19/2016) "NOT AS DOWNHILL AS ADVERTISED" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Tucson Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Now I know why this marathon has steadily seen a decline in finishers for the past few years. Brutal course, brutal weather past 9 am. Run about half the course on the shoulder of a highway. But, well organized, and aid stations are well stocked and great volunteers. Will not run again. Tucson could have a more city-street marathon in January with a 6 am start
L. G. from AZ (12/11/2016) "fast primarily downhill course with a few hills" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Tucson Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The first 10K of this course is my favorite, starting on a dirt road and winding up and down (mostly down) rolling hills. Then we got to the highway, and while the race organizers had blocked off the shoulder and often one lane of traffic, we were still running on a sometimes busy road. The mostly downhill course makes for a faster time, even with some uphill toward the end. The mountains in the distance are inspiring, but I found this a boring course after the first 10K. The organization is top notch and the water stop volunteers excellent. Having to take a bus to the start and back from the finish adds in extra time so plan ahead.
J. W. from Chicago,IL (12/11/2016) "Tough course. Well organized." (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Tucson Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Don't let the first 10 miles lure you in. Seriously. Don't. Once you hit Biosphere road you will be in for a rude wake up call. I tried to 'bank time'. The classic rookie mistake. I gave back 9 minutes in the 2nd half. This course ROLLS. Make no mistake. Could just be the toughest course I've ever done. Our bus driver got lost in the morning. Why does this keep happening? Bottom line would I have done it knowing what I know now? No. Don't come here chasing a BQ. Do the training and find a flat/moderate course. This course had ZERO shade. That desert sun beating you in the face for 3 hours doesn't help. Wow and those last 2 miles were absolute torture. Did we really need more hills here. Holy smokes.
G. I. from ARIZONA (3/8/2016) "Not for the weekend Disney Runner" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Tucson Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Have run the AZ Rock and Roll and Phoenix Marathon. Tucson Marathon is above these Phoenix Area Marathons due to its much cooler weather, much better scenery and smaller size. This is not a race for the 6 hour Run Disney crowd-has challenging hills in the beginning, middle and end. Volunteers are fantastic. All stations are well stocked and organized. The scenery is gorgeous-much better than the Phoenix Marathon. Buses up to start line are great. Weather is near perfect most of the time. But, crowd support is near non existent and you run a significant portion on highway shoulder. Train for hills. Will run it again this year-this is a race for those who love a challenge in small race.
M. M. from West Yellowstone, MT (1/11/2016) "Very challenging course." (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Tucson Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I mistakenly followed the organizer's claims that this is a PR course, flat, fast, even a BQ qualifier. There are a few downhill sections. But the uphills add significant elevation gain. The out-and-back was a combination of long uphills and downhills, right smack in the middle of the race. By the time you hit some flats and the last few downhills, the sun was high and beating in my face. Not as advertised, I would say.
G. T. from Ohio (10/31/2015) "On my top ten list" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Tucson Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I was a little nervous about running this race, but it turned out to be one of my favorites. Running through the desert as the sun comes up over the ridge is a very zen experience. It was very peaceful and relaxed - definitely not your standard marathon experience. There was a water and restroom stop every mile. The sponsors had their water stops later in the course, and were very enthusiastic and supportive at a time when I needed it. Yes, there is a hill toward the end, but it's not a big one and to be honest, I was ready for some different terrain. Buses were fast and efficient, lots end of the race goodies were available (pb&j!), and I am writing this review as I get ready to register for this year's event. Do it!
J. R. from Colorado (7/28/2015) "Disappointing Course" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Tucson Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I love Tucson, and the Santa Catalina Mountains are inspiring and drop dead beautiful. This course wraps around the north/west portion of them, so that was the highlight. Unfortunately it's the only highlight. The course itself is horrible. Much of it is run along the shoulder of a major highway which is canted. IT problems anyone? If you have issues running on uneven roads stay away from this one. Hills were not an issue - just suck it up. One would think in this beautiful city there would be better course options. Very disappointing.

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Marathon Details - Tucson Marathon