On Saturday, December 13, Phoenix made history by hosting its first signature city marathon, drawing runners from across the United States and around the world to compete in a brand-new 26.2-mile course throughout the Valley of the Sun. The inaugural Phoenix Marathon was a landmark event for Arizona’s largest city, among one of the few major U.S. metros without its own full-distance marathon, and it lived up to the hype with enthusiastic participation, strong community turnout, and a scenic, runner-friendly route.
While this marked the city’s first official full marathon, Phoenix is no stranger to major running events. The area has long hosted races in the Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series, including a half marathon, 10k and 5k, that draw thousands of participants annually. Those events helped establish Phoenix as a reliable host for large-scale road races, making Saturday’s marathon a natural next step rather than a leap into the unknown.
More than 7,000 runners turned out for the weekend, tackling either the marathon, a half marathon, or a 10K, with participants of all experience levels lining up at the 7 a.m. start under cool December skies. Many runners said they were fulfilled simply by being part of history, while others eyed personal bests on the course’s relatively flat terrain.
A Course That Showcases Phoenix
One of the standout features of this year’s event was the course itself, which took runners on a comprehensive tour of Phoenix’s diverse landscapes and urban environment. Starting at Deer Valley Towne Center near 31st Avenue, the full marathon headed through early stretches of city streets before dipping into the scenic Arizona Canal Trail, offering nearly 9 miles of shaded waterway views that runners said helped set a steady early pace.
From there, the route wound toward Camelback Road and the upscale Biltmore area, giving participants a change of scenery and enthusiastic spectator support from local residents. In the final miles, runners found themselves in the desert-framed setting of Papago Park, with its iconic red rock backdrops helping propel competitors to the finish at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
Veteran marathoners praised the thoughtful course design, noting its balance of urban energy and natural beauty. Novice runners, many of whom were tackling their first marathon, said the variety along the route helped distract from the fatigue that typically sets in during the middle miles. With frequent hydration stations, clear markings, and friendly volunteers cheering from start to finish, the course earned praise from both seasoned athletes and first-timers alike.
Community Buzz and Runner Stories
The energy around the first Phoenix Marathon went beyond the race itself, with runners and spectators turning the weekend into a celebration of health, community, and personal achievement. Leading up to race day, a Health & Lifestyle Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center on Friday gave participants the chance to pick up race packets, browse merchandise, and meet with local vendors and sponsors in a festive atmosphere.
Race morning saw a diverse mix of competitors, from dedicated local club runners to out-of-state athletes chasing qualifying times, and every runner had a story. One participant from South Africa, Zindlia, is running her first U.S. marathon in more than a decade.
“This is my first marathon since having my kids,” she said. “… I haven’t run any marathons in America since I’ve been here.”
Another runner, JC Santa Teresa, has more than 400 marathons under his belt, and came to Phoenix to share his experience with others and help pace fellow competitors across the finish line.
“Everybody’s got their different reasons as to why they want to run…,” Teresa said. “I say, ‘if you hang with me, I’ll take you to the finish line.’ Then they cross the finish line. They’re all smiles, they’re crying that we have photos and they become friends of mine.”
Half Marathon and 10K Add to Excitement
While much attention was on the full marathon, the inaugural event also included a half marathon and a 10K, broadening participation and giving runners of different skill levels a chance to be part of history. The half marathon, which began shortly after the full marathon’s start, followed much of the same scenic path, offering nearly 200 feet of net elevation loss–a draw for those seeking a fast personal best.
The 10K course provided an accessible entry point for beginners, weaving through the Arizona Canal Trail and funneling finishers into the same electric atmosphere near Papago Park. Participants across all three distances received race shirts, finisher medals, and access to the post-race celebration, which featured refreshments, live music, and an opportunity to reconnect with fellow participants after an unforgettable day.
Spectators lined the course, with families and friends cheering on racers as they marched toward the finish. For many local residents, the marathon was a chance to showcase Phoenix as a vibrant city capable of hosting a major athletic event and welcoming visitors from across the nation.
What This Means for Phoenix and Running Fans
The successful debut of the Phoenix Marathon has broader implications for the city’s running community and the local sports calendar. For years, Phoenix had been one of the largest U.S. cities without a signature marathon–a gap that race organizers and city officials hoped to fill with an event that could attract both local runners and visitors, promote healthy lifestyles, and showcase the city’s unique landscapes and culture.
By keeping the race entirely within city limits and highlighting varied terrain, the marathon carved out a distinct identity that sets it apart from other U.S. marathons. Organizers also aim for the race to become a Boston Marathon qualifier and a fixture on the annual running calendar, giving competitors another high-profile goal in the sport.
Local businesses, volunteers, and residents alike embraced the event, providing support that helped create a welcoming and festive atmosphere for runners of all stripes.The Phoenix Marathon is now positioned to grow into one of the Southwest’s must-run races in the years ahead.
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