Looking forward to a new year of possibilities to explore and a new set of fitness goals to tackle? Start your 2022 off right with one of these five amazing Arizona road races.
Buckeye Marathon
If you’ve been training and you’re ready to kick things into gear, head about an hour west of The Tessera to the Buckeye Marathon, held on Saturday, Jan. 8. Pick your perfect distance from the marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K, and 1-mile fun run options, and no matter what you choose, enjoy some impressive views of the White Tank Mountains. Best of all, get ready for a fun finish on the runway of Buckeye Municipal Airport.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona
A classic Arizona road race, Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona remains one of the most popular races in the Valley for good reason. Head to Tempe for this fun-loving, high-energy race on Jan. 15-16, and choose from marathon, half-marathon, 10K, and 5K distances. Not only do they have some pretty sweet swag, but you can also look forward to great views of the Papago red rocks and cool sights around Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Plus, as the name promises, you’ll get to groove to live bands and DJs while you run.
RunSedona
One of the best parts of running in Arizona is enjoying the sunshine and the natural beauty of the desert. Why not take your next race to one of the most stunning parts of the state? On Saturday, Feb. 5, head north of town to Sedona for the RunSedona Events 5K/10K and Half Marathon. Surrounded by gorgeous red rock formations and expansive desert, you’ll have endless sights to keep you entertained along the way.
Mesa Marathon
Love a good finish experience? You won’t want to miss the Mesa Marathon (formerly known as the Mesa Phoenix Marathon) on Saturday, Feb. 12. Suit up for a 10K, half-marathon, or full marathon, and look forward to what the race organizers call the best finish experience ever – featuring a selection of fruits, drinks, and energy snacks, as well as post-race treatments and fun activities for everyone. This year marks the race’s 10th anniversary, so expect an especially good time!
Lost Dutchman Marathon
You’ll have a little extra time to train for the Lost Dutchman Marathon in Gold Canyon and Apache Junction on Sunday, Feb. 20. A scenic point-to-point course with lovely desert vistas takes you near the rumored site of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine. Whether you’re in for the full marathon, half-marathon, 10K, or the 8K trail run, you’ll have a stellar time going for gold on this local favorite.
Looking for more ways to stay active around Phoenix in the new year? Find more fun ideas on The Tessera blog.