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Tucson Marathon Reviews
Tucson Marathon
4.4 Stars from
7 Runners
Not a favorite
By laurarjay about 2018
Review
Not a favorite, but the course was mostly flat (although they are switching the course this year and it's going to be all flat/downhill). Not the best views and the sun gets hot.
Race Tips
Make sure you stay hydrated! and wear a hat or sunglasses
One of the only fast races in early December, and it's pretty cheap. Also, a Saturday race, which I find to be easier for travel and gives me Saturday night for beer and all day Sunday for recovery.
The race starts up in the mountain town of Oracle and finishes in the Oro Valley area, so not near downtown Tucson. One great feature - they let you stay warm inside the busses until a few minutes prior to start. First 10 miles or so are scenic and there is some shade, but after 13, you're just running out on the highway. Temperature was ideal, but there is no shade after mile 11 or so. Good organization, actually had a young volunteer come up to me with my drop bag just after crossing the finish line. Overall solid option to seek out a PR/BQ, and Tucson is a very fun town.
Race Tips
Steep at the beginning, but flattens out. Solid uphill just before the halfway point, and another blip at the end. Biggest challenge was probably from 14-22, when you're just out on the highway, sun beating down, not a lot to distract you...
I did not notice any altitude issues - you're really not that high about sea level at any point.
Race hotel is pricey, but offers a discount if you reserve early enough. I stayed elsewhere and drove to the bus loading point. Straightforward, plenty of parking. Busses back to the parking area / hotel was a bit confusing. I was in a time crunch, so opted for uber, but they can't get very close to the finish area. For the unfamiliar, the "Tucson area" is pretty big - race finish area & hotel are about 45 minutes from the airport. PHX is probably about 90 minutes away, where flights maybe cheaper or easier. I had my pasta the night before at Bottega Michelangelo - fantastic.
5 /
5 Stars
Great Course Support
By Ann about 2018
Review
There were aid stations and porta potties all along the course. The volunteers were very nice and enthusiastic. Most of the course is just along a highway, so not very special and there are very few spectator spots (because the traffic is still going both directions on the road.) There are more hills on the course than what the description leads you to believe. While the first downhill is pretty steep, the rest is much more gradual. Fantastic organization and communication.
Race Tips
When running towards the biosphere the sun will be in your eyes. Bring a hat at least for that section.
One of the steepest, most sustained downhills of any marathon in the world. Train on downhills at the end of long runs. During race day, run downhills (especially at the start) no faster than 20 seconds faster than goal MP.
If you can afford it, stay at main host hotel. Nice place, logistics are so much easier.
5 /
5 Stars
By Elaine about 2012
Review
Major net downhill, but up hill around mile 12 can be very difficult and discouraging.
Race Tips
Wear throw away warm layers. It is very cold at the start then can quickly warm up.
5 /
5 Stars
By EO about 2012
Review
Fun race, but the logistics were poor. There was confussion about where drop bags should be left at the start. I ended up losing my trainers and a long sleeve because my bag was not at the finish. The web site crashed the day of so I could call anyone to try and retrieve it after either. By the time the site was back up with the number to call the bags had gone to good will.
Race Tips
Don't use the drop bags. The course has a lot of downhill, train for it. Take the first 5 miles easy or you will pay for it at the end.
