The Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon is a mostly flat, fast marathon course through the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. You’ll run through the red rocks of Papago, past murals from local artists, and down urban streets of three major cities.
The Rock n Roll Arizona Marathon was the 52nd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 37th largest in 2022.
Last year 6.5% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 6.5% of runners qualified for Boston in 2022.
This gives the Rock n Roll Arizona Marathon the 289th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 273rd highest percentage in 2022.
Its Course Score of 98.93 ranks it as the th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the th fastest course in Arizona.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Rock n Roll Arizona Marathon a PR Score of 98.93. This PR Score ranks it as the th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the th fastest in Arizona.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Rock n Roll Arizona Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 1277 feet (389m) Min Elevation: 151 feet (46m)
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Nowhere near as big or high energy as RNRAZ used to be (though in fairness, last time I did it was in 2007, so change is inevitable). Course is a little different than it used to be, not as flat. It's nice that there isn't the horrible boring stretch between mi 20-24 that there used to be, but there's a little more climbing (including a grind at mi 23) than in years past. Still a good BQ option, but not quite the high energy, flat party it used to be.
Race Tips
It's an annoyingly late start given what global warming has done for PHX weather...plan to be hot (maybe high 70s) later in the race, even for BQ-paced folks. Be aware that there's a short but steep climb (that you won't see if you pre-drive the course) around mi 25-ish (on a course map, you can find this by looking for where the marathon and half-marathon courses cross; the marathon course goes up and over.
The finish line area is awesome (Tempe Beach Park is a neat spot), but parking is a nightmare. If you've had spectators watching at spots along the course, they'll need to leave plenty of time to 1) get to downtown Tempe, 2) park, 3) walk, and 4) jockey for a spectating spot along the finish.
DB's review of 2017 Rock n Roll Arizona Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
Review
Race was well supported, though if you like a big race with lots of spectators this is not your race. Viewers were scattered, and the runners spread out pretty quickly so you can feel lonely out on the course.
Race Tips
You don't feel the incline but it's there for the full first half of the race. Account for 5 to 10 seconds off your desired pace, but it gets quite fast after the first half. Save it for that. Overall, it's a course conducive to a good time.
Easy peasy. Race organizers do a good job and there is nothing complex about the logistics here. Uber it to the start if possible.
BD's review of 2013 Rock n Roll Arizona Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
This is a point to point race that winds through a large part of Phoenix. While not the most scenic race ever, it has some great parts and some average parts, but nothing bad and no turn offs about Rock and Roll Arizona. The first half is slightly uphill, with miles 13-20 being flat or downhill. A few small kickers at the end, but nothing serious. Always cold and dry conditions, plenty of space on course and a lot of spectators and crowd support. Big finish near Sun Devil Stadium on the ASU campus makes the final few miles go by rather quickly. Great race, right between a big city marathon and a small local race. Combined with the 1/2 marathon (although, different courses) so the entire event is rather large.
Race Tips
Race starts is generally around 40deg, but it "heats up" into the high 50s and 60s rather quickly, so two layers with an easily removable top will work for many. Entirely asphalt, enough elevation gain to notice, but not enough to focus a training program around. GU brand gels on course, which by the way, are often cold and thick, so hard to consume. I'll put the gel in my hand for 5min before and aid station to thin it out a little before taking. Except a clear, cool, sunshiney day.
Point to point race. I am local and usually get a ride to the start, then leave my car at the finish. You can park at the finish and take the local train to the start--a popular way to do it (and most common). If you stay near the ASU campus, you can almost walk to the train as well as walk home from the finish. Pick a hotel near Mill Ave and you won't even need a rental car--just a short taxi from the airport. The local train goes right by the expo in downtown. Mill Ave has a ton of restaurants, plenty of running paths for the days before. Logistically, it's fairly hassle free if you stay in the right spot.. near the finish line/ASU campus.
