RaceScout
Browse RacesBlogTake the Quiz
Browse · Tucson Marathon
Sun, Dec 13 · 2026Tucson, AZSince 1969

Tucson Marathon

Tucson drops nearly 1,500 feet from the Catalina foothills to the city below, giving you one of the most honest net-downhill courses in the Southwest. Come ready to run, and let the grade do its part.

Net downhillOpen
TUCSON · US
Tucson
SUN, DEC 13
2026
UNLOCK YOUR FIT SCORE

How does Tucson stack up for you?

Answer 6 questions, and we’ll score this race honestly and compare it against every other marathon in our directory.

Take the 2-min quiz

Race Overview

EST. 1969

Tucson runs downhill. Not aggressively, not in one big drop, but steadily and consistently from the Catalina foothills all the way into the city. You start up near 4,000 feet and the course works in your favor for most of the morning. It feels controlled and smooth early on, and if you're patient you'll still have legs when it matters in the back half.

The real thing to know: quad fatigue catches people who go too hard too soon on a downhill course. The grade feels easy, so you go with it, and by mile 20 your legs have had enough. Don't go with it. Run the first half like you're saving something, because you will need it. The weather in December can swing from a cool, ideal morning to a warmer afternoon if you're out there long. Registration is open, no lottery, and spots fill on a tiered pricing schedule, so earlier is cheaper. If you're hunting a Boston qualifier, this course gives you a real shot.

Field size
~1.1k
1,125 finishers
BQ rate
17%
Above national average
Time limit
7:30
Generous cutoff
Entry
Open
First-come registration
Course records
Men
2:12:47
Riley Nedrow
2024
Women
2:38:30
Obsie Birru
2024

The Course

261 ft total gain
Total ascent
↑261 ft
Total descent
↓1,763 ft
Net elevation
↓1,502 ft
Highest point
3,994 ft
Lowest point
2,294 ft
Course shape
Point to point
Different start and finish

This point-to-point course starts near 4,000 feet and loses roughly 1,500 net feet to the finish, with only 261 feet of gain across the whole route. The drop is gradual and sustained rather than concentrated in one brutal descent, which rewards runners who hold back early and let their legs open naturally. Quad fatigue from prolonged downhill running is the real risk, not climbing. The course is USATF certified. Exposure to desert sun can build in the back half depending on your pace, so factor that into your effort. For runners chasing a PR or a Boston qualifier, this course is about as cooperative as it gets.

DIFFICULTYFLATPR-FRIENDLYMODERATE
View official course mapPast results

Race-Day Weather

10-year median
Low
51°F
High
80°F
30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°
What to expect

December in Tucson means a cool start and a warmer finish, especially if you're out there past the mid-morning hours. The gun goes off in conditions that feel genuinely comfortable for racing, but by the time the sun gets up, the back half of the course can warm quickly. Hydrate from mile one and don't let the cool start fool you into skipping the cups. A throwaway layer for the corral is worth it, but you'll shed it fast.

Entry

OPEN

Registration opens via RaceRoster on a rolling tiered pricing basis from December through race week. The race is open entry with no lottery; qualifying times receive elite discounts but are not required.

Register on race site

Logistics

For runners travelling in
Closest airport
PHX
103 mi
from the start
≈ 163 min transferLonger haul
What to expect

Tucson International Airport is 45 minutes from the finish; Phoenix Sky Harbor is 90 minutes away. Official host hotel is El Conquistador Tucson with shuttle service included. Race offers bus shuttles from Oro Valley Marketplace for those not staying at host hotel.

Frequently Asked

7 questions