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Mesa Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Mesa, Arizona, USA
- Race Date: 02/13/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Mesa Marathon Description
The Mesa Marathon is a net-downhill, Boston qualifying race through the Arizona desert each February. The point-to-point course rolls through open desert terrain in the early miles before a long, gradual downhill stretch carries runners toward the finish in Mesa, dropping nearly 900 feet net from start to finish. The gentle, runnable descent makes this a favorite for chasing personal records and Boston Qualifying times. A half marathon and 10K run the same morning, drawing runners to this fast winter desert race.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Mesa Marathon Additional Details:
Finishers call it “earning the bird,” a reference to the Mesa Marathon’s medal, which is shaped like the state of Arizona and features a roadrunner charm that actually moves. Thirteen aid stations keep runners fueled roughly every mile and a half to two miles, and the Mesa Marathon Cheer Challenge hands entire stations over to local community groups who compete to bring the loudest music and the most creative motivation. At the finish in Riverview Park, a proper festival takes over with food vendors, live music, and a medal ceremony that turns the morning into a family event rather than just a race. It’s a course that rewards fast times, but the community energy is what runners remember.
Course Information
Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6.5 hours
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 3,500+
Marathon: 2,000+
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 288 ft (88 m)
Elevation Loss: 1,154 ft (352 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 40°F
- High: 60°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced plans to get you to the start line ready.
Your bridge into marathons, with a plan built for stepping up the distance.
Structured plans for every experience level, first finish to chasing a new PR.
Things to Do in Mesa, Arizona, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Arts & Culture
Mesa Arts Center
Catch a concert, play, or art exhibit at the Mesa Arts Center, the city’s cultural hub — a relaxed, indoor way to spend a taper day.
Museums & History
Arizona Museum of Natural History
See dinosaur exhibits at the Arizona Museum of Natural History in downtown Mesa — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Phoenix Zoo
See wildlife from around the world at the Phoenix Zoo, one of the largest privately owned zoos in the country and a short drive from Mesa — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Sports & Entertainment
Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona
See vintage military aircraft at the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona, home to a working WWII-era fleet — a relaxed, indoor-outdoor way to spend an afternoon after race day.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch
Spot some of the nearly 200 bird species recorded at the Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch, a wetland sanctuary near Mesa — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day.
Outdoors & Trails
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Hike the popular 1.5-mile Wind Cave Trail at Usery Mountain Regional Park, part of 29 miles of trails — choose an easy segment for tired legs after race day.
Shopping
Downtown Mesa
Browse boutiques in Downtown Mesa’s walkable arts district — an easy, flat stroll for a post-race souvenir after race weekend.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Mesa Marathon
Compare nearby hotels and book your Mesa Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.
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A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes