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Tucson Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Tucson, AZ, USA
- Race Date: 12/13/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Ultra Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Tucson Marathon Description
The Tucson Marathon is a fast, net-downhill race held each winter in Tucson, Arizona, consistently ranked among the top Boston qualifying courses in the country. The point-to-point route begins in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains and descends through the Sonoran Desert, with mild winter weather and open desert views throughout. Well-stocked aid stations and a well-organized, supportive atmosphere make it a favorite for runners chasing personal bests and BQ times alike.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Tucson Marathon Additional Details:
Tucson has built a reputation as a BQ factory, and the race leans into that identity while still keeping things fun. Aid stations run the full length of the course stocked with the Neversecond C-Series system, including energy gels, caffeinated gels, sports drink, and recovery mix, so runners rarely need to carry their own fuel. The desert scenery shifts from mountain foothills to open Sonoran landscape as the descent unfolds, giving finishers a scenic payoff for the effort. At the finish, runners receive a handcrafted glass medal that repeat finishers consistently single out as one of the best in the sport. With nearly 15 percent of a recent field qualifying for Boston, the race draws a mix of serious qualifiers and runners simply chasing a fast, memorable winter race.
Course Information
Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: Unknown
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 1,000+
Marathon: 750+
Ultramarathon: 50 to 100
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 260 ft
Elevation Loss: 1,760 ft
Average Temperature
- Low: 45°F
- High: 65°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.
Structured plans for every experience level, first finish to chasing a new PR.
Your bridge into marathons, with a plan built for stepping up the distance.
Plans for every ultra distance, from your first one to your longest day yet.
Things to Do in Tucson, AZ, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Explore 21 acres and two miles of trails combining a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Arts & Culture
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
Wander the adobe galleries and grounds of DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, showcasing the work of Southwest artist Ted DeGrazia — a relaxed, low-impact stop after race day.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Saguaro National Park
Take in sweeping desert views along trails lined with towering cacti at Saguaro National Park, split across two districts near Tucson — a relaxed way to spend a rest day.
Landmark
Mt. Lemmon
Drive or hike the nature trails of Mt. Lemmon, a tall mountain landmark rising above the Tucson desert with campgrounds and cooler air — a relaxed way to spend a taper day.
Museums & History
Center for Creative Photography
See rotating exhibits from one of the country’s leading photography archives at the University of Arizona’s Center for Creative Photography — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Sports & Entertainment
Biosphere 2
Tour Biosphere 2, Earth’s largest living science center dedicated to studying the environment, located about 20 miles north of Tucson — a relaxed, indoor way to spend an afternoon.
Outdoors & Trails
Sabino Canyon
Hike the trails of Sabino Canyon in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, or take a narrated tram ride — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Tucson Marathon
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Boston Qualifier: Yes