Course Map
About this Race
The Tucson Marathon is one of the fastest courses in the country, a steep net-downhill point-to-point route that drops out of the high desert north of the Arizona city toward the finish, making it a renowned Boston-qualifying machine. The substantial descent does much of the work, though the steep early grades can punish unprepared quads. Held in December, it offers cool, crisp desert conditions ideal for hard racing. The scenery is wide-open Sonoran desert rather than dense crowds. It suits the qualifier-hunting runner above all, rewarding those who manage the descent on one of the quickest courses anywhere.
Course Insight
Tucson descends from the mountains on a fast net-downhill December course, cool and dry and friendly to Boston hopefuls. The drop is quick but quad-punishing if you take it too eagerly, so pace it with control. Crisp desert air suits fast running. The descent rewards smooth, even effort over heroics. Run it under control and the downhill delivers without destroying your legs.
Difficulty Breakdown
A balanced marathon with no single defining challenge.
Course Details
- Course type
- Point-To-Point
- Elevation gain
- 242m
- Elevation loss
- 248m
- Highest point
- 821m
- Lowest point
- 710m
- Net elevation
- -6m
- Start
- Biosphere 2, Oracle/Catalina, AZ
- Cutoff time
- 6h 30m
Race History
The Tucson Marathon was first held in the late 1990s and built its identity as one of the fastest courses in the country, a steep net-downhill route dropping out of the high desert north of the Arizona city. Its substantial descent and cool December conditions made it a renowned Boston-qualifying machine. From its founding it drew qualifier-hunting runners. Held each December, it remains a premier fast-time destination.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Tucson International (TUS), Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
- Best area to stay
- Downtown for proximity to the finish and characterful stays, the Foothills for upscale resort options, and the university area for value digs.
- Getting to the start
- It's net-downhill point-to-point; board the official buses from the finish area up to the mountain start before dawn.