Grand Canyon Times

The 12th annual Mesa Marathon is set to take place in Mesa, Arizona, on Saturday, February 10, 2024. Ranked as the Best Marathon in Arizona in a nationwide poll by RaceRaves, this event has become a highly anticipated fixture in the running community. As an early-season Boston Qualifier, the Mesa Marathon offers participants a chance to kickstart their marathon training and aim for prestigious qualifying times.

The marathon will commence with a breathtaking sunrise start near the Usery Park mountains, providing runners with a picturesque backdrop as they begin their challenging journey. The race will culminate at Mesa Riverview Park, where participants can revel in their accomplishments and celebrate their dedication and perseverance.

One of the standout features of the Mesa Marathon is its gradual net elevation loss of over 900 feet, making it an ideal winter run for both novice runners and seasoned athletes seeking a new personal best. This unique characteristic attracts runners from far and wide, eager to experience the thrill of conquering this remarkable course.

In order to ensure the safety and success of the event, there will be major road closures in Mesa from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents are encouraged to utilize Mesa's interactive detour map at gis.mesaaz.gov/mesamarathon to navigate the route closures effectively. Roadways will gradually reopen as runners clear the course and dedicated crews complete the necessary clean-up operations.

To assist drivers in planning their routes and minimizing disruptions, Mesa's Transportation Department is offering one-on-one route planning assistance during the week leading up to the race. Residents can avail of this service by calling 480-644-4882 or emailing barricade@mesaaz.gov. The City's temporary traffic control team will provide customized reroute recommendations to ensure a smooth flow of traffic on race day.

Additionally, it is important to note that Valley Metro bus service will be temporarily detoured on race day for several routes, including 30, 48, 96, 104, 112, 120, 128, 136, The Fiesta Buzz, and the Downtown Buzz. Commuters relying on these routes are advised to check the Valley Metro app, visit valleymetro.org, or call 602-253-5000 for more information regarding transit alternatives.

Since its inception in 2012, the Mesa Marathon has grown in popularity and diversity, offering various race distances to cater to a wide range of participants. The event features a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and the Amazon Kids 1K, ensuring that there is a challenge suitable for everyone. All races, except for the Amazon Kids 1K, will commence at 6:30 a.m., sharing a finish line at Mesa Riverview Park. The Amazon Kids 1K will start at 12 p.m., allowing younger participants to join in on the excitement of race day.

As a USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned and certified event, the Mesa Marathon attracts runners from around the world, with a high percentage of participants aiming to qualify for the prestigious Boston Marathon. The race has gained a reputation for its organization, scenic course, and support from the local community.

For those interested in participating or seeking further information about the event, registration and additional details can be found at mesamarathon.com. Lace up your running shoes and mark your calendars for the 12th Annual Mesa Marathon, a truly remarkable event that combines athleticism, camaraderie, and the beauty of the Mesa landscape.

Ranked #1 – Best Marathon in Arizona in a nationwide poll by RaceRaves

Its gradual net elevation loss of 900+ feet makes it a great winter run for first-timers and traveling runners alike.

There will be major road closures in Mesa from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Residents can call 480-644-4882 or email barricade@mesaaz.gov

The race is USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned and certified, bringing runners from around the globe and home to one of the world’s largest percentages of Boston Qualifiers.