The Green Isle Mile and Running with the Irish takes place in Tucson. The 5k takes place on the Aviation bike path, so cars are not a problem. It starts and finishes downtown. The run kicks off the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and past participants have noted that it is a really fun race. Runners are encouraged to wear green. At the end of the race, participants receive a coupon for a $1.00 beer. Though, most don’t stick to a single beverage, as it is a bumpin’ party. The entry fee is $25 and if one enters by 03/08/18, they are guaranteed a t-shirt.

The Superhero 5k is a new-ish race, as 2018 is only the third year of its existence. The race starts and finishes at the KRMC Hualapai Mountain Campus. It is a trail run that mainly takes place on dirty. The race is small, with fewer than 100 attendees. Many participants run in their favorite superhero costume. It is very family-focused and includes a one-kilometer race, which is great for kids. The race supports CASA, an organization which advocates for foster children. The cost is $25, which includes a t-shirt.  There are snacks post-race and awards are given for the top finishers.

The Arizona Sunrise Series is comprised of seven runs. For every run completed, points are achieved. For those that participate in at least four races, they are entered into a drawing for a $1,500 gift card, which is certainly sweet. This particular race in June is the third in the series. It starts and finishes at Freestone Park. The course is flat and circles the park. The elevation gain is only 15 meters. Because it happens in June in Scottsdale, it is certainly warm. The entry fee is $30 and includes a tank top and medal. Awards are given to the top finishers.

The Phoenix Turkey Trot is a fun race for those looking to burn a few calories before hitting the pie. It takes place in Downtown Phoenix and starts and finishes at the Wesley Bolin Plaza. It is a point to point race. All finishers receive a long-sleeve tee shirt and medal. There is also a one-mile run, which is great for children. It means mom and dad do not have to worry about where to take the kids on race day while simultaneously giving the children an opportunity to burn off some energy. Participants are encouraged to run in costume.

The Jumping Cactus Run in Tucson is a new race and this will be the inaugural year. One unique item about the setup is that four people can participate in the race as a relay and a captain is needed. The event is family friendly and includes a one-kilometer fun run and walk for children. Participants are encouraged to fundraise. Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club. The entry fee is $40 and includes a technical tee shirt. The race is organized by a group called “Community Care Races,” which coordinates races throughout the country. The group puts on well-organized events.

The Hearts 911 Run in Flagstaff is a trail run and 2018 will be the 5^th anniversary of the event. It starts and finishes at the Sandy Seep trailhead. At the finish, there is a celebration at Horseman Lodge with a breakfast buffet, including Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas, for a charge. The trail is a mix of terrain, and some folks will walk or hike portions of the trail. The scenery is beautiful. For those looking for a challenge, a 10.3 mile run is an option. In addition, there is a 5k run and walk. The event benefits the Shadows Foundation. Awards are provided for the top finishers. Parking is limited at the starting line.

2018 will be the inaugural event for the TMC Tucson 10k. It is part of a series, and if participants complete three races, they will receive a special award. The race starts and finishes at Pima Community College. The course, which is on a paved road, is full of “rollers” and the first half is primarily uphill. The max elevation is about 2,750 feet. Given the September date, it will be warm. The race is organized by the Southern Arizona Roadrunners and is expected to be well attended. Awards are provided for the top finishers. Registration is $30 before June 1^st.

The Y Race in Phoenix benefits the YMCA, and it has a long history, as 2018 will be the 50^th Anniversary of the event. The race starts and ends at South Mountain Park. It takes place on a paved road and has several “rollers”. It has an early start at 7:10am. The race is family-friendly and there is a one-mile fun run. However, free childcare is provided during the race for those parents who want to run solo, which rocks. Depending on when one registers, the fee is between $25 and $50. There is a discount for children, 12 and under, that would like to participate.

The Phoenix Shamrock Half Marathon takes place at North Linear Park. Registration is $70 and includes a medal and tee shirt. Brunch is provided at the finish line. The course has some minor ups and downs, and has a maximum elevation of about 365 feet. Wearing green is encouraged. The race is family-friendly and there is a Little Leprechaun run. This is one race in a series, and there is a special prize for those who complete multiples. 2018 is only the second year of this race. Awards are given for the top finishers. Pets are allowed on the course.

The Price Race in Phoenix is a fun one, and available to everyone. It is a point to point race that starts on Montebello Ave. and ends on Coronado Road. It covers Uptown, midtown, and downtown. The course is on a paved road Registration is steep at $110 and includes a technical shirt and medal. The event is well organized and has bag pick-ups and drop offs. Pacers are also provided for those who would like to use them. Aid stations are available. Photographers are spread-out on the course and photos are available for purchase. This event is well attended.

The Phoenix Half Marathon is a well-established race. It starts at McDowell an Norwalk and ends at the Riverview Shopping Center. It is a net downhill race and loses 350 feet of elevation. The event start bright and early at 6:00am. The course is on a paved road. Music is played throughout the race, which makes for good entertainment. Aid stations and portable restrooms are available. Depending on timing, the registration fee is between $75 and $110, and includes a technical shirt. Awards are given to the top finishers. While there are age divisions in this race, which is not unusual, there are also weight divisions, which is odd.

The Sedona Marathon is a beautiful one! The scenery makes for endless entertainment. It takes place in the Coconino National Forest and starts at 8:30am. It is an out and back, and is not easy, as it has several hills. In 2018, 3,000 runners participated. Depending on timing, the registration fee is between $50 and $80, and includes a technical shirt. Awards are given to the top finishers. At the finish line there is an expo, which includes a beer garden. Parking is tight, so shuttles are provided. Many of those who opt to participate, stay overnight, making it a fun getaway.

The Whiskey Row Marathon in Prescott has a long 40-year history. But perhaps what is most notable about the race, is its difficulty. It starts at 5,280 feet and gets to 7,000 feet in elevation. It is considered one of the most challenging races in the US, and certainly Arizona. The course is both paved road and dirt trail. It is out and back. The race starts at 6:00am, and runners who expect to take longer than six hours can start at 5:00am. Weather in the past has been wild, so participants need to be prepared. Depending on the date, registration fees are between $90 and $100.

The Flagstaff Marathon is coined as both the “Coolest Marathon in Arizona” and the “Toughest Trail Marathon in Arizona.” It is a dirt course and goes through Coconino National Forest. It is a difficult event, as it hits 8,000 feet in elevation and gains 1,862 feet. It is a mix of forest roads, forest floors, and a single track. The race starts at the Arizona Nordic Village. At the finish line free beer and food is provided. Participants are limited to 400, so early registration is encouraged. The entry fee is $105 and includes a medal and hoodie. This event has cooler temperatures relative to other races in the state.

The Tucson Marathon is one of the last races of the calendar year. It is a “fast course” and is a Boston Qualifier. There is solid support throughout the course with aid stations and portable restrooms. The course takes place on paved roads. And while it is fast, that does not mean there are no hills. In fact, there is a nasty one near the end. About 4,000 runners participate. Pacers are provided for those who would like them. Temperatures are cold at the start and warm up by the end, so layers are encouraged. Awards are provided for the top finishers.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon is a big race with about 30,000 runners. Like other races in the series, there are bands throughout the course and large crowds. The race is relatively flat until about mile 15 where it starts to climb. The peak elevation is 1,300 feet. The course can be congested at times given the number of participants.  Of course, there are also first-class aid stations and many bathroom stops. The registration fee is $110 and fundraising is encouraged. Given the size of the race, there is also an expo and shorter races leading up to the big day. A big party takes place at the finish.