The Tucson Marathon course drops almost 1,800 feet in elevation as you run on the point-to-point course along the Santa Catalina mountain range. The marathon starts above the town of Oracle and runs down to the finish in Catalina.
Although it is primarily a downhill marathon. there are some rolling hills around miles 2-5, miles 10-13 and miles, 22-24.
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Tucson Marathon
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How does the Tucson Marathon Rank?
The Tucson Marathon was the 89th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 100th largest in 2022.
Last year 15.2% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 15.3% of runners qualified for Boston in 2022.
This gives the Tucson Marathon the 96th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 89th highest percentage in 2022.
Its Course Score of 101.68 ranks it as the 18th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 1st fastest course in Arizona.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Tucson Marathon a PR Score of 101.68. This PR Score ranks it as the 17th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 1st fastest in Arizona.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Tucson Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 4879 feet (1487m) Min Elevation: 3040 feet (926m)
There were aid stations and porta potties all along the course. The volunteers were very nice and enthusiastic. Most of the course is just along a highway, so not very special and there are very few spectator spots (because the traffic is still going both directions on the road.) There are more hills on the course than what the description leads you to believe. While the first downhill is pretty steep, the rest is much more gradual. Fantastic organization and communication.
Race Tips
When running towards the biosphere the sun will be in your eyes. Bring a hat at least for that section.
One of the only fast races in early December, and it's pretty cheap. Also, a Saturday race, which I find to be easier for travel and gives me Saturday night for beer and all day Sunday for recovery.
The race starts up in the mountain town of Oracle and finishes in the Oro Valley area, so not near downtown Tucson. One great feature - they let you stay warm inside the busses until a few minutes prior to start. First 10 miles or so are scenic and there is some shade, but after 13, you're just running out on the highway. Temperature was ideal, but there is no shade after mile 11 or so. Good organization, actually had a young volunteer come up to me with my drop bag just after crossing the finish line. Overall solid option to seek out a PR/BQ, and Tucson is a very fun town.
Race Tips
Steep at the beginning, but flattens out. Solid uphill just before the halfway point, and another blip at the end. Biggest challenge was probably from 14-22, when you're just out on the highway, sun beating down, not a lot to distract you...
I did not notice any altitude issues - you're really not that high about sea level at any point.
Race hotel is pricey, but offers a discount if you reserve early enough. I stayed elsewhere and drove to the bus loading point. Straightforward, plenty of parking. Busses back to the parking area / hotel was a bit confusing. I was in a time crunch, so opted for uber, but they can't get very close to the finish area. For the unfamiliar, the "Tucson area" is pretty big - race finish area & hotel are about 45 minutes from the airport. PHX is probably about 90 minutes away, where flights maybe cheaper or easier. I had my pasta the night before at Bottega Michelangelo - fantastic.
laurarjay's review of 2018 Tucson Marathon.
3 /
5 Stars
Review
Not a favorite, but the course was mostly flat (although they are switching the course this year and it's going to be all flat/downhill). Not the best views and the sun gets hot.
Race Tips
Make sure you stay hydrated! and wear a hat or sunglasses
One of the steepest, most sustained downhills of any marathon in the world. Train on downhills at the end of long runs. During race day, run downhills (especially at the start) no faster than 20 seconds faster than goal MP.
4.4 Stars from 7 Reviews
