The Phoenix Marathon route map
raceindex.org has a GPS course file for The Phoenix Marathon, so runners can inspect the route line on the map. Elevation charts and ascent figures appear only when that file includes usable elevation data.
The Phoenix Marathon
This race edition
- Race date
- Date not confirmed for this distance
- Race timezone
- Timezone not confirmed
- Edition status
- Status not confirmed
Entry options
2026 edition
Entry options are not yet confirmed for this edition. Check the organiser before making plans.
Decision summary
The Phoenix Marathon at a glance
- Cut-off average pace
- 9:19/km
- Typical conditions
- 94/100
- Evidence depth
- 43 verified facts
6:33:00 total limit divided by distance. Check gun/chip timing and intermediate limits; allow time for stops.
Historical race-date favourability, not a forecast
Stored GPS route
Quick answers
What runners ask first
How hilly is the The Phoenix Marathon?
The The Phoenix Marathon is described as flat.
Where does the The Phoenix Marathon route go?
The The Phoenix Marathon route starts at South Mountain Park Visitor Center (7:00 AM start) and finishes at Steele Indian School Park. Underfoot, expect mix of city street grid and paved multi-use trail. It passes South Mountain Park, Salt River trail corridor, Arizona State Capitol, Downtown Phoenix and ASU Downtown Phoenix campus. A 10 Miler is also offered (starting at S Central Ave & E Pioneer St, 8:00 AM), alongside the marathon, half marathon, and 5K, with all distances finishing at Steele Indian School Park.
What should runners know on race day for the The Phoenix Marathon?
Gear check trucks at the start (bags due no later than 15 minutes before each race); each runner gets a numbered race bag. No gear check for the 5K. Street closures begin 4:00 AM on December 12; streets reopen in stages with all reopened by 2:00 PM. 16 marathon pace groups from 3:10 (7:14/mile) to 6:33 (15:00/mile); half marathon offers 8 pace groups from 1:25 to 2:20.
Race character
Scenery
- City
- Desert
- Riverside
- Parkland
Atmosphere
- Big City
- Community
- Destination
Terrain
- Trail
- Road
- Towpath
- Elevation character
- Flat
- Technicality
- Non Technical
- Net elevation
- 300 m
Entry, logistics and records
Records and field
- Men's course record
- 2:19:29 (Jake Heslington)
- Women's course record
- 2:45:23 (Tiaree Towler)
- Field size
- Inaugural 2025 event anticipated over 5,000 participants; marathon and half marathon registrations described as limited.
Entry requirements
- Entry status
- Open entry: The held registration model is open entry and this edition is not marked sold out.
- Cut-off
- 6:33:00
- Qualification status
- Official Boston Marathon qualifier; runners who BQ at Phoenix can collect a free BQ luggage tag at the results tent.
Race day logistics
- Pacers
- 16 marathon pace groups from 3:10 (7:14/mile) to 6:33 (15:00/mile); half marathon offers 8 pace groups from 1:25 to 2:20.
- Bag drop
- Gear check trucks at the start (bags due no later than 15 minutes before each race); each runner gets a numbered race bag. No gear check for the 5K.
- Closed roads
- Street closures begin 4:00 AM on December 12; streets reopen in stages with all reopened by 2:00 PM.
- Expo / packet pickup
- Friday, December 11, 2026, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM at the Phoenix Convention Center; no race-day packet pickup; bib mailing available before race weekend.
- Medal
- All finishers receive a high-quality, race-specific finisher medal.
- Finisher tee
- Race shirt included; can be upgraded to long sleeve, tank, or tri-blend during registration for an extra fee.
Access and course status
- Start
- South Mountain Park Visitor Center (7:00 AM start)
- Finish
- Steele Indian School Park
Course facts
- Course type
- Point To Point
- Surface
- Mix of city street grid and paved multi Use trail
- Landmarks
- South Mountain Park, Salt River trail corridor, Arizona State Capitol, Downtown Phoenix, ASU Downtown Phoenix campus, Hance Park, Japanese Friendship Garden, Steele Indian School Park
- Notable features
- A 10 Miler is also offered (starting at S Central Ave & E Pioneer St, 8:00 AM), alongside the marathon, half marathon, and 5K, with all distances finishing at Steele Indian School Park
- Roughly 11 miles run along the Salt River trail corridor through creosote flats and restored riparian wetlands
- finish area at Steele Indian School Park features a spiral garden and the Circle of Life promenade
What are typical race-day conditions?
- 13°CTypical temperature
- 14 kphTypical wind
- 1 mmTypical rainfall
- 94Favourability /100