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Mesa Marathon

February 13, 2027 · 6:30 AMMesa, AZ, United States

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Race Day

55°F

41–68°F · Feels mild

Total elevation gain

285ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change −866 ft

Participants

1,200

Medium-sized race

Crowd Rating

6/ 10

Good crowd energy

The Lowdown

The Mesa Marathon, held each February in Mesa, Arizona, has grown into a popular winter destination for road runners since its inception in the early 2000s. The course is largely flat and fast, weaving through downtown Mesa neighborhoods, quiet residential streets, and stretches that showcase the Sonoran Desert backdrop and broad views of the Superstition and Mesa foothills. Runners pass tree-lined parks, desert landscaping, and well-supported aid stations approximately every 2–3 miles; the route is designed to be forgiving for first-time marathoners while offering ideal pacing opportunities for competitive athletes seeking a personal best. The race morning atmosphere is upbeat and family-oriented, with enthusiastic local spectators, on-course music, and a lively post-race festival featuring food, vendors, and awards. The Mesa Marathon course is USATF-certified and accepted as a Boston Marathon qualifier. As of 2027 the race is part of a Desert Double challenge alongside the Phoenix Marathon.

Course Highlights: 01Mesa Arts Center – Iconic cultural complex in downtown Mesa that runners pass near, known for its distinctive red architecture and outdoor plazas
02Arizona Museum of Natural History – Historic museum along the course offering views of exhibits and dinosaur reconstructions in Mesa's cultural district
03Downtown Mesa Main Street – The heart of Mesa with historic buildings, local shops and cheering crowds as runners move through the city center
04Mesa Amphitheatre / Pioneer Park area – A green space and event venue visible from the route where spectators often gather
05Golf Course Views near Dobson Ranch – Scenic residential and golf course sections that provide quiet, tree-lined stretches of the course
06Superstition Mountains vistas – Distant desert mountain skyline visible from several points on the course, offering classic Arizona scenery
Also on this race weekend: Half marathon · 10K
Time Limit: 6 hours
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 16 years
Entry Methods: Online Registration
Charity Entry
Tour Operator
On-site (In-person) Registration
Eligibility: Must be able to complete the marathon within the course time limit
All runners must sign the official race waiver and emergency contact information
Runners must pick up bib in person with photo ID
Required Documents: Photo ID (required at packet pickup)
Signed race waiver/release of liability
Emergency contact information

01: The Mesa Marathon is known for its predominantly flat, fast course through suburban Mesa and adjacent desert scenery, making it a popular marathon PR opportunity.
02: Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical race shirt, and there is a post-race party with refreshments for runners.
03: Race weekend includes an expo with packet pickup, a kids' run and family activities.
04: Aid stations and portable toilets are placed roughly every 1.5–2 miles, and medical support and hydration/gel options are available along the course.
05: As of 2027, the Mesa Marathon is paired with a new Phoenix Marathon as a Desert Double challenge — runners who complete both earn an exclusive double-finisher medal.
06: Optional add-ons include photo packages, mail packet delivery, custom t-shirt styles, and the HOKA Skyflow Jacket at a discounted rate.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, moderate weather Difficulty Analyzer285ft gain, 55°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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