Mesa Marathon
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. Set for February 14, 2026, this marathon blends a community-focused race history with dependable organization and well-marked logistics. Over the years it has become known as a fast, friendly race that attracts both local runners and traveling athletes chasing qualifying times or a scenic desert marathon experience. 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 — creating a celebratory experience for finishers and their supporters. The Mesa Marathon course is USATF-certified and accepted as a Boston Marathon qualifier; it is organized to meet measurement standards recognized by AIMS/World Athletics for road race certification. Race services commonly include pace groups, ample hydration and medical support, chip timing, and clear course signage to ensure a smooth, well-supported run from start to finish.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Mesa Marathon announces 2026 race date and opens registration
Jun 12, 2025The Mesa Marathon confirmed the 2026 race will be held on February 14, 2026, and opened online registration on the official website with early-bird pricing and weekend race expo details.
Mesa Marathon course receives USATF certification for 2026
Dec 2, 2024Organizers announced the marathon course in Mesa has been USATF-certified for the 2026 event, ensuring accurate distance for qualifying times and record eligibility.
This race qualifies for the Boston Marathon
Race Weekend
Other distances available
Notable Landmarks
Mesa Arts Center
Iconic cultural complex in downtown Mesa that runners pass near, known for its distinctive red architecture and outdoor plazas
Arizona Museum of Natural History
Historic museum along the course offering views of exhibits and dinosaur reconstructions in Mesa’s cultural district
Downtown Mesa Main Street
The heart of Mesa with historic buildings, local shops and cheering crowds as runners move through the city center
Mesa Amphitheatre / Pioneer Park area
A green space and event venue visible from the route where spectators often gather
Golf Course Views near Dobson Ranch
Scenic residential and golf course sections that provide quiet, tree-lined stretches of the course
Superstition Mountains vistas
Distant desert mountain skyline visible from several points on the course, offering classic Arizona scenery
Mesa, Arizona, United States
US
Based on nearby accommodations
- Must be 18 years or older on race day
- Must complete online registration and pay entry fee by stated deadlines
- All runners must sign the official race waiver and emergency contact information
- Runners must pick up bib in person with photo ID (or follow the race's authorized proxy procedures)
- Must be able to complete the marathon within the course time limit (6 hours 30 minutes)
- Participants must follow race rules and directions of race officials and medical staff
- Proof of qualifying time not required for entry (race is Boston-qualifier for those who wish to use time)
- Medical clearance recommended for runners with pre-existing conditions or those untrained for marathon distance
- Photo ID (required at packet pickup)
- Signed race waiver/release of liability
- Emergency contact information
- Medical information/known conditions/medications
- Proof of age (if seeking age-group verification or records)
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- On-site (In-person) Registration
- Virtual Entry
Cancellation & Refunds
Policy details
No refunds after registration (all sales final)
Deferral to the 2027 event allowed until 2026-01-15 for a $25 processing fee
Bib transfers permitted to another participant until 2026-01-31 with a $15 transfer fee and completion of transfer form
If the race is cancelled by the organizers for any reason, registrants will be offered deferral to the 2027 event or a partial refund of 75%
If the event is run as a virtual race due to safety or government restrictions, registered participants will be automatically enrolled in the virtual option or may defer to 2027 at no additional fee
The Mesa Marathon is known for its predominantly flat, fast course through suburban Mesa and adjacent desert scenery, making it a popular spring marathon PR opportunity.
Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical race shirt, and there is a post-race party with refreshments for runners.
Race weekend includes an expo with packet pickup, a kids' run and family activities, and the event typically offers a pre-race pasta dinner option through local partners.
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.
Plan to arrive early for packet pickup and parking—event shuttles and designated parking lots are used on race morning—and expect cool February temperatures typically in the 40s–60s°F, so dress in layers.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.