The Phoenix Marathon!

Okay runners, great ready for the premiere race in the Valley of the Sun, during the BEST time to of the year to be in Arizona -- the new, the great, the Phoenix Marathon!!!

 

A few months ago, I was asked to be part of a committee that was brainstorming on how to make an "I-want-to-do-that" race in Arizona.  Our criteria would be such: 

First: a Saturday event.  

Second: a fast, downhill Boston certified course.  

Third: it would be the best of the best when it came to volunteers, swag, organization and general race coolness.  

Not to be forgotten, it would benefit a charity near and dear to our hearts, Arizona Brain Food. 

Thanks to a very insightful and knowledgeable committee, The Phoenix Marathon was born.  The race is set to debut on March 3, 2012 at 7a.m. in the beautiful desert of Usery Mountain Park.  The first year will be comprised of a HALF MARATHON, a 10k and a fun run.  The full marathon will be ready for runners the following year in 2013 and will, of course, be a Boston Qualifier.  

Elevation Profile for full marathon

One invaluable element in organizing such a big event was to turn to the professionals who have put on some of our favorite marathons.  That included hiring the creator of the awesome Utah Valley Marathon, which has seen it's numbers grow from 240 runners five years ago, to a projected 7000 runners in 2012.  And he's supassed expectations as far as how spectacular this event is becoming.  

For now, mark it on your race calendars.   The website is www.thephoenixmarathon.com and registration is OPEN!   I'll be posting more information and updates as I get them.  But you don't want to miss out on this inaugural race.  Start lacing up those kickers, get out and move.  You've got five months to train and its time to Dream BIG!!!