The course begins at the iconic Biosphere 2 near Oracle, AZ, and finishes at Pima Community College Northwest Campus near Oro Valley. Primarily downhill, this paved course offers runners a fast, scenic route with stunning desert vistas and distant views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
The first 2 miles feature rolling hills, so be prepared for a gentle uphill to the top of the Biosphere gates, then some rollers before turning onto Highway AZ-77 at mile 2.8. From there, enjoy a smooth descent as you make your way toward Tucson. At mile 18, the course diverts onto the Cañada del Oro River Park Bike Path, where you'll continue through the Town of Oro Valley and the finish line.
The Tucson Marathon was the 79th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 89th largest in 2023.
Last year 14.7% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 15.2% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Tucson Marathon the 92nd highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 96th highest percentage in 2023.
Its Course Score of 103.18 ranks it as the 16th 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 103.18. This PR Score ranks it as the 14th 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: 3994 feet (1217m) Min Elevation: 2288 feet (697m)
-love the course
-love point to point
-easy logistics
-temperature perfect
-thought would be hot and never felt the heat and I am from Canada -host hotel is pretty pricey
Race Tips
-hills at start helps not to go out too fast and then there is no other hills -lots of aid stations and well supported
-there is a Marriott couple 100m from host hotel that is much cheaper
Carolyn's review of 2024 Tucson Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
-Course is amazing
-Didn't feel like a full marathon
-Easily met my goal for a Boston Qualifier
-worried it would feel hot at the end and it didn't and I am from Canada
-first few kms are tight and slow but make it up with the rest of the amazing course
-well organized -host hotel was pretty expensive and only offered a deal on 1 night for a room
Race Tips
Starts perfect cool temp at 7:15 7C
Rises to 18C when finished around 11:00
Lots of aid stations
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
