The Desert Classic Marathon is an Arizona original. Join in on the tradition!

The Desert Classic is a marathon, half marathon and 5K run starting and finishing at Riverboat Village, 18300 West Bell Road in Surprise.

The marathon and half marathon races begin at 7:00 AM. An early start for the marathon is available at 6:00 AM as long as you notify the race director prior to race day. The marathon course closes at 1:00 PM. There will be aid stations every 2 miles. The 5K race begins at 7:20 AM.

Awards
The marathon, half-marathon and 5K races will have the usual 5-year age groups for awards (gun time for overall and chip time for age groups). There is a marathon and half  finisher medal. The relay will use 10-year age groups (and the age group will be that of the youngest member of the team). There will be awards for female, male and coed teams. A coed team must have at least 2 female runners on a 5-person team.

Courses
The marathon (AZ10007TLB) and half marathon (AZ10008TLB) courses are certified by USA Track and Field. Additional race information is available HERE. For more information, please call the Arizona Road Racers hotline at (602) 954-8341 or contact the race director Hal Gensler.

Registration

• Mail-in Application
• Register Online

Race Day Schedule

• Race day registration begins at 6:00 AM at Riverboat Village. Early start runners will register at 5:30 AM.
• The marathon and half marathon begin at 7:00 AM.
• The 5K run will start at 7:20 AM.
• An early start of 6:00 AM is available -- as long as you give prior notice (e.g., before the day of the race).
• Runners who take the early start are not eligible for overall or age group awards.
• Half marathon awards will be presented at 9:15 AM and marathon awards will be presented at 11:15 AM.

Packet Pickup
Race packet pickup (bib, timing chip, race t-shirt) is available on race day beginning at 6:00am.

Race T-Shirts
Race t-shirts are only guaranteed to runners who pre-register and pick up their shirt before gun time. Remaining shirts will be available to race day registrants and available for purchase after gun time.

Volunteer
If you would like to volunteer at this event, please click here!