The Exciting Launch of the Phoenix Marathon: A New Era for Running in Arizona
The vibrant city of Phoenix is set to make history with the announcement of its inaugural Phoenix Marathon, scheduled for December 13, 2025. This marathon aims to showcase not only the scenic beauty of Phoenix but also to celebrate the community’s dedication to health and fitness. For running enthusiasts, this event marks the arrival of a long-awaited signature marathon in the largest U.S. city without one.
The marathon will feature three different race distances, accommodating a range of participants. Beyond the full 26.2-mile marathon, runners can also choose the 13.1-mile half marathon or a 10K run. Each course is designed to reflect Phoenix’s rich authenticity and cultural diversity, offering both local and visiting runners an unforgettable experience.
Registration for this eagerly anticipated event is now open, drawing interest from runners across the nation. Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I am beyond excited to partner with Visit Phoenix to attract and host the inaugural Phoenix Marathon.” O’Brien highlighted how the event will weave through some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, which exemplifies the community spirit and liveliness of Phoenix.
The Phoenix Marathon is positioned as a significant addition to the city’s growing calendar of major sporting events. With its favorable climate and the city’s strategic developments in public infrastructure, Phoenix has positioned itself as a prime destination for both local and national events, including the Super Bowl and NCAA Championships.
The marathon course promises to be an exhilarating journey through Phoenix, with participants enjoying unique views of the Valley of the Sun. Runners will traverse iconic Camelback Road, offering picturesque scenarios that feature desert landscapes and stunning vistas of Camelback Mountain, a beloved local landmark. The race’s finish line is set against the scenic backdrop of Papago Park, which will surely enhance the event’s celebratory atmosphere.
Phil Dumontet, CEO of Brooksee, the producer behind the Phoenix Marathon, expressed confidence in the event’s potential. He stated, “We quickly recognized that Phoenix, as the largest U.S. city without a signature marathon, was the perfect location for our next world-class event.” With an estimated participation exceeding 5,000 runners, this inaugural marathon plans to not only unite the local running community but also attract athletes from farther afield, competing for spots in prestigious marathons like New York and Boston.
As excitement builds for this upcoming marathon, Visit Phoenix emphasized the unique opportunity to highlight the city’s wonderful climate and scenic beauty to a larger audience. Ron Prince, the organization’s president and CEO, stated that showcasing Phoenix through such dynamic events instills pride in the community, further solidifying the city’s reputation as a destination for runners and sports enthusiasts alike.
