Mesa Marathon

Mesa Marathon takes place in Mesa, Arizona, on February 13, 2027. Presented by Mountain Vista Medical Center and formerly known as the Mesa-Phoenix Marathon, it is the largest running event in the state. Four formats share the day: the marathon (26.2 miles), the half marathon (13.1 miles), a 10K, and a free 1K fun run for kids.

The courses run gently downhill through open desert scenery, which is why this weekend draws runners chasing a personal best or a Boston qualifying time. If a BQ is the target, plan on a 16- to 18-week build with a weekly long run and regular blocks at goal pace; a net-downhill marathon also rewards a few sessions of controlled downhill running so your quads still work in the last six miles. The event has a reputation for personal service, quality shirts and medals, and attentive support from the start line to a memorable finish.