I'm trying to run all 50 states, or else you couldn't compel to me run a distance race in Arizona. I don't care for hot weather, and I really don't care for RUNNING in hot weather! That said, I picked what I thought would be the lesser of all the Arizona marathon evils, and I'm actually glad I did!

This is one of those races that's been around for a while, so they know what they're doing and it shows. My experience, from start to finish, was positive. I arrived in Phoenix, rented a car, and stayed at a hotel in Mesa. It was an easy stop along the way to pick up my bib and shirt at a local running store and get that errand done (I never linger at expos long so this was great). There are many restaurants in the area and I had a nice relaxing Friday afternoon and Saturday in town. I drove out to the start Saturday morning to get a feel for where I'd need to park and check out the finish area, which was helpful.

Sunday morning I drove in the very early hours before even eating breakfast (I saved it for the bus ride so I didn't eat TOO far ahead of the start). Parking at the rodeo grounds was simple and there were volunteers directing cars to spots so it wasn't chaotic, even in the pitch black. After parking, I strolled right onto a marathon bus which drove us out to the start. It was chilly but nice, and the ride is long enough that I was able to enjoy my bagel, PB, and banana.

The starting area, in my opinion, is really the coolest part of this race. There are lot of volunteers around with breakfast foods, hot coffee, water, etc. There are lots of portajohns (amazingly, I never had to wait in line), and the absolute best thing is the array of campfires set up neatly by all of this. It's a great place to warm up, talk with friends, and make new friends. Definitely enjoyed this part the most.

The start was organized well with a few last minute announcements. We went on the gun, and the first several miles were quite pleasant on grated dirt roads in the hills. The sun was rising behind us and it was very pleasant. I carried my hydration pack since I knew I'd get hot, and was able to take pictures with my phone periodically as well.

The course itself is nice. Pretty flat but with a few hills that you definitely feel. You run through some neighborhoods, there are nice mountain views in the background, etc. but there are some flat, dull highway portions as well. Of course, it's hard to find a race without some boring bit somewhere in the 26.2 miles, so it was fine. The only downside to this race, in my opinion, is the temperature, which if I'm being totally honest, wasn't so bad. I just don't like heat so it makes me grumpy! But it was a beautiful day and the volunteers and folks cheering helped take my mind off of it.

The aid stations were good and had plenty of water and gatorade, and a few of them had Gu's and cold towels too, which was awesome. Towards the end they also had a "wall" that you ran through which was a nice symbolic gesture!

I usually don't walk during marathons, but I did end up walking towards the end of this one, finishing in 4:12, about 20-30 min slower than average. I blame the sun and temperature, nothing the race officials could control! The finish was good and I lingered in Prospector Park for a while listening to awards. The medal was GREAT, very solid with a unique image and coloring.

Overall, definitely recommend this race if for no other reason than its outstanding organization and unique race start area.