The Sedona Marathon

The Sedona Marathon

The Sedona Marathon

( 20 reviews )
100% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Sedona,
    Arizona,
    United States
  • February
  • 3 miles/5K, 6 miles/10K, 13.1 miles/Half Marathon, 26.2 miles/Marathon
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Emily White

Chandler, Arizona, United States
74 58
2018
"Crazy beautiful hilly half marathon"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Emily White's thoughts:

This was my 1st time running the half here in Sedona, although I have done the 10k the last 2 years.

The race itself makes for the perfect racecation. Sedona is approximately 2 hours North of Phoenix, but feels like a world away with its incredible red rock formations. If you plan a weekend, there are plenty of other things to do (hiking, pink jeep tours, wine tasting, shopping, etc.)

The expo was held on Friday only, from 12-8 pm. It's small, but has a ton of merchandise you can buy. It was held in a tent on some fairgrounds this year, and actually felt more spacious than in years past.

There are several hotels within walking distance, or you can take the free race shuttle. I would NOT recommend parking at the start/finish, it is very congested.

The race has a late start time, which is great. Marathon starts at 9am, Half at 9:10, 10k at 9:20 and 5k at 9:30. Even though it is a small race, the start area is VERY congested. You start on a narrow road, but it does thin out pretty quickly.

There was gear check available near the start. It was a warm (for Sedona) day, the warmest I have experienced for this race. Temps were in the mid 40s at the start and low 60s at the finish. I'm sure the full marathoners would have appreciated an earlier start time.

All courses are out and back. There were a TON of aid stations. Literally every step of the race had an amazing view. Ok, let's talk hills. YES it is a hilly course. It's nonstop rolling, which honestly keeps it interesting! I would not expect to PR here. Water and electrolytes were available at every aid station.

Every finisher gets a tech t-shirt and a medal. My ONLY negative feedback is that everyone receives the same medal, regardless of distance. Really hoping that changes in the future.

Finishers also receive a few snacks (cookie, clif bar) and water at the finish. There were food trucks and some local AZ breweries serving up cold brews.

I will do this again. I love the challenge of this race, and the excuse to get away for a family vacation in the middle of winter.

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