The Mesa Marathon offers a classic point-to-point journey celebrated for its net-downhill profile, making it a perennial favorite for runners seeking personal bests or Boston Qualifying times. The race begins in the quiet desert outskirts of northeast Mesa, under a pre-dawn sky, and charts a westward course into the heart of the city, finishing at the vibrant Riverview Park.

This route provides a dramatic shift in scenery, from the expansive, still landscape near the Usery Mountains to the structured, energetic suburban and urban grid of Mesa.

Historically, race day conditions are typically ideal for running. The 6:30 AM start takes place well before the 7:11 AM sunrise, ensuring cool, dry desert air accompanies runners through the first hour, with temperatures often in the high 40s to low 50s°F. As the sun rises, temperatures generally climb into the low to mid-60s. With low humidity and minimal chance of rain, the weather serves as a reliable ally throughout the course.

The race is strategically defined by its two distinct halves. The first 13 miles feature a significant descent of nearly 1,000 feet, interrupted by only one notable but manageable climb around mile 5. This fast start then transitions to an almost perfectly flat second half.

This design calls for a disciplined and thoughtful pacing strategy. The key is to capitalize on the early downhills with controlled effort, preserving leg strength to maintain a strong, consistent pace through the demanding flat miles to the finish.

• Event Date: 2026-02-14
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 26.22 mi
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 45.62
• Total Ascent: 236.32 ft
• Total Descent: 967.49 ft
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 3.99, 1.53 mi at an average grade of 2.36%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 2.05, 1.95 mi at an average grade of -1.96%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 4.81, 0.71 mi at an average grade of 2.81%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 12.07, 0.1 mi at an average grade of -3.65%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 1 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 4 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • Flat: 65.8%
  • Minor Decline: 24.5%
  • Minor Incline: 5.8%
  • Moderate Decline: 3.1%
  • Moderate Incline: 0.8%

Your Mesa Marathon journey begins at 6:30 AM, in the pre-dawn darkness of the Arizona desert. The opening miles feature a consistent and significant downhill grade as the course guides you south and then west from the start line. This initial descent is a defining characteristic of the race, accounting for a substantial portion of the total elevation drop and setting the stage for fast times.

Focus on controlled, efficient running, letting gravity assist you without over-striding. The route follows a wide road through open desert terrain, though expect some congestion as runners establish their positions in the field.

• Control Your Descent: The early, gravity-assisted miles are a gift, but they can betray you by taxing your quadriceps. Resist the urge to 'bank' too much time by over-striding or braking heavily. Focus on a relaxed, controlled effort.
• Navigate the Darkness: Your race begins at 6:30 AM, well before sunrise. The initial miles will be dark. Ensure you're comfortable with your visibility and footing as you settle into your rhythm.

• None.

• Descent #1: Mile 0.92 to Mile 1.74, 0.82 mi, avg grade -2.27%, total drop 98.43 ft

• Station A - McDowell Rd & Hawes Rd area (Mile 3)
  • Offerings: Skratch Lemon‑Lime Hydration, Water
  • Toilet: Yes

• Hawes Rd. and E McDowell Rd. Spectator Zone (~Mile 3) (Spectator Zone): First major cheering location on the course.

This segment introduces the primary—and only—significant climb of the day. After turning north from McDowell Road, you'll enter the winding residential streets of the Las Sendas community. The road climbs for roughly 1.5 miles, cresting near mile 5.5. While the grades remain gentle throughout, this is the most sustained uphill you'll encounter and calls for a measured, steady effort.

Once you crest the climb, your reward is a rolling, net-downhill stretch that continues for over two miles. This section features some brief, steeper descents that offer welcome opportunities to recover your breathing and re-establish your rhythm.

Use this varied terrain to your advantage as you prepare for the long, straight sections ahead on your approach to North Power Road.

• Conquer the Main Climb: This is the only significant hill on the course. Shift your focus from pace to consistent effort. Power up steadily to conserve energy for the more than 20 miles that follow.
• Handle the Rollers: The descent from the Las Sendas climb isn't a smooth drop. Stay mentally engaged to navigate the short ups and downs, using them to vary muscle engagement and re-establish your goal pace.

• Climb #1: Mile 4.81 to Mile 5.53, 0.71 mi, avg grade 2.81%, total gain 106.04 ft

• Descent #2: Mile 6.03 to Mile 6.95, 0.92 mi, avg grade -3.11%, total drop 150.95 ft

• Station B - N Ridgecrest (Las Sendas) (Mile 5)
  • Offerings: Skratch Lemon‑Lime Hydration, Water
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station C - E Eagle Crest Dr, Las Sendas (Mile 7)
  • Offerings: Skratch Lemon‑Lime Hydration, Water
  • Toilet: Yes

• Ridgecrest Community Park Spectator Zone (~Mile 5) (Spectator Zone): A cheering spot located within the Las Sendas community portion of the course.
• Harriet Tubman Statue (~Mile 7.36): A point of interest passed as you exit the Las Sendas neighborhood.

Turning west onto E. McDowell Road marks the beginning of a long, straight, and predominantly flat to gently downhill segment. This is where the marathon calls for rhythm and efficiency. The forgiving terrain and straight roads through Mesa's suburbs create an ideal environment to lock into your goal pace and maintain relaxed consistency.

This middle section can feel mentally challenging due to its repetitive nature. Stay engaged by focusing on your form, executing your nutrition plan, and using the regularly spaced aid stations as mental checkpoints. Breaking the distance into these smaller segments helps the miles pass more steadily.

• Maintain Mental Focus: The long, straight roads through suburbia can become monotonous. Break this section into smaller, manageable segments, focusing on landmarks or the next aid station to stay engaged.
• Run Your Own Race: The half marathon start is on the course near mile 12.7, bringing a new wave of energy and potential to encounter runners at slower paces than your own from here through the end of the race.

• None.

• Descent #3: Mile 8.38 to Mile 8.69, 0.31 mi, avg grade -2.25%, total drop 36.48 ft
• Descent #4: Mile 12.07 to Mile 12.17, 0.1 mi, avg grade -3.65%, total drop 19.69 ft

• Station D - N Power Rd vicinity (Mile 9)
  • Offerings: Skratch Lemon‑Lime Hydration, Water
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station E - E McDowell Rd & N Recker Rd (Mile 11)
  • Offerings: Skratch Lemon‑Lime Hydration, Water
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station F - E McDowell Rd & N Greenfield Rd area (Mile 13)
  • Offerings: Skratch Lemon‑Lime Hydration, Water
  • Toilet: Yes

• Mesa Marathon Half Start Line (~Mile 12.78): The starting point for the half marathon event.
• WAXIE Sanitary Supply Spectator Zone (~Mile 13.1) (Spectator Zone): A recommended cheering location near the half marathon start.

At mile 14.6, you'll make a key turn south onto N. Lindsay Road, followed by another turn west onto E. Brown Road, marking your entry into Mesa's distinct urban grid. This section brings a crucial shift in the race's character: the net-downhill of the first half gives way to nearly seven miles of almost completely flat terrain. For many runners, this is where the real marathon begins—a true test of your fitness, fueling strategy, and mental fortitude.

The next stretch takes you nearly five miles straight along Brown Road, demanding sustained, self-propelled effort without the helping hand of gravity. The scenery shifts from desert landscapes to more commercial and residential streetscapes, offering new visual interest as you settle into this flatter rhythm.

As you approach downtown Mesa, the course begins weaving through city streets, guiding you past landmarks like the Arizona Museum of Natural History. These turns help break up the monotony of the long straightaway while positioning you for the final push toward the finish.

• Embrace the Flats: After 14 miles of net downhill running, the transition to perfectly flat ground can feel surprisingly challenging. Your leg turnover will need to be self-generated. Focus on maintaining a quick, light cadence and strong form.
• Fuel for a Sustained Effort: Without changes in terrain to provide micro-recoveries, this section is a constant grind. Stay diligent with your fueling and hydration schedule to prevent bonking and maintain your energy levels.

• None.

• None.

• Station G - N Lindsay Rd & E Brown Rd (Mile 15)
  • Offerings: Skratch Lemon‑Lime Hydration, Water
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station H - E Brown Rd corridor (Gilbert area) (Mile 17)
  • Offerings: Skratch Lemon‑Lime Hydration, Water
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station I - E Brown Rd & N Mesa Dr (Mile 19)
  • Offerings: Skratch Lemon‑Lime Hydration, Water
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station J - W University Dr corridor, Downtown Mesa (Mile 21)
  • Offerings: Skratch Lemon‑Lime Hydration, Water
  • Toilet: Yes

• Mt. View High School Spectator Zone (~Mile 15) (Spectator Zone): Spectator zone at the corner of E Brown Rd and N Lindsey Rd.
• Mesa Dr. and E Brown Rd. Spectator Zone (~Mile 19) (Spectator Zone): A cheering location marking a key turn in the later stages of the race.
• Arizona Museum of Natural History (~Mile 21.56): Run past this major cultural institution in downtown Mesa.
• i.d.e.a. Museum (~Mile 21.66): Another museum along the downtown portion of the route.

The final 4.5 miles carry you through the heart of downtown Mesa and toward the finish line at Riverview Park. The course character changes here, with more frequent turns as you navigate a series of city streets—a shift from the long straightaways you've grown accustomed to. The route remains exceptionally flat through this section, requiring you to dig deep and maintain your form as fatigue sets in.

The final stretch along Rio Salado Parkway brings you closer to your goal, and with it comes increasingly enthusiastic crowd support that provides a crucial energy boost when you need it most. You'll pass several high schools and designated spectator zones, where the atmosphere becomes especially lively and encouraging.

The approach to the finish line on N. Riverview is beautifully straight, giving you a clear view of your goal ahead. This final sight line allows you to gather your remaining strength and focus everything on a strong, triumphant finish.

• Navigate Late-Race Turns: As fatigue accumulates, the series of turns through downtown can break your rhythm. Focus on running the tangents where possible and use the turns as mental checkpoints to stay sharp.
• Finish Strong on Flat Ground: The final miles offer no topographical assistance. This is a pure test of your fitness and grit. Draw energy from the growing crowds and focus on holding your pace all the way to the finish line.

• None.

• None.

• Station K - W University Dr & N Center St (Mile 22)
  • Offerings: Skratch Lemon‑Lime Hydration, Water
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station L - N Date → W Rio Salado Pkwy transition (Mile 23)
  • Offerings: Skratch Lemon‑Lime Hydration, Water
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station M - W Rio Salado Pkwy east of Riverview Park (Mile 24)
  • Offerings: Skratch Lemon‑Lime Hydration, Water
  • Toilet: Yes

• Inside the Bungalow Spectator Zone (~Mile 21.7) (Spectator Zone): Cheering location at 48 North Robson as you begin the final section.
• Sce:dagĭ Mu:val Va’aki (~Mile 24.01): A historical point of interest along N. Date street.
• Banner Corporate Center Spectator Zone (~Mile 24.1) (Spectator Zone): Spectator zone near N Date.
• Westwood High School Spectator Zone (~Mile 24.8) (Spectator Zone): A location with likely strong crowd support from students and the community.
• Finish Line Approach Spectator Zone (~Mile 26.1) (Spectator Zone): The final stretch along N. Riverview leading to the finish line.