Race Information

Start Times:

6:55 am Half Marathon Wheelchair
7:00 am Valley of Gold Half Marathon
7:15 am Northwest Medical Center Oro Valley 5K Run/Walk
10:00 am Kids Fun Run

All events will start at Ventana Medical Systems Inc.

1910 Innovation Park Drive
Oro Valley, Arizona

To ensure the safety of all participants, the ADC does not permit any wheeled devices such as bicycles, rollerblades, baby joggers or scooters on the Half Marathon course.

Strollers/baby joggers WILL be allowed to start at the back of the 5K.

Pets are not allowed on either course.

Walkers welcome: the half marathon course is open and FULLY supported for FOUR hours.

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Course

Valley of Gold Half Marathon and Northwest Medical Center Oro Valley 5K, USA Track & Field certified courses: AZ05011GAN (Half Marathon), AZ05012GAN (5K) — click map to enlarge

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Finish Line

All participants are greeted with cheers and fanfare as they cross the finish line. Enjoy food and music on the green at the Ventana Medical Systems facility. There will be refreshments for participants and their guests.

Please plan to stick around after your race to enjoy the food and music.

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Timing

Each Northwest Medical Center Oro Valley 5K and Valley of Gold Half Marathon participant will receive a ChampionChip, which when tied to their shoe, will time their race. Chips must be returned upon completion of the race. If you do not return your chip, you will be charged $30.

YOU MUST WEAR YOUR CHIP TO BE TIMED!
NO CHIP, NO TIME.

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Awards & Divisions

Finisher Medals

All finishers will be greeted at the finish line with a one-of-a-kind medal. Volunteers will be there to put your well deserved medal around your neck.

Age Group Awards for the Valley of Gold Half Marathon

from 123Fit

1st, 2nd and 3rd in each age group for men and women, starting with under 15, then 15-19, 20-24 etc. up to 80-plus.
1st, 2nd and 3rd overall men and women, and 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall masters men and women.

If you did not receive your award for placing in the top-3 in your age group in the Valley of Gold Half Marathon or Northwest Valley 5K on race day, don't despair! You or your friend / family member can claim your award at 1-2-3 Fit's new location on La Canada Drive, just south of Lambert. The fitness club is still under construction, but someone will be there from 12–4pm on weekdays with the awards. If needed, feel free to contact 1-2-3 Fit at 520-575-9800 to arrange an alternate time. Awards will be available for pick-up through May 1, 2008.

Don't forget the importance of strength training to bolster your running success! The team at 1-2-3 Fit can help and will offer special pricing to AZ Distance Classic race participants and their families. Just show them your race bib or race shirt when you come by to register for a program. Grand Opening is expected in May — race in now, to be included in Charter Member festivities.

Wheelchair Division

The Valley of Gold Half Marathon will offer a Wheelchair division. Wheelchair athletes can compete against other participants in the Half Marathon.

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Directions and Parking

Race Morning — Sunday March 16

General:

Get there early! You will be joining thousands of your closest friends. The Valley of Gold Half Marathon will start sharply at 7:00am and the Northwest Medical Center Oro Valley 5k will start at 7:15am.

Parking: Parking for all event participants, friends, family and volunteers will be located in the West lots at Ventana Medical Systems, located right at the event start/finish area. There is plenty of parking for everyone, but please make sure to give yourself extra time as it will be busy race morning. To get to the event and parking lot: