Arizona Distance ClassicArizona Distance Classic
NEW THIS YEAR: Arizona Distance Classic is providing gender-specific tech shirts to all participants! You asked for them and we heard you loud and clear! Be sure to carefully make your gender-specific size selection when registering for the March 24, 2013 celebration of YOU!
1910 Innovation Park Drive, Oro Valley, Arizona
Starting Line: Ventana Medical Systems — 1910 Innovation Park Drive
The ninth annual Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon will allow runners, walkers and wheelers to experience the exhilaration of completing the world's most popular race distance in the foothills of the gorgeous Santa Catalina Mountains. The race begins at the gorgeously situated campus of Ventana Medical Systems (on Innovation Park Drive, just south of Rancho Vistoso Boulevard) and takes participants west, and back on the gently rolling course along Rancho Vistoso Boulevard. The course meanders through an incredibly scenic neighborhood studded with saguaro cacti and surrounding picturesque Honey Bee Canyon. Half Marathon runners and walkers will be treated to bands, organized cheering stations, and supportive community members throughout the course, which will have 7 aid stations.
The "Quarter Marathon" is an M3S Sports signature distance that allows runners and walkers to enjoy "a half of a half." The course features much of the same characteristics of the Half Marathon course, with runners and walkers also starting at the Ventana Medical Systems campus (on Innovation Park Drive, just south of Rancho Vistoso Boulevard), and takes participants west, and back on the gently rolling course along Rancho Vistoso Boulevard. Quarter Marathon participants turn back at the Honey Bee Canyon Park and trail-head to return with a full view of the stunning Catalina Mountain view. While the race is only half as long, the post-race celebration is the same as the Half, with sole-moving music, complimentary refreshments, massages, and a lively post-race expo. Quarter Marathon participants will enjoy several motivational cheer stations, support and well wishes from passersby, and five aid stations.
The Northwest Medical Center 5K allows runners and walkers to enjoy the Arizona Distance Classic's scenic race course and celebration of the healthy, active lifestyle by participating in a 3.1-mile race along Innovation Park Drive and Rancho Vistoso Boulevard on an out and back course. The gently rolling hills of the first leg of the Half Marathon offer the challenging yet enjoyable opportunity to put feet to street and be part of the action. The return leg of the 5K is delightfully downhill and offers, arguably, the most amazing Southwestern race event views available. The Northwest Medical Center 5K course has two aid stations and ample opportunities for motivation and celebration from start to finish.
The Town of Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Department will again be hosting the 2013 Arizona Distance Classic Kids Fun Run for children 14 years and younger. Join us at 8am in the kids corral for fun, games and crafts. The official fun run begins at 10am, but make sure to be there early. Fun run distances and age groupings are nine years of age and under: 1/4 mile run; 10–11 years of age: 1/2 mile run; and 12–14 years of age: 1 mile run. For more information click here, or contact Brandon Laue at (520) 229-5054 or email blaue@orovalleyaz.gov.
For just a $5 entry fee, all participants will receive a medal, a t-shirt, and the satisfaction and confidence that results from joining the healthy, active lifestyle with their families!
Led by Honorary Race Director, Town of Oro Valley Vice Mayor and Town Council Member Lou Waters, the One Mile Champions Walk will remind older adults (age 65+) of the fun and exhilaration of being in motion and celebrating life and fitness activities on the Arizona Distance Classic race course. The one mile course is a relatively flat out and back on Innovation Park Drive. Delivering all of the excitement of the Start and Finish line activities, and the incredibly scenic view of the Catalina Mountains, the One Mile Champions walk will melt away the years and make return-racers out of even the most hesitant 'Champion' athletes. All One Mile Champions Walk eventers will receive a race t-shirt and a giant finishers medal.
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.
Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon and Northwest Medical Center 5K, USA Track & Field certified courses: AZ05011GAN (Half Marathon), AZ05012GAN (5K)
There are 7 Aid stations on the Half Marathon Course at miles 2.0, 3.8 4.8, 6.6, 8.4, 10.4 and 11.9. They will all feature water and Raspberry GU Brew. Mile 6.6 will also have Cliff Shot Gel.
The Northwest Medical Center 5K will have one aid station at mile 2.0.
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.
CLICK HERE for instructions! (PDF, 360 KB)
Please ensure:
Attention Wheelchair Athletes — Do you want to participate along with some of the best Wheelchair Athletes in the World? We invite you to come join our event as our guest this year with a FREE ENTRY. Here are the details:
Free Entry...
Race against the University of Arizona Wheelchair Track and Road Racing Team
This is a growing division and we expect to have at least 15 wheelers in the race this year.
Contact Coach Derek Brown for more details: ddbrown@email.arizona.edu or 520 247-4305.
When you register use the coupon code AZWheelchair
Discount: 100% off
Expiration date: Good through end of day on 3/1/13
MarathonFoto will be at the event taking photos.
