Desert Classic Half Marathon
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Desert Classic Half Marathon & 5K
The Desert Classic takes place on January 23, 2027 at Thunderbird Paseo Park in Glendale, Arizona. The event offers two chip-timed, professionally marked courses for road running.
Distances
- 13.1 miles Half Marathon
- 3.1 miles 5K
Registration opened on November 9, 2026 and closes January 11, 2027 for standard entry; race day registration has separate closing times and is available only through RunSignUp with no paper registrations. Base entry fees listed in advance include $45 for the half marathon and $30 for the 5K, with ARR member discounts and price increases after January 10. Youth entries and special member pricing are listed for specific categories.
Race logistics include six aid stations on the half marathon course offering water and Gatorade, and two aid stations on the 5K offering water only. The half marathon course enforces an 18 minute per mile cutoff pace. All finishers in both events receive a custom finisher medal in lieu of a race shirt. Prior-year race shirts will be available for sale on race day for cash or Venmo.
Packet pickup is available on race day with bibs distributed before the races. Awards are given in five-year age groups and are based on chip time. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
