Desert Classic Half Marathon

Glendale, United States • 23 Jan 2027

Desert Classic Half Marathon and 5K

The Desert Classic takes place on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Thunderbird Paseo Park in Glendale, Arizona. The event offers two race distances:

  • Half Marathon
  • 5K

Both courses are professionally marked and chip timed. The half marathon requires participants to be at least 14 years old on race day and enforces an 18 minute per mile cutoff for the course.

Entry fees before January 11 are $45 for the half marathon and $30 for the 5K, with reduced rates for Arizona Road Racers members. After January 11 the price for each distance increases to $50 for the half marathon and $35 for the 5K for both members and non members.

Day of race registration is available only through RunSignUp; there will be no paper registrations on race day. Bibs will be available for pickup on race morning.

Aid stations are provided along each course: six stations for the half marathon offering water and Gatorade, and two stations for the 5K offering water only. All finishers in both races receive a custom finisher medal in lieu of race shirts. Awards are given in five year age groups and are based on chip time. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

13 mi
Half Marathon
5 km
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Night trail races at White Tank Mountain Regional Park offering 6K to 52K on a 6.5 mile Sonoran loop with technical terrain, stocked aid stations, live tracking, camping availability, and cupless race protocol.

A monthly Friday evening 5K series at Arizona Falls with live chip timing, three collectible desert-themed medals, and a virtual option. The events raise funds for Child Crisis Arizona.

Fixed-time ultras of six and twelve hours take place on a 500 meter flat gravel loop at historic Nardini Manor in Buckeye, Arizona. The event features an on-course aid station, cupless refills, crew zones, and onsite parking.

A free community run at Piestewa Peak where participants climb the summit repeatedly during a six hour window. On-course refreshments, giveaways, and Everyday Ultra coaches run alongside participants.

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