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 event at McDowell Mountain Regional Park on May 23, 2026, featuring 50K, 25K, 15K, 10K and 6K on rolling desert singletrack. Courses include stocked aid stations, a cupless policy, crew access at the start and finish, and course..

Fixed-time running events of 6 hour, 12 hour and 24 hour take place on a USATF certified 500 meter gravel loop at Nardini Manor in Buckeye, AZ, with on-course aid, live chip timing, cupless stations, and designated crew areas.

A no-fee, FAT ASS style out-and-back on Phoenix Mountain trails covering about 9 miles with limited markings and minimal aid. The rocky, exposed course is limited to 50 runners and uses manual timing.

This grassroots 5K event takes place in Arizona's Papago Park. Organized by Ghosthead Productions, it focuses on community and connection among athletes.

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