Saguaro National Park East, Tucson AZ
Monday, September 1st, 2025
🌟 Race Overview
Join the Southern Arizona Roadrunners on an exhilarating run through the Cactus Forest, a surreal landscape of towering saguaros at the base of the rugged Rincon Mountains. The rolling course promises a challenge, but the breathtaking views of saguaro, prickly pears, ocotillos, and possibly even a rattlesnake or two, make it worth it! Who knows, you might even spot a herd of wild javalinas cheering you on. This is one run you won't want to miss!
📅 2025 Planned Schedule
- Packet Pickup: Saturday, August 30th 10:00 am - 1:00 pm at The Running Shop, 3055 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ
- Race Day: Monday, September 1st at Saguaro National Park East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail Rd, Visitor Center Parking Lot
- 5:00 am - 5:45 am: Packet pickup
- 6:00 am: 8-Mile Run Start
🏞️ Race Details
- Courses: The 8-mile course goes clockwise from the Visitor Center through the beautiful cactus forest, while the 5k is an out-and-back on paved rolling hills.
- Participants: Capped at 800 total participants.
- Age Group Awards: Prizes awarded based on chip-time for age and overall awards.
- Weather: Most likely in the high 70's at the start, rising to triple digits later in the day.
🚻 Facilities
- Restrooms: 12 portojohns will be available in the NPS parking lot near the starting line.
- Parking: Please consider car-pooling to reduce the vehicle footprint. No parking inside the National Park.
- Strollers: Suitable for the 5k: not recommended for the 8-miler due to terrain.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed in the park during event hours, service animals excepted.
🏆 Beneficiaries
- National Park Service: Participants are required to pay a standard $5 entry fee that supports the park.
- Friends of Saguaro: Funds will be donated to protect and promote Saguaro National Park.
- Southern Arizona Roadrunners: The event raises operating funds for SAR and income for the Children’s Fitness Fund.
📞 Contact & Links
- Race Information: Visit the official race page here.
- Results: Find results for the 8-miler and 5k here.
- Volunteer: Check out the volunteer link for packet pickup and race-day activities.
Starting Line Map
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