TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler/5k

🌵 TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler/5k

The race is scheduled for September 1, 2025, at Saguaro National Park East, Tucson, AZ. For more details, visit the official race page.

🥇 Race Updates

• Update: Thanks to the almost 900 folks who registered for the 2024 event! And thanks to the National Park Service for raising the race-day cap and for all the great work they did to welcome us to Saguaro National Park, Tucson's desert treasure!
• News Coverage: Thanks to KVOA-4 for this news piece on the event.
• Results: You can find results for the 8-miler and 5k here.
• Awards: If you earned an award, the Running Shop gift certificates are at The Running Shop, at 3055 North Campbell Avenue. You can see the award rules and regulations here.

🏞 Event Details

• Adventure: This is the only Saguaro race that takes place within the actual-factual cactus forest of Saguaro National Park.
• Challenge: Join the Southern Arizona Roadrunners on an exhilarating run through the Cactus Forest.
• Capacity: Capped at 800 total participants.
• Pricing: Your race entry includes an entrance pass to the Saguaro National Park.

⏰ 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: Packet pickup starts.
• 6:00 am: 8-Mile Run starts.

🌄 Race Courses

• 8-Mile Course: The loop 8 miler goes clockwise from the Visitor Center through the cactus forest.
• 5k Course: An out-and-back on paved rolling hills.
• Water Stops: Water stops will be available for both courses.
• Hydration: Please bring your own water and hydration as needed.

🔍 Additional Details

• Volunteers: If you're interested in helping out, check out the volunteer link here.
• Weather: Most likely in the high 70's at the start.
• Headphones: Headphones are discouraged: please be mindful of other athletes.
• Strollers: The 5k is fine for strollers but the 8-miler is probably not recommended.

🚫 Rules and Regulations

• Pets: Pets are not allowed on the grounds of Saguaro National Park East.
• Parking: There is NO parking in the National Park.
• Bathrooms: There will be 12 portojohns near the starting line.
• Entry Fee: Participants must pay the standard $5 entry fee to the park unless they're under 16 or have an annual pass.

💰 Saguaro Beneficiaries

• The National Park Service: Participants pay a $5 entry fee to support the park.
• Friends of Saguaro: Donations will help protect and support Saguaro National Park.
• Southern Arizona Roadrunners: This event raises operating funds for SAR and supports youth fitness in Tucson.