Tucson Running

Tucson, AZ is home to some of the top runners in the world.  There is a reason.  Predictably good weather, diversity, and always people to train with.  The desert makes for contrast.  You can run on roads, city parks or one of the countless trails that lead into the four mountain ranges that surround Tucson. 

One of everyone’s favorite place to run is in Sabino Canyon.  It is on the northwest side of the city and is a protected area.  A huge parking area can accommodate any running group and the most popular run is up the paved, 7.4 mile out-and-back, closed road into the canyon.  Every April the local runners club, southern Arizona Roadrunners (www.azroadrunners.org) holds this event.   There are also several trails that give any runner challenge combined with stunning views of the canyon and city.  One favorite is phone line trail.  A challenging steep run on Blackett’s ridge can make anybodies calves burn.

There are several other canyons along the Catalina mountain range on the north side of town.  A couple running favorites are, Pima Canyon and Finger Rock.  The east mountains are the Rincons.  There are a network of trails that are easier technically.  A favorite loop is on the closed Saguaro Monument East.  It is closed 8 mile loop through rolling sonorant desert.  With one very long mile plus hill to contend with.  Every September, the Roadrunners put on a great event here.  The goal for masters, to beat your age.  This is not easily done. 

The Tucson Marathon is in December and is always billed as one of the fastest Boston qualifiers out there.  Many people find disappointment though when they experience what a net loss of 2000+ feet can do to your quads at mile 21.  It is still a great event that attracts runners from all over.

Tucson is home to a constantly changing list of runners around the world.  The dry desert climate attracts many elite Kenyan runners, six of whom are sponsored by team Athleteinyou.com.  You can follow their progress on our team page.  But it is also a permanent home to Bernard Legat one of the world’s best milers.  Abdi Abdirahaman was a star at University of Arizona cross country, and ran the 10K in Athens.  Greg Winneborg, a many time marathon trials qualifier, trains and coaches a group of mere mortal local runners.  Ultra running star and record holder Pam Reed can be seen running everywhere.  She even runs the long 109 mile Tour de Tucson cycling event every November. 

Whatever your running talent there are great races all year round.  Even the scorching heat of summer doesn’t keep people off the roads or trails.  It truly is a dry heat, and the mornings are always cool.  The low humidity and altitude of 2500-3000 feet cool the nights off to the mid 70’s even during hot 100+ summer days.

So check out our calendar, and head to Tucson.  It is a great city that takes care of the runner.  Be sure to see one of the three Performance Footwear (www.performancefootwear.com)  stores for huge discounts and great service.