RacesReviewed / Top 25

Top 25 Races in Arizona

Arizona offers one of America's most diverse racing landscapes — high desert plateaus, red rock country, cactus-studded Sonoran Desert, and the pine forests of the Mogollon Rim. This list spans the state's must-run events from iconic road marathons to remote multi-day ultras.

Arizona's racing calendar runs year-round thanks to mild winters and a runner-friendly climate. The state's signature events draw national and international fields, while its trail and ultra community has exploded in recent years. This list balances marquee road races with the best trail and ultra experiences the state has to offer.

Ranked races

25Curated selection of Arizona's best racing events.

Race types

Road, Trail, UltraFrom desert flats to 250-mile mountain adventures.

Signature event

Mesa MarathonArizona's largest and most celebrated road race.

How we ranked these races

What went into the selection

Field Size

How many runners typically participate — larger fields mean broader appeal and community impact.

Longevity & Prestige

How long the event has been running and its standing in the regional/national running community.

Course Quality

Scenery, variety, surface, and how well the course is marked and supported.

Runner Experience

Aid stations, swag, post-race amenities, communication, and overall runner satisfaction.

Notable Features

Unique elements that make the race memorable — historic venues, iconic finishes, or scenic locations.

Full ranked list

All 25 races ranked

25 visible
#2
Mapping pending

Ranked #2 in the 2025 Top 100 list with N/A registrations.

#4
Mapping pending

Ranked #4 in the 2025 Top 100 list with N/A registrations.

#7
Mapping pending

Ranked #7 in the 2025 Top 100 list with N/A registrations.

#8
Mapping pending

Ranked #8 in the 2025 Top 100 list with N/A registrations.

#10
Mapping pending

Ranked #10 in the 2025 Top 100 list with N/A registrations.

#11
Mapping pending

Ranked #11 in the 2025 Top 100 list with N/A registrations.

#13
Mapping pending

Ranked #13 in the 2025 Top 100 list with N/A registrations.

#18
Mapping pending

Ranked #18 in the 2025 Top 100 list with N/A registrations.

#19
Mapping pending

Ranked #19 in the 2025 Top 100 list with N/A registrations.

#20
Mapping pending

Ranked #20 in the 2025 Top 100 list with N/A registrations.

#21
Mapping pending

Ranked #21 in the 2025 Top 100 list with N/A registrations.

#25
Mapping pending

Ranked #25 in the 2025 Top 100 list with N/A registrations.

Top 25 Races in Arizona | RacesReviewed