TMC Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon and 5K
- Date Sun 8th March 2026
- Time 6:30AM EST
- Location Oro Valley, Arizona
- Price $32.80 - $54.00
- Races 4 races
- Distances 5km, Half Marathon
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating experience at the TMC Arizona Distance Classic, taking place on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in the picturesque Oro Valley, Pima! This vibrant event features three race distances: a challenging Half Marathon, a scenic Quarter Marathon, and a fun-filled 5K, making it perfect for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Participants can enjoy breathtaking views of the Catalina and Tortolita Mountains while being cheered on by enthusiastic spectators and supported by plentiful aid stations along the route.
Join nearly 1,000 fellow race enthusiasts in celebrating a healthy, active lifestyle at this exciting festival that includes food trucks, music, and a vendor expo. All participants will receive a commemorative medallion and a souvenir race shirt, with awards for overall and age group winners in each distance. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a first-time participant, the Arizona Distance Classic promises an unforgettable day of community and camaraderie. Make your plans now to lace up your running shoes and be part of this fantastic event!
Join nearly 1,000 fellow race enthusiasts in celebrating a healthy, active lifestyle at this exciting festival that includes food trucks, music, and a vendor expo. All participants will receive a commemorative medallion and a souvenir race shirt, with awards for overall and age group winners in each distance. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a first-time participant, the Arizona Distance Classic promises an unforgettable day of community and camaraderie. Make your plans now to lace up your running shoes and be part of this fantastic event!
Organiser's Description
MARCH 3 UPDATE: WHAT A GREAT DAY WE HAD, WITH ALMOST 1,000 REGISTRANTS, 75 VOLUNTEERS, 5 FOOD TRUCKS, AND MORE ORANGE CONES THAN YOU CAN SHAKE A STICK AT!
SPECIAL THANKS TO TITLE SPONSOR TMC HEALTH [https://www.tmcaz.com] FOR PROVIDING FUNDING TO SUPPORT THE EVENT -- AND SPECIAL THANKS TO THE TOWN OF ORO VALLEY AND THE OVPD FOR ALL THE HARD WORK THAT WENT INTO THE PUTTING THIS EVENT ON THE ROADWAYS OF ORO VALLEY. WE'LL SEND OUT A RACE REPORT SOON, BUT HERE'S A FEW HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS:
*
RACE RESULTS CAN BE FOUND AT HTTPS://RESULTS.RUNSAR.ORG [https://results.runsar.org/] OR WWW.ROADRUNNERRACETIMING.COM [https://www.roadrunnerracetiming.com].
*
IF YOU EARNED AN AWARD BUT DIDN'T PICK IT UP AT THE AWARDS CEREMONY, YOU CAN HEAD TO THE RUNNING SHOP [https://runningshopaz.com/] AT 3055 NORTH CAMPBELL TO PICK IT UP THROUGH THE END OF MARCH, 2025. NOT SURE WHAT THE AWARD CATEGORIES ARE? CHECK OUT THIS PAGE. [https://runsignup.com/Race/ArizonaDistanceClassicHalfMarathonQuarterMarathonand5K/Page-4]
*
RACE PHOTOS BY JOHN HARRIS CAN BE FOUND HERE [https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/AZ/OroValley/ArizonaDistanceClassicHalfMarathonQuarterMarathonand5K].
*
RACE PHOTOS BY DAMION ALEXANDER [https://thetucsonphotographer.smugmug.com/Sports/Running/RoadRunning] WILL BE AVAILABLE SHORTLY.
*
IF YOU MISSED THE EVENT BUT WANT TO GET YOUR SHIRT, VISIT THE RUNNING SHOP THROUGH THE END OF MARCH.
*
NEXT YEAR'S EVENT WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 8, 2026. EARLY REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE!
*
QUESTIONS? CONTACT RACE DIRECTOR RANDY ACCETTA AT WWW.RUNTUCSON.NET
CLICK HERE [https://www.tucsonlocalmedia.com/explorernews/news/after-hiatus-foot-race-is-back-in-oro-valley/article_a356391c-f3b2-11ef-a9c0-93c3eb80dc65.html]FOR THE EXPLORER NEWS ARTICLE ABOUT THE 2025 EVENT AND CLICK HERE [https://www.kgun9.com/news/community-inspired-journalism/oro-valley/arizona-distance-classic-returns-this-sunday-following-five-year-hiatus]FOR THE KGUN-9 NEWS REPORT ABOUT THE EVENT.
FEBRUARY 11 UPDATE: WE'RE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THAT TMC HEALTH HAS JOINED US AS THE TITLE SPONSOR. VISIT TMC HEALTH AT WWW.TMCAZ.COM/ [https://www.tmcaz.com/] TO SEE THEIR BROAD RANGE OF PROVIDERS, FACILITIES, AND SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHERN ARIZONA REGION.
WE'RE RUNNING IT BACK ON MARCH 8, 2026! WE'RE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE ARIZONA DISTANCE CLASSIC IS NOW ON THE 2026 RACE CALENDAR OF THE SOUTHERN ARIZONA ROADRUNNERS, [https://www.runsar.org] THE REGION'S LONG-STANDING NON-PROFIT RUNNING CLUB. YOU CAN REGISTER HERE AND YOU CAN SEE ALL SORTS OF RACE DETAILS HERE: HTTPS://ARIZONADISTANCECLASSIC.COM/ [https://arizonadistanceclassic.com/]
WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US IN ONE OF THE MOST SCENIC CELEBRATIONS OF THE ACTIVE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IN THE WEST. RUN OR WALK THE ARIZONA DISTANCE CLASSIC HALF MARATHON, QUARTER MARATHON, OR 5K.
ALL PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE A COMMEMORATIVE MEDALLION AND A SOUVENIR RACE SHIRT. OVERALL AND AGE GROUP AWARDS IN ALL THREE EVENTS, PLUS A MORNING FESTIVAL OF FOOD TRUCKS, MUSIC, VENDOR EXPO AND OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES.
PRODUCED BY THE SOUTHERN ARIZONA ROADRUNNERS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RUN TUCSON, THE ARIZONA DISTANCE CLASSIC TAKES PLACE ON THE SCENIC ROADWAYS OF BEAUTIFUL ORO VALLEY, JUST NORTH OF TUCSON, ARIZONA.
WITH STUNNING VIEWS OF THE CATALINA MOUNTAINS TO THE EAST, THE TORTOLITA MOUNTAINS TO THE NORTH, AND THE TUCSON MOUNTAINS TO THE WEST, THE AZDC IS A PERFECT SPOT FOR A SPRING DESTINATION RACE. THE BREATHTAKING COURSE IS OPEN AND FULLY SUPPORTED FOR 3.5 HOURS. PLENTIFUL AID STATIONS AND CHEER GROUPS LINE THE COURSE THROUGH THE FOOTHILLS OF THE STUNNING SANTA CATALINA MOUNTAINS.
A TRUE CELEBRATION OF THE HEALTHY ACTIVE LIFESTYLE, WE ENCOURAGE RUNNERS AND WALKERS OF ALL SHAPES, SIZES AND ABILITIES TO PARTICIPATE.
ROUTES
SEE THE PLANNED HALF MARATHON COURSE HERE [https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2825956].
SEE THE PLANNED QUARTER MARATHON COURSE HERE. [https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2825968]
SEE THE PLANNED 5K RUN/WALK COURSE HERE [https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2825961].
PLANNED RACE WEEKEND SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026
* Packet pickup and in-person registration: 10am - 1pm at The Running Shop, 3055 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2026
Race Staging Location: Roche Tissue Diagnostics facilities, at 1910 Innovation Park Drive, Oro Valley, Arizona, with food trucks, music, activities, vendor expo and more
* Packet pickup and registration: 5:30 - 6:45 am
* Parking closes at 6:15 am so all vehicles must be on site by 6:15 am
* Half Marathon Start: 6:30 am
* Quarter Marathon and 5K Start: 7:05 am
* 5K and Quarter Marathon Awards begin: 9:00 am approximately
* Half Marathon Awards begin: 10:00 am approximately
* Course Closure: 10:00 am
* Event Closure: 11:30 am
Visit our event website for full details on hotels, parking, the course, and more! See https://arizonadistanceclassic.com!
Coming from out of town? Check out the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce [https://orovalleychamber.com/] and Visit Tucson [https://www.visittucson.org/] for information on nearby attractions.
Event questions contact Randy Accetta at [email protected].
SPECIAL THANKS TO TITLE SPONSOR TMC HEALTH [https://www.tmcaz.com] FOR PROVIDING FUNDING TO SUPPORT THE EVENT -- AND SPECIAL THANKS TO THE TOWN OF ORO VALLEY AND THE OVPD FOR ALL THE HARD WORK THAT WENT INTO THE PUTTING THIS EVENT ON THE ROADWAYS OF ORO VALLEY. WE'LL SEND OUT A RACE REPORT SOON, BUT HERE'S A FEW HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS:
*
RACE RESULTS CAN BE FOUND AT HTTPS://RESULTS.RUNSAR.ORG [https://results.runsar.org/] OR WWW.ROADRUNNERRACETIMING.COM [https://www.roadrunnerracetiming.com].
*
IF YOU EARNED AN AWARD BUT DIDN'T PICK IT UP AT THE AWARDS CEREMONY, YOU CAN HEAD TO THE RUNNING SHOP [https://runningshopaz.com/] AT 3055 NORTH CAMPBELL TO PICK IT UP THROUGH THE END OF MARCH, 2025. NOT SURE WHAT THE AWARD CATEGORIES ARE? CHECK OUT THIS PAGE. [https://runsignup.com/Race/ArizonaDistanceClassicHalfMarathonQuarterMarathonand5K/Page-4]
*
RACE PHOTOS BY JOHN HARRIS CAN BE FOUND HERE [https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/AZ/OroValley/ArizonaDistanceClassicHalfMarathonQuarterMarathonand5K].
*
RACE PHOTOS BY DAMION ALEXANDER [https://thetucsonphotographer.smugmug.com/Sports/Running/RoadRunning] WILL BE AVAILABLE SHORTLY.
*
IF YOU MISSED THE EVENT BUT WANT TO GET YOUR SHIRT, VISIT THE RUNNING SHOP THROUGH THE END OF MARCH.
*
NEXT YEAR'S EVENT WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 8, 2026. EARLY REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE!
*
QUESTIONS? CONTACT RACE DIRECTOR RANDY ACCETTA AT WWW.RUNTUCSON.NET
CLICK HERE [https://www.tucsonlocalmedia.com/explorernews/news/after-hiatus-foot-race-is-back-in-oro-valley/article_a356391c-f3b2-11ef-a9c0-93c3eb80dc65.html]FOR THE EXPLORER NEWS ARTICLE ABOUT THE 2025 EVENT AND CLICK HERE [https://www.kgun9.com/news/community-inspired-journalism/oro-valley/arizona-distance-classic-returns-this-sunday-following-five-year-hiatus]FOR THE KGUN-9 NEWS REPORT ABOUT THE EVENT.
FEBRUARY 11 UPDATE: WE'RE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THAT TMC HEALTH HAS JOINED US AS THE TITLE SPONSOR. VISIT TMC HEALTH AT WWW.TMCAZ.COM/ [https://www.tmcaz.com/] TO SEE THEIR BROAD RANGE OF PROVIDERS, FACILITIES, AND SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHERN ARIZONA REGION.
WE'RE RUNNING IT BACK ON MARCH 8, 2026! WE'RE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE ARIZONA DISTANCE CLASSIC IS NOW ON THE 2026 RACE CALENDAR OF THE SOUTHERN ARIZONA ROADRUNNERS, [https://www.runsar.org] THE REGION'S LONG-STANDING NON-PROFIT RUNNING CLUB. YOU CAN REGISTER HERE AND YOU CAN SEE ALL SORTS OF RACE DETAILS HERE: HTTPS://ARIZONADISTANCECLASSIC.COM/ [https://arizonadistanceclassic.com/]
WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US IN ONE OF THE MOST SCENIC CELEBRATIONS OF THE ACTIVE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IN THE WEST. RUN OR WALK THE ARIZONA DISTANCE CLASSIC HALF MARATHON, QUARTER MARATHON, OR 5K.
ALL PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE A COMMEMORATIVE MEDALLION AND A SOUVENIR RACE SHIRT. OVERALL AND AGE GROUP AWARDS IN ALL THREE EVENTS, PLUS A MORNING FESTIVAL OF FOOD TRUCKS, MUSIC, VENDOR EXPO AND OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES.
PRODUCED BY THE SOUTHERN ARIZONA ROADRUNNERS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RUN TUCSON, THE ARIZONA DISTANCE CLASSIC TAKES PLACE ON THE SCENIC ROADWAYS OF BEAUTIFUL ORO VALLEY, JUST NORTH OF TUCSON, ARIZONA.
WITH STUNNING VIEWS OF THE CATALINA MOUNTAINS TO THE EAST, THE TORTOLITA MOUNTAINS TO THE NORTH, AND THE TUCSON MOUNTAINS TO THE WEST, THE AZDC IS A PERFECT SPOT FOR A SPRING DESTINATION RACE. THE BREATHTAKING COURSE IS OPEN AND FULLY SUPPORTED FOR 3.5 HOURS. PLENTIFUL AID STATIONS AND CHEER GROUPS LINE THE COURSE THROUGH THE FOOTHILLS OF THE STUNNING SANTA CATALINA MOUNTAINS.
A TRUE CELEBRATION OF THE HEALTHY ACTIVE LIFESTYLE, WE ENCOURAGE RUNNERS AND WALKERS OF ALL SHAPES, SIZES AND ABILITIES TO PARTICIPATE.
ROUTES
SEE THE PLANNED HALF MARATHON COURSE HERE [https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2825956].
SEE THE PLANNED QUARTER MARATHON COURSE HERE. [https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2825968]
SEE THE PLANNED 5K RUN/WALK COURSE HERE [https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2825961].
PLANNED RACE WEEKEND SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026
* Packet pickup and in-person registration: 10am - 1pm at The Running Shop, 3055 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2026
Race Staging Location: Roche Tissue Diagnostics facilities, at 1910 Innovation Park Drive, Oro Valley, Arizona, with food trucks, music, activities, vendor expo and more
* Packet pickup and registration: 5:30 - 6:45 am
* Parking closes at 6:15 am so all vehicles must be on site by 6:15 am
* Half Marathon Start: 6:30 am
* Quarter Marathon and 5K Start: 7:05 am
* 5K and Quarter Marathon Awards begin: 9:00 am approximately
* Half Marathon Awards begin: 10:00 am approximately
* Course Closure: 10:00 am
* Event Closure: 11:30 am
Visit our event website for full details on hotels, parking, the course, and more! See https://arizonadistanceclassic.com!
Coming from out of town? Check out the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce [https://orovalleychamber.com/] and Visit Tucson [https://www.visittucson.org/] for information on nearby attractions.
Event questions contact Randy Accetta at [email protected].
Races
-
Half Marathon
Incl. $4.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 8th March 2026 (6:30AM EDT)
$54.00
Experience the exhilaration of completing the world's most popular race distance in the foothills of the gorgeous Santa Catalina Mountains in Oro Valley, Arizona, just north of Tucson. The Arizona Distance Classic begins at the gorgeously situated campus of Roche Tissue Diagnostics (on Innovation Park Drive, just south of Rancho Vistoso Boulevard) and takes participants west, and back on the gently rolling course along Rancho Vistoso Boulevard. The course winds through a scenic neighborhood, studded with saguaro cacti and surrounding picturesque Honey Bee Canyon. 3.5 Hour Time Limit: The course closes at 10:00 am. Category age group awards! Awards will be given to the top 3 overall male and female and in the following age group categories. 19 and Under 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70 and Over No double dipping. Participant is responsible to verify their time and finish position. No adjustments will be made to results once awards have been given out. Event Swag The first 500 registered participants will receive the following items Tech t-shirt Souvenir medal Snacks and refreshments at the finish line -
Quarter Marathon
Incl. $3.40 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 8th March 2026 (7:05AM EDT)
$43.40
Experience the exhilaration of completing a quarter of a marathon race distance in the foothills of the gorgeous Santa Catalina Mountains in Oro Valley, Arizona, just north of Tucson. The "Quarter Marathon" is an AZDC signature distance that allows runners and walkers to enjoy "a half of a half." The course features much of the same characteristics of the Half Marathon course, with runners and walkers also starting at the Roche Tissue Diagnostics campus (on Innovation Park Drive, just south of Rancho Vistoso Boulevard), and takes participants west, and back on the gently rolling course along Rancho Vistoso Boulevard. While the race is only half as long, the post-race celebration is the same as the Half, with sole-moving music, complimentary refreshments, and a lively post-race expo. 3 Hour Time Limit: The Quarter Marathon course closes at 10:00 am. Category age group awards! Awards will be given to the top 3 overall male and female and in the following age group categories. 19 and Under 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70 and Over No double dipping. Participant is responsible to verify their time and finish position. No adjustments will be made to results once awards have been given out. Event Swag The first 400 registered participants will receive the following items Tech t-shirt Souvenir medal Snacks and refreshments at the finish line -
5k
Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 8th March 2026 (7:05AM EDT)
$32.80
Experience the exhilaration of completing the enjoyable 5K race distance in the foothills of the gorgeous Santa Catalina Mountains in Oro Valley, Arizona, just north of Tucson. The 5K allows runners and walkers to enjoy the Arizona Distance Classic's scenic race course and celebration of the healthy, active lifestyle by participating in a 3.1-mile race along Innovation Park Drive and Rancho Vistoso Boulevard on an out and back course. The gently rolling hills of the first leg of the Half Marathon offer the challenging yet enjoyable opportunity to put feet to street and be part of the action. The return leg of the 5K is delightfully downhill and offers, arguably, the most amazing Southwestern race event views available. There is an aid station and ample opportunities for motivation and celebration from start to finish. Category age group awards! Awards will be given to the top 3 overall male and female and in the following age group categories. 14 and Under 15-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70 and Over No double dipping. Participant is responsible to verify their time and finish position. No adjustments will be made to results once awards have been given out. Event Swag The first 400 registered participants will receive the following items Tech t-shirt Souvenir medal Snacks and refreshments at the finish line -
Half Marathon Wheelchair Rider
Incl. $3.40 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 8th March 2026 (6:30AM EDT)
$43.40
This event is for those involved with Team Hoyt or other chair-pushed organizations.
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