Looking for a fast Arizona marathon in February 2026? The Mesa Marathon 2026, taking place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, is one of the premier races in the Southwest. With its downhill, Boston Qualifier course, mild winter weather, and breathtaking desert-to-city scenery, the Mesa Marathon is a must-run for both seasoned athletes and first-time marathoners.
Event Overview
Runners can choose from four distances:
- Marathon (26.2 miles)
- Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- 10K
- Free Kids 1K
The race kicks off at 6:30 a.m. MST and attracts runners from across the U.S. thanks to its reputation as one of the fastest marathons in Arizona and a Boston Qualifier (BQ) favorite.
Why Runners Love the Mesa Marathon
- Fast, Downhill Course – With nearly 1,000 feet of net elevation loss, the course is perfect for setting a new personal record or chasing that Boston Marathon qualifying time.
- Beautiful Desert-to-City Scenery – The route begins near Usery Mountain with sweeping desert views, then winds through neighborhoods before finishing at Mesa Riverview.
- Ideal February Weather – Average temperatures hover in the mid-to-upper 60s, creating nearly perfect running conditions.
- Well-Organized Experience – From expo to finish line festival, the Mesa Marathon is known for high-quality swag, supportive volunteers, and a smooth race-day flow.
Course Highlights
- Full Marathon: Starts near the large “Phoenix” sign on Usery Mountain and features a gradual downhill into the city.
- Half Marathon: Begins near Falcon Field airport, joining the last miles of the marathon route with a ~350 ft elevation drop.
- 10K & Kids Run: Family-friendly options that showcase Mesa’s community spirit.
Finishers can expect premium medals, performance race shirts, and a lively festival atmosphere at the finish line.
Training & Preparation
If you’re preparing for a downhill marathon like Mesa, add these into your training:
- Hill repeats for strength.
- Quad-focused workouts (squats, lunges) to handle the downhill pounding.
- Long runs at race pace to practice maintaining effort on a fast course.
Travel & Lodging Tips
Mesa is just 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, making travel simple for out-of-state runners. Hotels near the Mesa Riverview finish line or downtown Mesa provide easy access to race events.
The race expo is typically held the day before at the Mesa Convention Center, where runners pick up bibs, shirts, and gear.
FAQs about the Mesa Marathon 2026
Is the Mesa Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
Yes! With nearly 1,000 ft of net downhill, it’s one of the top BQ marathons in the U.S.
What is the Mesa Marathon 2026 date?
Saturday, February 14, 2026, starting at 6:30 a.m.
What is the weather like?
Expect temperatures in the 60s°F—ideal racing conditions.
How many runners participate?
The event typically draws thousands across all distances, so early registration is encouraged.
Why You Should Run Mesa in 2026
The Mesa Marathon 2026 combines everything runners dream of: a fast course, beautiful scenery, ideal weather, and a Boston Qualifier opportunity. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or tackling your first race, Mesa offers a memorable running experience that blends the rugged beauty of Arizona with the energy of a big event.
👉 Ready to run? Visit MesaMarathon.com to register today!