PHOENIX — The Phoenix 10K is celebrating its 50th anniversary by launching the first full marathon in the event’s history.
Dr. Art Mollen founded the Phoenix 10K in 1976 as a small local race, but, over the years, it has grown into a celebration of health, fitness and community.
In addition to the 26.2-mile marathon, participants will still be able to choose from the marathon’s signature 5K, 10K and half-marathon events.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego will serve as this year’s official race starter, present the Mayor’s Cup to the marathon winner and even potentially join runners herself.
“It’s an exciting time for Phoenix as we welcome this full marathon, building upon the legacy of our iconic Phoenix 10K,” Gallego said in a press release. “The news reflects our city’s growth and commitment to fostering a healthier, more active community. I look forward to welcoming runners and fans from around the world to enjoy our beautiful weather and stunning desert scenery.”
What details are there about this year’s Phoenix 10K?
The Phoenix 10K will take place on Nov. 9, a Sunday. Here is the race day schedule:
- 6:30 a.m. – 26.2-mile marathon and half-marathon start
- 7:15 a.m. – 10K start
- 8:30 a.m. – 5K start
- 9 a.m. – Mollen Mile start
- 12:30 p.m. – Courses close
The new route will start and finish at Biltmore Fashion Park and showcase the views of Piestewa Peak, Mummy Mountain and Camelback Mountain.
There is prize money for the top male and female winners. First place will receive $1,000, second place will be awarded $500 and third place will get $250.
There will be a livestream of the race on YouTube as well as a large video wall at the event, which will broadcast the race in real time.
There will be a VIP Lounge, limited to 300 registered guests, open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and presented by Biltmore Fashion Park. Attendees of the lounge will have access to breakfast, mimosas and exclusive perks such as custom medal engraving by Lululemon.
Other runners will have access to the Recovery Zone, which will have cold plunges and a live DJ to contribute to the post-race atmosphere.
Meanwhile, in the Runners Village there will be pre- and post-race stretching as well as yoga provided by Lululemon.
Each registered runner will receive a race bag. The bags will have coupons from participating vendors.
One of this year’s participants will be Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Dawn Mussallem, who is a heart transplant recipient and cancer survivor. She will run the full marathon with the surgeon who did her heart transplant as a tribute to medical science and human resilience.
Medical coordination for the Phoenix 10K will be led by Dr. David Carfagno with the help of medical students from AT Still University.
There will be nine hydration aid stations and staffed medical tents along the course.
In addition to the new 26.2-mile marathon, the event will induct Tex Earnhardt into the Arizona Runner’s Hall of Fame to celebrate the race’s legacy.
Proceeds from the Phoenix 10K will go to the Mollen Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to prevent childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles as well as regenerative agriculture.
The presenting sponsor for this year’s event is JPMorgan Chase. Other sponsors include Earnhardt Auto Centers, AT Still University, Robeks Fresh Juices & Smoothies and SRP.
Those who want to join the Phoenix 10K can register online.
“The Phoenix 10K and Marathon has united generations of runners supporting the rich heritage of Arizona running,” Mollen said in the release. “Including the full 26.2-mile marathon, my utopian dream.”
Arizona’s largest city now has two major full marathons scheduled for 2025. The inaugural Phoenix Marathon will be held on Dec. 13.
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