The 14th annual Mesa Marathon is scheduled to return on Saturday, February 14, 2026, and race organizers expect nearly 10,000 runners to participate. The race has become a key early-season qualifier for the Boston Marathon and was recently recognized as the best marathon in Arizona in Race Rave’s “Best Marathons in the U.S.” poll for 2025. This year’s event will take place on Valentine’s Day and also coincides with Arizona’s 114th birthday, giving participants an extra reason to celebrate as they cross the finish line.
The marathon course is known for its scenic, downhill route. It begins near the white Phoenix sign on Usery Mountain and descends nearly 1,000 feet to the finish line at Mesa Riverview Park, offering runners expansive views of the desert and valley along the way. The terrain provides a runner-friendly layout that many participants enjoy.
On race day, road closures will be in effect from 4 a.m. until 2 p.m. to ensure the safety of runners and spectators along the course. An interactive detour map is available to help residents and visitors navigate around the closures, and roads will reopen gradually as runners pass and cleanup crews complete their work. City officials are aware that the event can affect local traffic but say they work hard to minimize disruptions.
Mesa City Manager Scott Butler said the marathon continues to grow and brings runners and tourism dollars to Mesa from across the state and the country. He noted that the event provides a boost to local restaurants, hotels, and other businesses. The city has coordinated with multiple departments to manage the race and its impact on the community.
To assist residents and visitors with navigating detours, Mesa’s Transportation Department will offer one-on-one route planning help the week before the event from Monday through Thursday, and also on race day. People needing personalized assistance can call 480-RUN-MESA or email barricade@mesaaz.gov for support.
The Mesa Marathon, which began in 2012, includes four race options. In addition to the full marathon, there is a half marathon, a 10K race, and a free Kids 1K run. The half marathon also features a net downhill course with nearly 200 feet of elevation loss as runners make their way toward Riverview Park. The 10K run starts at Fitch Park and passes through historic downtown Mesa. The Kids 1K run at Riverview Park is a free, non-timed event open to children 12 and under, with participation limited to the first 500 registrants.
For more information about the event or to register, interested participants can visit the marathon’s official website. The event is produced by Brooksee, which manages several community and athletic events throughout the region.
Source: MesaNow
