The IMS Arizona Marathon, half marathon and marathon relay was held on February 19th, 2012 in Phoenix, AZ. There’s also a 5k and a “Fit Kids” run/walk event which means there’s a distance for everyone.
This is a not-for-profit race with thousands of dollars raised going to various local charities. It was the 4th year of the event and it’s now the second largest race in Arizona with over 3000 participants.
And get this: If you register before June 30th, the marathon only costs $35! I’ve ran 28 marathons in the past 2 years and I don’t think I’ve ever seen one that cheap. The early registration prices include:
Half – $30
Relay – $100
5K – $15
After the race I spoke with the race director for a quick minute and she said that one of the ways they want to give back to the community is to keep race fees low especially in this community. How awesome is that?!
THE START
I picked up my bib on race morning so I didn’t go to the expo, but it was very easy and quick to grab it.
It’s a point-to-point course so busses shuttle you from the finish at Westgate City Center out to Buckeye, a small town a little west. I didn’t have any problems or issues with the bus system; I hopped on one without waiting and got to the start with about 20 minutes to spare. (Since it’s a small race, you don’t need to be there super early)
There isn’t parking at the start so you need to either take a bus or get dropped off. I know Monica said she was dropped off.
There wasn’t a ton of porta potties at the start, but there was an open grocery store right across the street which was nice to warm up in and also use the restroom there.
There is a bag check as well – this is the first time I have ever used a race bag check. I’ve heard horror stories about people waiting for an hour after the race for their bag so I had never used one until Sunday. Happy to say no issues and I got my bag quickly after the race.
THE COURSE
The one drawback is the course: there’s sections of it that are boring (but it’s VERY FLAT and FAST). You do run by pretty golf courses, plenty of palm trees and nice looking neighborhoods, but there’s parts that are just flat, local roads that get a little boring.
There also aren’t a lot of spectators on the course either so I’d recommend definitely bringing music or running with a friend to make it a little more interesting.
But like I said, this is a FLAT course. And the weather was great; last year was raining but this year was cool with a little sun but never warm. Great PR weather.
Running by a golf course
COURSE SUPPORT
Like I said, there weren’t a lot of spectators, but I thought the course support was great. There was Gatorade and water every couple miles and Powerbar gels handed out at mile 11 and 19. Since I forgot my gels, I just grabbed 2 at each aid station.
Since it wasn’t hot out I felt like the aid stations were sufficient.
There aren’t mile clocks on the course, but the race signage is large and easy to spot.
I don’t know if it’s because there’s a lot of older people in Phoenix, but the spectators were so nice and friendly. I even mentioned it to someone, how people would be out in their (decorated with balloons and streamers!) golf carts cheering, smiling, waving, etc. It was just a really friendly race atmosphere.
I made a conscious effort to thank as many race volunteers, police and spectators as possible and it was nice to hear other runners around me doing the same thing.
THE FINISH
I loved the finish at the Westgate City Center right beside the fountains – it was just fun to run through. There’s a lot of restaurants around here and it was cool to walk around and check it all out.
That huge black screen was a video feed of the finish (it worked I swear) so you could watch runners cross.
The finish food was pretty good, nothing extravagant but definitely plenty of stuff: bagels, bananas, oranges, packets of peanut butter (yes!!!!!), Popchips, frosted cookies and water.
SUMMARY
This is a great, small but growing, affordable race that benefits the local communities. If you’re looking for a no-hassle PR course, this is it.
I think if you wanted to save a couple bucks, you could run this race instead of RnRAZ the month before. Or run the two as compliments to each other: RnRAZ could be a tune-up half and then run this race as a PR attempt or vice versa.
I’d rank it a 9.01 out of 10.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Totally unrelated question…..how do stay so tan? Tanning bed, bottle, what’s your secret? Just wondering…I need a nice glow without the aging damage from the sun.
i tan very very easily and tend to only wear sunscreen on my face (i know i need to get better at it!) so thats it. i dont use tanning beds and will use a foundation with a little color in it to even out my face and body. or thats the hope.
I might make this my Arizona race. Sounds pretty awesome, especially the flat and cheap part
now I want to go do the half there!
beware if you are heading to the HALF looking to PR. it is indeed a flat and fast course but the half was almost 1/3 mile long. everyone i spoke to who ran with a garmin had the course measured quite long. i know most courses are not perfect but this was just wrong–especially since i know many folks were of the same mindset that i was, which was that this would be a perfect PR course. not so much! hopefully they can tweak it slightly next year to make it right.
beware if you are heading to the HALF looking to PR. it is indeed a flat and fast course but the half was almost 1/3 mile long. everyone i spoke to who ran with a garmin had the course measured quite long. i know most courses are not perfect but this was just wrong–especially since i know many folks were of the same mindset that i was, which was that this would be a perfect PR course. not so much! hopefully they can tweak it slightly next year to make it right.
Wow, that’s a deal for $35. Gu on the course and a finish line screen?! Lots of pricey marathons don’t have that kind of stuff! The only marathon I’ve run at a price that low is the Mississippi Gulf Coast and it is awful: Horrible course support and organization. It’s also really small, and at $35 it’s a rip off! They even water the Gatorade down! And none of those nice mile signs…miles are marked with orange cones and hand-lettered cardboard signs. I think you got a way better deal than me
BTW I still think you need to put RNR New Orleans on your list. It’s totally flat: the elevation profile on the website is hilarious; the max elevation is 37 feet!
Looks like a race to put on the old bucket list! http://www.dashingdiva.net
Great review. I don’t run marathons but I love reading your reviews of them!
I ran this race too (my first full marathon!) and I agree about the spectators- especially the Pebble Creek area, everyone was so nice and welcoming!! I was even a little sad when we left their community!
Side note: I just love your blog, I kept an eye out for you at the start to say hello but never saw you! Maybe next race =]