This is the race that started it all, bringing the City of Phoenix to its feet back in 1976. Founded by Dr. Art Mollen, his vision brought our growing, vibrant city together with a sport still in its infancy. It set the charge used to ignite the running boom in Arizona. Over the years, the race has hosted Olympic Gold medalists, American record holders and more first-time race participants than any other event in the southwestern United States. It's not just Arizona's original road race. It's not just a great party. It is Phoenix at its finest!
The 5K race is a 3.1 mile fast, flat loop. With split times each mile and first aid stations every 1.5 miles it’s a great walk/run course for everyone. Participants will receive a chip generated finishing time with age-group and over-all placing.
The 10K run is a fast, flap loop that covers 6.2 miles. This course has split times each mile with 3 aid stations. All participants will receive a chip generated finishing time with age-group and over-all placing.
The Half Marathon (13.1 miles) is a flat, fast loop. There will be split times each mile with (7) aid stations appropriately placed. All participants will receive a finishing time, age-group and over-all placing in addition to a custom made finishers medal.
A one mile run for all kids age 3 through 12. This non-competitive event starts on Jefferson St. at 1st Ave. and finishes on Washington St. just east of 3rd Ave. The $20.00 entry fee includes a special t-shirt, bib and finisher award to all entrants. A parent or guardian must register each child. Entry can be submitted online, by mail, at early packet pick-up or on race day.
The Arizona Runners Hall Of Fame was created by Dr. Art Mollen to honor and memorialize the outstanding achievements and contributions of distinguished individuals to the running community of Arizona. It is these individuals who have facilitated the rising of Arizona to the pinnacle of running in America. We honor these individuals both living and posthumously for their quintessential commitment to the health and well-being of the Arizona community.
Dennis Eberhart, a Phoenix native, is one of the early pioneers of the 70's running boom. Winner of almost every road race in Arizona from the "Rocky III K" which was run inside the Grand Ballroom in downtown Phoenix to the 60 mile "Man against Horse Race" from Williams to Prescott. His achievements include All State Honors, All-American Honors and Olympic Trials qualifier. A few of his running highlights include USTFF National Indoor 2 mile Champion (college division) Winner of the 1978 Phoenix 10K and a 1980 12th place finish in the Boston Marathon. He was one of the co-founders of the Encanto Geese Running Club and also coached road racers from the age of 7 to 75. He is currently coaching cross-country and track at the prestigious Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas.
Anne Gallaher Hughes is a Scottsdale resident. In 1968, Gallaher was invited to run in an exhibition 440-yard event at the 1968 U.S. Olympic Trials. In 1971 as a sophomore, she ran a 56.5 and as a junior in 1972, ran a 55.5, still the 6th and 7th fastest times in Arizona. In 1972, Anne was the National Girls 880-yard champion, winning in 2:11.2 at the National Outdoor Track & Field Championships held in Canton, OH. She was invited to compete in the 1972 Olympic Trials in Frederick, MD where she placed 5th with a time of 2:08.0. Gallaher still holds the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th fastest times in Arizona at 2:08.9 (junior), 2:09.5 (sophomore), 2:11.3 (senior) and 2:12.0 (freshman), respectively. Anne has the 2nd fastest hand-timed 880-yard run in the state at 2:08.0. In 1973, Anne finished the Culver City Marathon in 3:32.08 and finished the Boston Marathon in 2007 as a 52-year old mother of four. While in nursing school at ASU, Anne assisted in organizing the medical aspect of the first North Bank Restaurants 10,000-meter run.
Bill Strachan was an All-American in the marathon, National Masters 25K Champion, USAFE 5K Champion in addition to several other titles. As a four-time Arizona Masters Runner of the Year he was also awarded the “Art Mollen Award” for contributions to Health & Fitness in 2009. As a renowned coach, he worked with over (25) All-Americans, (9) US Olympic Trials Qualifiers, (20) National Champions, (32) State CC & Track Champions and (4) National Record Holders. When you embrace old school running and training techniques, you are visiting the world of Bill Strachan running. Having rubbed shoulders with many of the sport's greats and for his willingness to share his experiences, the Arizona running community is better for knowing him.
The Hall of Fame Dinner is held every year on the Friday before the Phoenix 10 and Half Marathon. The dinner honors the race’s honorees while the guests enjoy a carb filled pasta dinner and talks by Dr. Art Mollen and past and present honorees.