The ninth annual Sprouts Mesa Marathon at Mesa Riverview on Saturday, Feb. 8 will feature more than 10,500 participants in its combined races, making it one of the largest races in Arizona and one of the most sought-after events in the country.
Founded in 2012, the Sprouts Mesa Marathon at Mesa Riverview has experienced growth and an accelerated runner experience each year since its inception due, in part, to the typically sunny weather and gradual downhill course. The event includes a full and half marathon, a 10K, and a free Kid's 1K. The Sprouts Mesa-PHX Marathon at Mesa Riverview hosts runners from more than 20 counties and all 50 states.
The Full and Half Marathons, and the 10K, all begin at 6 a.m. and share a finish line in the Mesa Riverview parking lot. All road closures will be reopened by 1:30 p.m., but many roads will be reopened sooner than that, once the race passes through.
Participants are encouraged to visit https://mesamarathon.com/ for an interactive detour map to help plan your route (click "race week" then "traffic detour map"). Mesa's Transportation Department offers one-on-one route planning assistance the week prior to the race. For assistance call 480-644-2160 (Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and the Mesa traffic barricading team will map your route. Staff will also be available during the race to help drivers navigate detours.
"We understand the race impacts Mesa residents and their Saturday morning routine for a few hours, so as a City, we aim to provide customized resources for folks who need to get around the race," Transportation Department Public Information Officer Amy McConnell, said. "Transportation's temporary traffic control workgroup is ready to assist residents with one-on-one, customized route maps to make their morning as smooth as possible on race day--just give us a call."
Bus service will also experience temporary detours on race day for the following routes: Route 30, 96, 104, 112, 120,128,136 and the Downtown Buzz. Riders should visit valleymetro.org/maps-schedules for reroute details. Additionally, trash and recycle barrel collection will begin earlier than usual to account for marathon reroutes. To ensure service, customers with a Saturday pick-up should have their barrels out before 5:30 a.m.. Barrels may be set out any time after 6 p.m. the night before.
For more information, visit: https://mesamarathon.com/.