TMC Arizona Distance Classic Announces New Date and Prize Money

May 6, 2025

Newly Redeveloped Race Set for March 8, 2026 in scenic Oro Valley, Arizona

Oro Valley, Arizona /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The TMC Arizona Distance Classic has announced that the next event will take place on Sunday morning, March 8, 2026.

The TMC Arizona Distance Classic has three race distances to choose from: Half-Marathon, Quarter Marathon, or 5k.

Originally founded by John Bingham and Dave Babner in the early 2000’s the event has been picked up by the non-profit Southern Arizona Roadrunners (SAR).

The Southern Arizona Roadrunners produced the event on March 2, 2025, with almost 1000 participants. Says SAR Board member Robert Rezetko, “This pilot year went very well. We’re grateful to title sponsor Tucson Medical Center as the race raised over $18,000 for race beneficiary St. Luke’s Home, an assisted-living community for seniors of limited financial means (https://stlukeshometucson.org).”

Rezetko continues, “Our Board is looking forward to a successful 2026 TMC Arizona Distance Classic, with even more runner amenities and even more fund-raising opportunities.”

The TMC Arizona Distance Classic is staged in the Town of Oro Valley, adjacent to the western flank of the majestic Catalina Mountains.

Says race director Run Tucson’s Randy Accetta, “We’re thrilled to work with the Town of Oro Valley and the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce to bring more people to this beautiful part of Arizona. Runners came from over 25 states in the last edition – we’re hoping to get all states represented in 2026.”

The courses follow a smooth roadway on a hilly course, with prize money, age group awards, and post-race festivities. “There is some up and down on the courses, that’s for sure,” says Accetta. “But our post-race survey indicated that everyone loved the variety and the views – and there were a number of Arizona State Age Group Records set.”

In 2026, over $1000 in prize money will be awarded to the top male and female finishers, with age group awards in all three events and with additional course record incentives.

About the Southern Arizona Roadrunners: The Southern Arizona Roadrunners (www.runsar.org) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting health and fitness in Tucson and Southern Arizona through running and walking. A member club of the Road Runners Club of America, SAR produces over 15 events a year, hosts a robust FitKidz running program, and raises funds for many local charity organizations. See https://arizonadistanceclassic.com for race details.

About Run Tucson: Run Tucson (www.runtucson.net) is a full-service event and coaching running company, producing running events in Arizona and coaching athletes around the nation. With coaches certified by the Road Runners Club of America (www.rrca.org), Run Tucson manages Arizona’s longest-running coached training group, the Workout Group.

Contact: Randy Accetta at randy@runtucson.net or 520-991-0733.