Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon & 5K

The second oldest Half Marathon in Arizona, and the ONLY one that directly impacts the lives of local youth in the high country, the Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon & 5K Fun Run is an adventure with the monsoon madness and spectacular views. It is considered one of the most scenic and challenging half marathons in the Southwest and all proceeds benefit children by helping Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff match them with appropriate adult mentors.

This beautiful course starts at Thorpe Park and climbs the steep urban trail onto Observatory Mesa (where astronomers discovered Pluto) and follows dirt roads on with spectacular views of the San Francisco Peaks. Elevations range between 6957 ft at the start, to 7731 ft near the 7.5 mile mark! Most of the climbing is done over the first 1.25 miles, so pace yourself. If you are from lower elevations, heed the race director’s advice and power walk!!!! You will easily make up the time over the rest of the course! The 5K is also on Observatory Mesa.