Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona
Tempe, AZ
- Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Start your new year on the right foot with a tri-city tour filled with musical miles on smooth and scenic courses that take you through Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix. Rock out to live bands, DJs, and entertainment as you take in the stunning views surrounding you. This tour wouldn’t be … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Jan 16):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 78 | 75 | 68 | 60 | 73 |
| L (°F) | 50 | 55 | 45 | 51 | 47 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Mixed Feelings
Hotel: I first want to recommend staying at a hotel close to everything or close to the light rail. We stayed at the Best Western Vib which was 0.5 mile … MORE
Hotel: I first want to recommend staying at a hotel close to everything or close to the light rail. We stayed at the Best Western Vib which was 0.5 mile from 5K start and 3 blocks from half start.
Packet Pick Up: Was at the Phoenix Convention center and while we were able to ride the light rail, which took about 45 minutes, it was ultimately inconvenient that packet pick up was not anywhere near the race start and our hotel.
There wasn’t much in terms of vendors at the expo and it was annoying they don’t let you exchange your shirt size at the expo so that you can wear the shirt for the race. There was also no restrooms inside the expo area as they had them blocked off so you had to go back out to the front. When you exit the expo the door opens to the street and we were told we had to walk around the building to use the ones at the main entrance.
Race Start: There were 12 corrals but hardly any porta potties at race start so I ended up walking back to my hotel as it was faster than the super long lines. The gear bag UPS trucks were right on 5th and Mills so this was super convenient as it was a cold start. I was in corral 9 and started 17 minutes after the official start.
Race: The best parts of this race were the beginning and the end for the scenery. You start out heading over a bridge and into a mountain area for the first few miles and this was beautiful. Weather at the start was 48 and got into mid 60s by the end. It felt a lot warmer than that because there is no shade for the entire race. Once we turned into Scottsdale around mile 4 it got boring as we were running down a main street of chain type businesses. Around the half mark you go through Old Town Scottsdale which was cute but it’s only about 0.50 mile on each side. At half mark you are flipping back to retrace your path down the business strip again.
There was not enough porta potties on the Scottsdale strip as they were shared by both sides of the road. I waited in line to use one.
My favorite mile but also my worst mile was mile 9-10. It’s a long hill but absolutely beautiful with the mountains and blue sky and it made me cry. Around mile 10 you turn into a more rustic area where you run through the Wear Blue mile which was mostly down hill. This mile had photos lining the entire path of fallen service members. So there was more crying.
The last section before the bridge was tough as it was boring with not much out there but once you hit the bridge your within 0.75 mile of the finish. I was over by more than 0.2 miles and I didn’t feel like I did a lot of weaving so not sure if it was me or the course.
The finish chute was a little annoying as it would have been more logical to have it mirror the 5K chute as it drew you into the park. But instead you were taken down the street to the round about and it was chaos trying to reconnect with family. The gear bag trucks were deep into the park probably another 0.5 mile+ walk.
Finish area: I was a bit disappointed as the line for the 13.1 picture was SUPER long and only a couple food trucks out there. The bands were NOT good so just hanging out and listening to music was not enjoyable and I ended up just heading back to hotel pretty quickly. They could have certainly had more photo backgrounds.
Overall: I like doing races that are apart of a series and I’ve done other R&R races so I was checking this one off the list. The race was fun and had its goods moments for scenery and entertainment. It was close to attractions like the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, and Arizona Boardwalk where the Butterfly Wonderland and OdySea Aquarium were. You could take the light rail from the airport to general race area which was only $2/person. But I wouldn’t say it was favorite race and this was actually my slowest half to date.
Best Weather ever
Lots of people, lots of runners, lots of parking. From a stand point of running, great race, from a stand point of communication and web site functioning, it needs a … MORE
Lots of people, lots of runners, lots of parking. From a stand point of running, great race, from a stand point of communication and web site functioning, it needs a lot of improvement, and not improved from last year. Timing and timing results are next to impossible to get, what you get is so basic it is pointless to have. I have never been able to get accurate results, how many ran, on anything, times on mid points. So clearly a money operation and not for runners. Some volunteers rude. They want you to participate in heavy medals but rude lady their for two years. Course is mostly flat, two hills.
Nice flat race, with great support.
At mile 10 there was a section to remember our military hero’s who had lost their lives in service. Incredibly impactful. The race was very organized and although it was … MORE
At mile 10 there was a section to remember our military hero’s who had lost their lives in service. Incredibly impactful.
The race was very organized and although it was over 8 thousand runners it was extremely smooth and well run. I wish I had time to hang out after the race but I had to catch a flight back home.
A pretty good one
Solid race by the Rock N Roll guys who usually put on a good show. The course itself was OK - nothing special. Mostly flat, along closed roads. Not much … MORE
Solid race by the Rock N Roll guys who usually put on a good show. The course itself was OK – nothing special. Mostly flat, along closed roads. Not much to see but some interesting rock formations here and there. Some local bands doing their thing along the way. The start and finish was in a nice open green space so plenty of room for everyone. Parking was easy. Expo/bib pickup was easy. Probably not a destination race so much for the out of towners, unless you are really into the Rock N Roll series. But i would recommend if you are in the Phoenix area.
Rock On
This was one of the best organized races I have ran. Communication was awesome, course and on course entertainment were beautiful and plentiful. Swag was good, medals were very nice. … MORE
This was one of the best organized races I have ran. Communication was awesome, course and on course entertainment were beautiful and plentiful. Swag was good, medals were very nice. After party was one of the best I have been to. Highly recommend.
Fun course with lots of entertainment
Mostly flat course with two hills, one going out around mile 3 and the same coming back around mile 9. Not super steep, but go on for a bit. Pretty … MORE
Mostly flat course with two hills, one going out around mile 3 and the same coming back around mile 9. Not super steep, but go on for a bit. Pretty views at this point so it wasn’t bad. Starts and ends in downtown Tempe so there are plenty of places to go after the festivities. Great musicians on the course and after the race. T-Shirts and medals were nice, plenty of porta potties and great volunteers. Finishing times not posted anywhere at the event and not many vendors after the race. The expo was okay, more pushy vendors than I am used to. Perfect weather and everyone was very friendly.
A very well done race, never an issue.
Very well done, parking is no problem, there is a garage, 300 ft. from the start. No issues what so ever. 4-5,000 runners, all ages. Good roads, good aid stations, … MORE
Very well done, parking is no problem, there is a garage, 300 ft. from the start. No issues what so ever. 4-5,000 runners, all ages. Good roads, good aid stations, nice folks. 100% a redo. Going to Las Vegas next, I love that one.
January Fun in the Valley of the Sun
Reliable and always cutting edge trending swag- especially if you are into latest trending running gear. Especially like how the run is in Scottsdale and Tempe. Two of my favorite … MORE
Reliable and always cutting edge trending swag- especially if you are into latest trending running gear. Especially like how the run is in Scottsdale and Tempe. Two of my favorite cities. The course is not that exciting, but the spectators, water stops with themed volunteers as well as live music make it worth the effort. Music is very encouraging.
Too much uphill
Miles 9-10ish are a steady uphill so keep that in mind for early pacing, even in January the sun is strong and the air is dry so need more hydration, … MORE
Miles 9-10ish are a steady uphill so keep that in mind for early pacing, even in January the sun is strong and the air is dry so need more hydration, great course support, last few miles are through a park – think hiking
AZ sunshine
Arizona had a cold spell, the race morning was in the upper 30’s but warmed up nice for a brisk morning run. Temps got into the mid to upper 50’s, … MORE
Arizona had a cold spell, the race morning was in the upper 30’s but warmed up nice for a brisk morning run. Temps got into the mid to upper 50’s, coming from Montana (-20 degrees) Arizona was nice.
The course was an out and back but was enjoyable. A few hills but nothing too strenuous.
The Expo had lots of selection for souvenirs and was a nice venue in downtown Phoenix near Chase Field. The finish line was a great location and had plenty of space and excitement to celebrate the accomplishment.
Good experience overall
20 years in Az; first without marathon
The 20th edition of the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona featured a new course for the half marathon and the 10k replaced the full marathon. There are supposedly 53 legacy runners … MORE
The 20th edition of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona featured a new course for the half marathon and the 10k replaced the full marathon.
There are supposedly 53 legacy runners left, now that the marathon and half marathon legacy runners are combined.
The new course starts on Mill avenue, conveniently near a light rail stop, making travel to and from the race very easy. There are also nearby parking structures if you chose to drive in.
The course runs over the bridge, past the zoo, through Papago park and out into Scottsdale, before turning around on a parallel path back to Tempe town park.
Packet pickup is at the Phoenix convention center, which is also easily accessed via light rail.
Smooth
The correspondence was good. Parking wasn’t bad. The expo was big. The race was on time and the aide stations were good. There were enough port-a-potties. Everything ran smoothly. I … MORE
The correspondence was good. Parking wasn’t bad. The expo was big. The race was on time and the aide stations were good. There were enough port-a-potties. Everything ran smoothly. I enjoyed the race. My favorite thing was the app that gave you your pace and estimated finish time.
Great race & town
This a good race for Arizona. The course is pretty flat. A couple of hills, one around mile 3 & another around 9. They are long but not real steep. … MORE
This a good race for Arizona. The course is pretty flat. A couple of hills, one around mile 3 & another around 9. They are long but not real steep. The weather was low 40s, never got more than 50s. Race starts in Tempe, which has a great street of restaurants & bars, plus ASU is right there. Packet pick up is in Phoenix, very basic. I recommend staying in Tempe. There is a light rail train that goes between the 2. Lots of energy in the race & the scenery is great. Shirt is basic, medal is pretty cool.
The perfect race
R & R did a great job, execution at every level. Start was good, well done, finish was also good. A very good course, out and back. Lots of bathrooms, … MORE
R & R did a great job, execution at every level. Start was good, well done, finish was also good. A very good course, out and back. Lots of bathrooms, so not problem there. Exit was a little tight because of all the people. 8500 1/2 marathoners. 5000 10K ers. Really a great crowd. Parking at my garage was free 201-South Ash Ave. for runners, they started charging later on. Exit out of town was easy and fast. Police presence was right on the money.
Standard Rock 'n' Roll
The course was fine, expo was fairly typical Rock 'n' Roll, some small hills but nothing too brutal, some cool views of the desert, the only annoyance was it was … MORE
The course was fine, expo was fairly typical Rock ‘n’ Roll, some small hills but nothing too brutal, some cool views of the desert, the only annoyance was it was a hassle to get off of the ASU campus after the race to get back to my hotel (it wasn’t clear how to leave the campus), as well as the heavy rain during the race.
Nice Marathon (w/ Rolling Hills)
This was a nice marathon. Glad I chose this one for Arizona. The scenery was very nice. It was raining for the first 30 minutes of the marathon and then … MORE
This was a nice marathon. Glad I chose this one for Arizona. The scenery was very nice. It was raining for the first 30 minutes of the marathon and then stopped. Beware of the rolling hills. They might not look like they are difficult but oof they are! There are hotels in the area in walking distance so it was a very easy area to navigate to and from the marathon.
Desert Marathon
Pretty good course had a mix of concrete, pavement, crushed rock, and dirt/mud. Mostly flat. A lot of turns and some 180s. I’d run it again. MORE
Pretty good course had a mix of concrete, pavement, crushed rock, and dirt/mud. Mostly flat. A lot of turns and some 180s. I’d run it again.
Some organizational issues
I live in Tempe, so I thought getting to the race would be a breeze. I even inquired at information at the expo about where to park. However, when trying … MORE
I live in Tempe, so I thought getting to the race would be a breeze. I even inquired at information at the expo about where to park. However, when trying to get there, all the roads to the parking were closed with no one from race staff available to help direct people, so I parked pretty far away.
The race went well, but as it was one of my first real races, I was a little shocked by the hills. That’s really on me though, as I don’t think I properly prepared by studying the race course as well as I should have.
The finish line was a bit of a disappointment though. My wife tried to go there to cheer me on, but told me later that it was blocked off and she couldn’t figure out where to go to actually spectate. It was blocked off to people cheering basically.
Then I had to walk back to my car nearish the start line. That was horrible as it was a 20 min walk…
I’m registered for the 2024 half marathon as I’ve decided to give it ONE more chance. Hopefully, they fix these issues.
Not what RnR used to be
I’ve ran a few Rock n Roll half marathons and I was pretty excited for the Arizona being my first full marathon. Usually the crowd turnout is fantastic for RnR … MORE
I’ve ran a few Rock n Roll half marathons and I was pretty excited for the Arizona being my first full marathon. Usually the crowd turnout is fantastic for RnR which keeps runners going!
I’m pretty disappointed with how the race went though! The tracking system wasn’t accurate and only available through the RnR Running Series app. The expo was pretty sad and barely gave any swag. The gear check had the wrong address in the final race day info and there weren’t any signs how to get to the starting line with road closures. The crowd turnout was ultimately the hardest part though!! There were absolutely no fans for the last mile. It was blocked off. There were only 1400 marathon runners so it was a pretty quiet “big” race.
Mile 16-18 were uphill which really made runners lose momentum and mile 25 was also uphill. There was a long stretch for runners to walk to get to the final celebration area. Volunteers weren’t helpful or celebratory. It was really bizarre.
Three pros: the bands were great and the course was relatively easy until mile 16. There were plenty of water/endurance/aid stations too.
OK race mostly on city streets
My first "Rock n Roll". The organization had the business side of the marathon down. The expo was full and everything was organized to move you through smoothly. However, the … MORE
My first “Rock n Roll”. The organization had the business side of the marathon down. The expo was full and everything was organized to move you through smoothly. However, the race itself was just “ok”. I liked the live entertainment (which varied widely in quality), but the nature of running by them meant I only ever got snippets of a song.
There were some beautiful miles of the course on parks or river side, but the bulk of it was on city streets. Most of the time the streets were only partially closed so we were running with traffic on one or both sides of our reserved lane. That was a big negative for me.
Aid stations were plentiful, but it felt like the vast majority of the support on the run was from the paid entertainment and aid stations. Nearly no signs or cheering to break the monotony of running through buildings next to traffic.
I will not be seeking out other “Rock n Roll” marathons and instead looking for ones more connected to community or place.