Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk
- Date
- August 8, 2026
- Distance
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Half Marathon · Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Early Half Marathon Run/Walk · Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff 5K Fun Run & more
From the Organizer
On August 8th, join Flagstaff's oldest race, and the 2nd oldest half marathon in Arizona sponsored by Kinney Construction Services! This year we are hosting our 49th annual race on our challenging and breathtakingly beautiful course. All half marathon participants will get a commemorative finisher's medal similar to last year's popular design. Both 5k or half participants will receive a $34 Sweatvac Hi-Tech colorful long-sleeved shirt, free digital race photos, and admission to the FREE August 7th Fratelli's pre-race pizza party located in their Party Room directly behind their 4th Street restaurant (2120 N Fourth Street). Kid's Dash participants will get a medal. See photos and the last year's race!
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Half Marathon and 5K are walker-friendly events! Those who would like to take their time on our beautiful but challenging half-marathon course, there is a 6 AM start. While you will receive a chip time and finisher's medal, you will not be eligible for age division awards. For many reasons, we do not allow dogs on the course during the race.
Our 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. ALL proceeds benefit BBBSF Mentoring Programs that create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
The race is also part of the 22nd annual Flagstaff Running Series value package of five of Flagstaff's most iconic foot races. You can save big on the Series package of races by registering for one-stop shopping at https://runsignup.com/Race/AZ/Flagstaff/FlagstaffRunSeries
PARTNER RACE: OCTOBER 10th SOULSTICE MOUNTAIN TRAIL RUN 30K/18K/10K
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
From Endurance Grid's Founder
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk?
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk is a running event held in Flagstaff, AZ. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
- When and where is the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk?
- Saturday, August 8, 2026 in Flagstaff, AZ at Actual Course - Thorpe Park Flagstaff, Flagstaff, AZ. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk?
- Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk
Aug 8, 2026