23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run logo
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23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run

Date
September 19, 2026
Distance
1/2 Marathon · 10k Run · 5k Run & more
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From the Organizer

 

One of the most scenic and challenging 1/2 marathon and 10k courses in Arizona! This challenging course is located in the scenic and cool Ponderosa Pine forest of Groom Creek just 5 miles South of Prescott. The 5k and fun run courses stay on smooth pavement with rolling hills. The 10k and 1/2 marathon courses begin and end on pavement, but also wind through the forest on smooth, wide dirt forest roads.

 

  • Race is limited to 100 half marathon spots, 60 10k spots, and 100 5k spots.  Don't wait!

  • We will have a cupless course.  This means that we will not have paper or plastic cups at the water stations on the course.  This is in an effort to reduce litter in our forest, and reduce the one-time use of paper and plastic cups.  All runners will be given a reusable and foldable hydration bottle at registration.  Alternatively, you can wear any hydration pack that works for you!  We WILL offer cups at the start/finish line stations.  There WILL be water stations throughout the course where you can fill your bottle or hydration pack.

  • Bring your own swag bag.  Runners will receive an even shirt and hydration bottle.  Along with our efforts to curb waste, we will not be handing out bags to all runners.  These plastic bags traditionally are tossed in the garbage once the runners get home.  We want to reduce this kind of waste. Should you absolutely need a bag, there will be small plastic garbage bags available on request.  We will again be providing free bag check.

SWAG AND AWARDS

  • All runners receive an event T-shirt with entry. 
  • All runners receive a foldable hydration bottle.
  • Finisher medal for all 1/2 Marathon runners.
  • Medals for top 3 finishers in age groups (1/2M, 10K, 5K).

 

Events

1/2 Marathon8 AMRegister →
10k Run8 AMRegister →
5k Run8 AMRegister →
Fun Run8 AMRegister →

Weather

Typical Conditions

It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.

Typical High

83°

Typical Low

53°

Chance of Rain

17%

Based on US Climate Normals data from Prescott Love Fld, 6 mi from the venue.

Sunrise 6:17 AMSunset 6:33 PMDaylight 12h 16m

Host City

About Prescott, AZ

Elevation

5,486 ft

Nearest Airport

PRC

Prescott Regional Airport - Ernest A. Love Field · 6 mi

Major Hub

PHX

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport · 88 mi

Time Zone

Mountain Time

From Endurance Grid

Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.

Race Location

Your Next Start Line

What Are You
Waiting For?

Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.

103

Days to train

Race
23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run
Date
September 19, 2026

From Endurance Grid

About This Sport

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.

Read the Guide

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the 23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run?
23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run is a running race held in Prescott, Arizona on September 19, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the 23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run?
Saturday, September 19, 2026 in Prescott, Arizona at 1110 E. Friendly Pines Road, Prescott, AZ. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the 23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run?
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run

Sep 19, 2026

Register →