5 events in Pima County, Arizona

Dave’s Run for ALS is a super-fun, family event for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.

DAVE'S DOUBLE IS BACK THIS YEAR BY POPULAR DEMAND (run both the 8K and 5K and win a special prize)!!

The event is named for the late David Filer who was an avid runner, active SAR member, and local business owner. David was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, in the summer of 2000. Currently there is no cure for this fatal disease. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go specifically for ALS research, via the Jim Himelic foundation. Race distances are 8K and FitKidz and Family 1 Mile Run/Walk. Awards in the 8K in 5 year age groups.

Run more, pay less! SAR members receive a discount that covers RunSignup fees at all SAR-owned races. Not a member? Join SAR: https://runsignup.com/MemberOrg/SouthernArizonaRoadrunners

6:15am - 6:45am - Packet Pickup 8K

7:00am - 8K Start (*Running Shop Grand Prix event)

7:00am - 8:15am - Packet Pickup 5K and FitKidz Mile

8:30am - 5K Start

8:35am - FitKidz Mile Start

9:15am - Award ceremony for both the 8K and 5K

WHAT AWESOME STUFF DO YOU GET WITH DAVE'S RUN FOR ALS?

• FREE Shirts (8K & 5K) - while supplies last

• FREE finisher medals (8K & 5K) - while supplies last

• PRIZES in 5 year age groups plus overall women & men including Running Shop Gift Certificates for winners

• FREE snacks and Eegees! (ALL)

• PRIZE for the largest team (must pre-register a captain and team members who run the 8K or the 5K)

• Supporting the fight against ALS! (ALL)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2026

Biosphere to Oro Valley, AZ

Net downhill courses along the foothills of the Santa Catalina mountains run since 1969. The full Marathon, 50K & Marathon Relay start at Biosphere 2 near Oracle and run down past Catalina, through Oro Valley and finishing at Pima Community College Northwest Campus. The full marathon has net elevation loss of 1,493 feet and is a Boston Qualifier with NO TIME PENALTY.

The Half Marathon starts at Golder Ranch Fire Administration in Catalina and runs down through Oro Valley, join The Loop Bike Path next to the Cañada del Oro to the finish at Pima Community College.

Join us for beautiful winter weather and a fast downhill courses!

Marathon & Marathon Relay Courses

The marathon runners line up at the spectacular and storied Biosphere 2 near Oracle, AZ running on some rolling hills until the course reaches Oracle Road / SR 77. Traveling along the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains, through the quaint towns of Catalina and then down into Oro Valley, the course brings the runners along the Canada del Oro River Bike Path to the new finish at Pima Community College Northwest Campus. For those who do not want to tackle the longer distances, the Marathon Relay requires four runners, each running a proportionate leg of the marathon course. (60 Team Limit)

Half Marathon Course

The Half Marathon now starts at Golder Ranch Fire Administration Building (former finish) and follows the second half of the marathon course into Oro Valley and along The Loop bike path. Both the Full and Half Marathon events are USA Track & Field certified and all results are sent directly to Boston.

50K Ultra Course

The 50 kilometer course is now USATF Certified and follows the Marathon course with a new addition extending to Ted Walker Park and back on The Loop bike path.

Packet

Packet Pickup

Friday, December 11, 2026

3:00pm - 6:00pm

Aravaipa Running

2401 S. 24th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85034

or

Saturday, December 12, 2026

11:00am - 6:00pm

Pima Community College -

North West Campus

7600 N Shannon Rd,

Tucson, AZ 85709

0000 North Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85704

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking for a fun way to get some exercise, join us for an exciting morning at America's most legendary western film set. Passing through the gates of an old frontier town, you'll be transported back in time to the mythic Wild West.

Dash down the streets of Hollywood’s most famous films, and walk in the footsteps of movie legends like John Wayne, Sharon Stone, and other class film stars.

• The 8-Mile race includes a 2-mile loop inside the Old Tucson grounds, then a 4-mile loop on the trails of Tucson Mountain Park, then a closing 2-mile loop inside Old Tucson, with a start and finish at the Bitter Creek and High Chaparral sets. Starts at 7:30 am.

• Click here for the 4-mile route. The 4-mile trail run loops throughout the dusty streets, horse trails, and desert terrain of Old Tucson Studios. There will be two sections of the 4-Miler.

• Click here for the 1-Mile. The Family 1-mile includes a $10 entry for all 14-and-under, with no shirt. Western costumes, children, and strollers are all welcome! This is meant to be a family-friendly social event with no prizes.

• The first 750 participants receive a free commemorative shirt.

• All participants receive colorful souvenir race number.

• Want more? Mosey up to the cash bar for a post-race drink at the Bitter Creek set or pre-order a breakfast burrito here.

Highlights:

• First 700 registrants guaranteed a commemorative colorful souvenir shirt - see here

• Low pricing with a la carte add-ons, including Day Pass to Old Tucson, breakfast burrito, or additional souvenir shirts

• Post-race cash bar with beer, spirits and more at Stage 2, near the Bitter Creek finish line

• $2 off for all SAR members.

• Start/Finish at the Bitter Creek and High Chaparral sets

• Costume Contest: we'll hold a western-themed costume contest at the awards ceremony -- run in your western duds and try to win a costume contest prize!

• The 8-Miler and 4-Miler includes single track trails, Horse Poop Alley, dirt roads, washes, and the dusty Old Tucson Main Street (wheelchairs and strollers will find this very challenging)

• The 1-Mile Walk/Run course is less technical and loads of fun for walkers, joggers, and runners of all abilities (chairs and strollers should be fine on this trail, though chair athletes may have a difficult time navigating the terrain).

• The 14-and-under 1-Mile is a low price of $10 but does not include a shirt.

• Free Lil' Partners 100 yard dash for lil' cowpokes!

• Age Group and Overall Prizes: Gift certificates to The Running Shop for overall and age group winners

Terrain: dirt, trails, and washes

Difficulty: some sections are rugged, mostly flat but a few inclines, watch out for cactus. The 8-miler has a section that is pretty challenging between Miles 3-5.

Weather: 50's - 70's

Differently Abled: the 8-miler and four-miler is not suited for chairs, but the 1-miler may be doable

Pets: Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on Old Tucson property

About Old Tucson: Old Tucson Studios is open Thursdays through Mondays from 10:30am to 5:00pm. More details can be found on their website www.oldtucson.com

Location and Directions: Follow links above. Old Tucson Studios, 201 South Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85735

For questions, please contact [email protected].

Choose Your Race Day Distance -- Times are tentative, as we work out the details with Old Tucson Entertainment

TENTATIVE 2027 SCHEDULE

Saturday, February 20: Packet Pickup and In-Person Registration at The Running Shop

10:00am - 1:00pm: In-person registration and packet pickup at the Running Shop, 3055 North Campbell. All shirt sizes are first-come, first-served.

YES: someone else can pick up your items and you can pick up someone else's shirt and number

YES: it will be crowded, so please be patient and be nice to the volunteers

YES: The Running Shop will have items on sale, so take some time to shop for your running needs.

YES: New registrants can pay by RunSignup, or with cash or check

Sunday morning, February 21: Event Day!

6:30: In-person registration and packet pickup begins at start/finish staging area, near Bitter Creek and Sound Stage Two.

Enter the walkway at the eastern end of the Old Tucson main parking lot. All shirt sizes are first-come, first-served. There are no race transfers allowed. New registrants can pay with cash or check. Please be nice to the staff and the volunteers.

7:30: Start 8-Miler, at Bitter Creek Set

7:45: Family Mile Starts

9:00: Four-Miler, Corral One

9:00 or so: Breakfast and Cash Bar will open.

9:30: Four-Miler, Corral One

10:00 or so: on rolling basis, Awards begin, Costume Contest, and Free Lil' Pardner's Fun Run -- fun 100-yard dash around the High Chaparral and Bitter Creek sets

11:00 or so: we try to wrap up. According to Old Tucson management, all participants are asked to leave the grounds by 11:15 or so, and then re-enter through the main entry turnstyles.

REMINDER: Friends and family are allowed in Old Tucson during the event up until race end at 11:15 am. To stay in town after the park opens, participants can purchase a discounted ticket. These tickets must be purchased via this webpage ahead of time.

February 22 - March 15th: If you missed the event, you can pick up any remaining shirts at The Running Shop; first-come, first-served for remaining sizes