P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Jamie M.
Wichita, KS

  (02-08-2010)

"I don't have anything bad to say about this marathon, really. It's big. But I was sort of overwhelmed by the whole thing. The course was . . . well, it wasn't bad. It was pretty, in parts. But it was very boring. It was an easy course, though.

Volunteer support and organization were both amazing. There was plenty of water, plenty of fluid (Heed), plenty of gels at mile 8. And the volunteers were friendly and in a good mood. Since it's a Rock 'n' Roll event, there were bands every other mile or so. It would have been nice if the music had extended a little farther from where the actual bands were. There were also pep/cheerleading squads. They were trying their best.

I did set a PR at this race, so I'm not complaining. But $85 seems awfully steep to go run a 1/2 marathon with 20,000 of my closest friends. Next time, I'll choose a smaller event.

The weather was absolutely perfect, though!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Rio .
, AZ

  (01-22-2010)

"This year (2010) I ran the full marathon. It is a relatively flat course in an urban environment through Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. The route itself isn't the most scenic one I've been on, but they did have a band every mile or so. This year, the water stations were fully stocked when I came by. Gear check was well organized. Temperatures were perfect. Expo is standard for one of the RNR series races. This year, we got a technical T-shirt as part of our SWAG bag. Shuttle from finish line to start was smooth, well organized and convenient! The photographers didn't catch me at all, though. Most likely to due to the large number of participants."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Freddy B.
Los Angeles, CA

  (01-20-2010)

"You can say this is a continuation of my RNR Vegas run.
So as previously stated I busted my ankle in Vegas.
I tried to recover, and did some minor training. I used an ankle brace and I would wrap my ankle.
During my training, once I was able to actually run again the biggest run I did was just a lil over 4 miles.
So hear I come in to Phoenix, thinking am bad ass.
Pause - Let me talk about the expo.
This by far was the biggest expo in terms of things to buy, I have been to.
I previously ran RNR Chicago and at the expo they ran out of a lot of stuff, here in AZ for some reason or by mere luck, I was able to find an RNR Chicago Backpack which I instantly fell in love with
There were 2 in the basket, I picked up one to just check it out, I turn back the other back pack had been picked up, so for only $25 I took this and ran. I didn’t buy much but there was a whole lot of stuff for sale.
Back to the Run
Race time - I’m wrapped, my ankle brace is on; I’m ready to go.
In the first 5 k I was at my regular pace, but then I start feeling discomfort on the plant of my injured foot.
It wasn’t my ankle, that felt fine stopped to examine my foot, didn’t notice anything out of place.
So I took off my ankle brace off. BIG MISTAKE
All of a sudden I feel this streaking pain in my arch.
I can’t really describe it. I thought of putting my brace back, NO GO. It just made hurt more.
I hobble to the first medical station I notice which was near mile 6.
I iced my foot down; the first medical station was a young girl with an older lady that was attending another person.
The young girl told me if I wanted to get shuttled to the finish line. I actually felt offended.
I know she is doing her job, but people train all year to do this runs. I will never accept a shuttle to the finish line, (I say that now)
So I hobbled to the next medical station about mile 8?
There was what looked to be an actual nurse, and maybe a doctor? They looked the part at least.
They actually examine my foot asked me questions their opinion did matter.
Not until they told me to shuttle it to the finish line.
I kept hobbling on, to the medical station only to ice mile 9and change?
Long story short this was my WORST finish.
Props to the medical staff on the course they were just looking out for me.
I had planned to Run in the Rose Bowl Half Marathon, but per my Dr order I might have to skip it. Luckly X-Rays were negative, and I don’t have Plantar Fasciitis which is what the medical staff thought I had; again all they were trying to do is help.

All in all learning experience, and a well put event like always by RNR
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Brian P.
Albuquerque, NM

  (01-01-2010)

"What can I say, I'm mostly a trail runner and this is a super-giant, flat, city-based road marathon. I thnk it would be a blast for a first timer but there are better marathons in AZ."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2007

Rio .
, AZ

  (09-09-2009)

"The year I ran it, many runners switched from the full to the half marathon last minute in an effort to make it to a TV in time that afternoon for a football playoff game. As a result, slower runners like me found a shortage of electrolyte drink at the hydration stops during the race- but plenty of water. Most likely the organizers weren't prepared for the larger number of half marathoners. I also learned later that they ran out of half marathon medals on-site and had to mail finisher medals to some people. At times, the course can be a little boring, but relatively flat and great traffic control. The bands and crowds were great. Love the drop off / pick up for personal items. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Jennifer P.
Tempe, AZ

  (05-18-2009)

"Biggest event in AZ. Lots of spectators, but parking is always an issue. If you can, get a ride to the start line. But great for first timers. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009