10K races near Catalina Foothills

The Tucson Wicked Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Spooky Kids Sprint takes place at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park on East River Road in Tucson, Arizona. The event begins early, features four race distances, and limits participation to 600 runners. The half marathon is the longest distance with a four-hour limit. The 10K and 5K offer shorter routes for adults and older children. The Spooky Kids Sprint is a half-mile, untimed run for younger children, allowing families to combine racing with a Halloween activity. Costumes are encouraged, adding a unique atmosphere compared to typical road races. Children registered for the Spooky Sprint get a trick-or-treat bag at check-in and collect treats from volunteers along their course. StartLine Racing organizes this event, now in its ninth year. A virtual option is available for those unable to attend in person.

The Pecan Classic is a 5K and 10K run/walk in Sahuarita, Arizona, beginning at the Green Valley Pecan Company. This yearly Southern Arizona race coincides with the pecan harvest season, marked by yellowing leaves, drying husks, and typically more comfortable running weather. Participants can select either the 5K or 10K distance, accommodating those aiming for a 10K challenge and those preferring a shorter community run. The Southern Arizona Roadrunners, a non-profit organization that hosts local fitness events in the Tucson area, organizes the race. Proceeds from the Pecan Classic benefit a local non-profit.

AZT Vail Scramble is a Southern Arizona trail race offering three distances: marathon, half-marathon, and 10K. The longer races run point-to-point through the valley between the Santa Rita and Rincon Mountains. School buses transport runners to their start lines and return them from the finish area. All participants park at Vail School District, with all three races concluding at the Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead on the Arizona Trail. The marathon begins south of Vail, incorporating a short dirt road section in the initial mile before following the AZT north. This route features repeated climbs and descents along the Santa Rita foothills. The half-marathon commences after a 0.3-mile dirt road segment, and the 10K starts near Sahuarita Road and Highway 83, merging with the final 6.2 miles of the marathon course. The half-marathon and 10K consist primarily of gradual, winding descents through ocotillo, prickly pear cactus, creosote, and mesquite. Proceeds benefit the Arizona Trail Association. The race is cupless; aid stations offer water and Skratch Labs hydration from 5-gallon containers, requiring runners to bring their own bottle, hydration pack, or collapsible cup.