Half Marathon races near Gilbert

The #AZ48 Half Marathon, 10K & 5K is a flat, fast road race series in Downtown Chandler, Arizona. All three distances start and finish at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park East Stage Plaza. The course is USATF-certified, providing an officially measured route within the downtown area. The route follows the streets around Downtown Chandler, passing local sights and race-day activity before returning to the same plaza for the finish. Every finisher receives a medal. The top three men and women overall get awards, and age-group awards are given three deep for men and women. Packet pickup is at the Downtown Chandler Hilton Garden Inn, which is also the host hotel offering race-weekend rates.

PB&J Fuel Run is a small private group run centered on the peanut-butter-and-jelly theme, offering 5K, 10K, and half-marathon distances. Runners and walkers of all paces are welcome, and younger participants may enter with a guardian. Each wave has a participant limit, so entries close once a wave is full; runners who miss out can join the waitlist or select the virtual option. The format is straightforward: no special equipment is needed, and timing is optional. Participants may record their own time using a watch or phone, or consider it an untimed run with coordinator assistance. The event is designed as a relaxed group outing rather than a competitive race, with local run club invitations extended as part of the sign-up support.

The Shun the Sun Gilbert Half Marathon is an annual Arizona road race held in Gilbert, starting and finishing at Verde at Cooley Station. As a Shun the Sun Foundation event, the race supports skin cancer education, prevention, early detection, and provides sunblock donations for youth groups. The event originated in Mesa before relocating to Gilbert to align with the Gilbert Days celebration. Its race-day operations are now centered at Verde at Cooley Station. All three courses are USATF Certified, allowing half marathon results to be used for official qualifying, records, or national rankings. Following the run, a Post-Race Expo at Verde offers participants and spectators early access and discounts from local businesses.

The Thanksgiving Gobble Trot Run in Phoenix begins at G.R. Herberger Park, offering participants a holiday-morning selection of a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or a 1-mile Family Fun Run. This yearly Thanksgiving-themed event, organized by The Best Races, carries the tagline “Wobble Before You Gobble,” encouraging participants to run or walk before their holiday meal, with family and friends invited. The event is smaller than a large city road race, featuring capped waves that close upon reaching capacity. All running paces are welcome, walkers are permitted, and participants under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. The course map is distributed via email instead of being widely promoted beforehand. A virtual option is available for the 5K, 10K, and half marathon. Participants who prefer not to receive a shirt can opt for an Eco-Registration for the primary race distances.

Santa Hustle Glendale is a holiday-themed running event at Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale, Arizona, offering half marathon, 10K, and 5K distances. This event brings the Santa Hustle format to the desert, with the race centered on costumes, seasonal music, and Christmas decorations instead of a basic road-race atmosphere. Runners receive Santa-themed apparel including a hat, beard, long-sleeve shirt, and beanie, along with a finisher medal. The course includes candy canes and cookies, making it particularly suitable for families, casual runners, and anyone seeking a December race that resembles a group holiday gathering more than a competitive time trial.

Scarface Mountain Trail Run is an annual trail race held at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa, Arizona. The start and finish lines are located at the Trailhead Staging Area. The race offers a 10k, a 5k (measuring 3.35 miles), a 1-mile fun run, and a new 20k for those seeking a longer desert trail run. The event is organized by 4 Peaks Racing and features a distinct charity component: all registration fees are donated. Half of the funds support Mesa United Way-Foster360, and the other half benefits the Charitable Foundation of the Rotary Club of Mesa. The race is designed to support local fundraising alongside trail running.