Cycling & running events in Phoenix, 2026

Phoenix Mesa Chandler Training Ground

Running: Locals run canals, lake loops, and desert edges, then save the real heat for race day. The canal from Galveston Street to Riggs Road gives you 5 miles of paved and dirt surface. Desert Breeze Park has a one-mile loop around the lake for easy laps. The lake loop at Desert Breeze Park gives you 5 miles with a mountain backdrop. PHX Run Club owns the week with Downtown Phoenix, PV, Arizona Biltmore canal, Tempe Town Lake, and Sunday Java Jogs. Mikkeller Running Club - Phoenix keeps Mesa social on Wednesday nights. The #AZ48 Chandler half marathon and SHE Power Half Marathon & 5K work as anchor events.

Cycling: Locals ride canals, greenbelt miles, neighborhood loops, and desert climbs, depending on the day. Arizona Canal Path and Papago Park handle easy Z2 and social spins. The canal path runs 9 km with 240 m elevation. South Mountain has climbs around 5 km with 457 m elevation for stronger legs. South Mountain, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Usery Mountain Regional Park, and Four Peaks hold the climbs. SouthWest Bicycles Cycling Club, Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club, Sun City Cycling Club of Arizona, and btwphx keep group rides moving. Coke & Donuts 250 and Chandler Family Bike Ride sit on the calendar.

Season: October through March is the money window for both sports. Locals stack base miles, intervals, trail runs, gravel, and singletrack when the air finally cools off. Summer brings temperatures well over 100°F for 3-4 months, so runners and riders go before sunrise or after dark. Tempe riders can be on the road at 0300 for 25 miles before work. Night riders can head out around 10 PM for 30-40 miles because no sun makes all the difference. The Salt River area usually runs 10-15°F cooler than the bench above. Winter brings early morning cycling groups back and makes longer runs possible again.