Tucson · United States
5K races near Tucson
3 races in 2026
next one in 38 days
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Race calendar
Upcoming 5K races near Tucson
AUG 1
8AUG
Run · road · 5K
15th Annual Breeze in the Trees 5k
Sahuarita · 30 km away
SEP 2
13SEP
Run · road · 5K
TMC Tucson 10k
Tucson · 9 km away
27SEP
Run · road · 5K
Jim Click's Run 'N' Roll
Tucson · 11 km away
Tucson · 80 km
3 races mapped
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Recurring 5K races near Tucson
Races that repeat — weekly, monthly or yearly
Everyone Runs Catalina State Park 50-Year Trail Race and 5k Trail Run & Walk
The Everyone Runs' Catalina State Park 50-Year Trail Race and 5k Trail Run & Walk is a Tucson trail event held in September. It features a 9.3-mile race and a shorter 5k for runners and walkers. The longer race is for participants who can finish within three hours, while both distances are open to ages 5 to 100. The event is part of the Everyone Runs calendar, which also includes Catalina State Park races in April and November, plus Run with the Roosters in June.
The 9.3-mile course begins on the Nature Trail, proceeds to the Bridal Trail, climbs approximately 2.7 miles up the 50-Year Trail, turns around at the gate, and returns to the finish via the Bridal Trail. Organizers describe the course as challenging but mostly on smooth, easy trail with a single hill. The 5k remains on the Nature and Bridal Trails, offering an easier option for walkers and newer trail runners. Registration includes a homemade Mexican breakfast, doughnuts, fruit and nuts, free race photos, and a choice of cotton or tech finisher shirt. Awards are given to the top three finishers overall and in five-year age groups. Overall winners will receive running shoes from Fleet Feet.
Tucson Wicked Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Spooky Kids Sprint
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.
Dave's Run For ALS
Dave's Run For ALS is a Sunday morning running event held at Curtis Park in Tucson, Arizona. It is named for David Filer, a local business owner, Southern Arizona Roadrunners member, and dedicated runner who was diagnosed with ALS. The event features an 8K, a 5K, and a free 1 Mile FitKidz and Family Run/Walk, accommodating club runners, walkers, families, and children. A portion of the proceeds supports ALS research via the Jim Himelic foundation.
The 8K begins first, with the 5K and FitKidz Mile starting later. Awards for the 8K and 5K are presented after the races conclude. Participants seeking additional distance can opt for Dave's Double, which involves completing both the 8K and 5K for a distinct prize. The 8K is included in The Running Shop SAR Grand Prix. Awards extend deep into 5-year age groups, with winners receiving Running Shop gift certificates. The event also provides shirts and finisher medals for 8K and 5K runners, as available, along with complimentary snacks and Eegees. A prize will be given for the largest team.
17th Annual Pecan Classic 10K and 5K Run/Walk
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.
El Tour de Tucson 5K
The El Tour de Tucson 5K is a 3.1-mile run/walk in Downtown Tucson, taking place on the same day as the El Tour de Tucson bicycle event. It begins at the El Tour start line, allowing runners, walkers, families, and spectators to participate in the downtown event weekend. The race is chip-timed, open to all ages and abilities, and all finishers receive a souvenir medallion. Awards for overall and age-group winners are Fleet Feet Tucson gift cards.
The course is fast and flat, utilizing wide neighborhood streets through Barrio Viejo and Armory Park. It finishes near the Tucson Convention Center at El Parque de San Cosme, two blocks from the start and expo. The 5K is part of the larger El Tour Expo and Fiesta, a three-day event at the Convention Center Exhibition Hall featuring exhibits, demos, celebrity signings, food trucks, live entertainment, and a beer garden. Volunteers can assist as course monitors, water-station helpers, or medal distributors, extending the event's reach beyond participants.
Welcome to the 21st Annual Vail Jingle Trail!
The Vail Jingle Trail, a holiday-themed run and walk in Vail, Arizona, focuses on Mica Mountain High School and its cross country program. Now in its 21st year, it continues a Tucson-and-Vail holiday running tradition and supports a local toy drive.
The route largely follows the Mica Mountain Cross Country course, with minor adjustments possible based on event setup. Mica Mountain cross country runners will be stationed along the course to provide directions and encouragement. Participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy. The event collaborates with the Vail School District Transportation Department to collect over 500 toys for Toys for Tots, aiming to fill a school bus.
Empire Ranch Trail Run
The Empire Ranch Trail Run takes place in January at Historic Empire Ranch, located within the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. The course winds through mud and cattle-country trails on historic ranch grounds. Participants can choose from a 10k trail run, a 5k trail run/walk, or a 1-mile family walk/run. Run Tucson, in partnership with the Empire Ranch Foundation and the Bureau of Land Management, organizes this event. Organizers note it is the first running event held at the ranch.
The course is set on protected ranch land, promising a trail experience with natural elements like mud and cow pies. The event supports the Empire Ranch Foundation's efforts to preserve and restore the ranch's historic structures and landscape. Beyond the race, attendees can enjoy family ranch activities, leather-branding demonstrations, and a presentation contrasting cinematic cowboy attire with historical accuracy. All finishers receive shirts, snacks, photos, and videos. Awards are given for overall and age-group categories, with additional prizes including gift certificates from The Running Shop.
Sonoita Vineyards Wine Run 5k
At 5,000 feet in Arizona wine country, the Sonoita Vineyards Wine Run 5k is a timed 5K for runners and walkers at Sonoita Vineyards. The event is held in February and uses two start waves, one in the morning and one later in the morning, to manage the field without crowding.
The course is in the Sonoita Appellation, with more than 30 acres of vines around the winery and grasslands and mountain ranges on three sides. Sonoita Vineyards is Arizona’s oldest commercial vineyard and winery, started in the 1970s and opened in the early 1980s. Registration includes a soft cotton shirt, a finisher medal, and a shatterproof collapsible wine glass, with extra swag options for wine lovers, walkers, and runners.
Cupid's Chase 5K Tucson
Cupid's Chase 5K Tucson is a February 5K held at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park on East River Road in Tucson. The race begins in the morning following check-in, follows a certified 5K course with professional timing, and publishes results shortly after the finish. It is part of the national Cupid's Chase series organized by Community Options, with the Tucson event participating in a nationwide race day that attracts over 17,000 runners across its various locations.
The event accommodates a wide range of participants: runners, walkers, wheelchair users, families with strollers, sponsors, and leashed pets are welcome. Finishers may receive a Cupid's Chase medal and drawstring bag while supplies last. The shirt tradition allows participants to choose white for single or red for taken. Awards are presented to the top three overall male and female finishers, with age-group medals awarded in divisions from 12 and under up to 70 and over. The race supports Community Options, a nonprofit based in Princeton that offers housing and employment services for individuals with disabilities.
Desert Leprechaun 5K Run/Walk & Family Mile
The Desert Leprechaun 5K Run/Walk & Family Mile is a St. Patrick's Day running event in Tucson, Arizona, offering both a 5K and a one-mile race. The mile race begins in the early morning, preceding the 5K. This event is connected to Armory Park in Downtown Tucson and the local St. Patrick's Day Festival and Committee.
The 5K is included in The Running Shop SAR Grand Prix series, attracting runners aiming for series points, alongside walkers, families, and those opting for the mile. Awards are extensive for the 5K, including overall, masters, and five-year age-group prizes extending to 80+. The race incorporates holiday elements with themed items, finisher medals for 5K participants, shirts (subject to availability), and a costume contest for distinctive outfits.
TMC Earth Day 5K at Biosphere 2
The TMC Earth Day 5K at Biosphere 2 is a 5K run and walk held entirely within the Biosphere 2 grounds, located in the western foothills of the Catalina Mountains north of Tucson. The event is centered on Earth Day, and its location distinguishes it from a typical neighborhood 5K. Participants run through a facility designed to showcase entire ecosystems contained within a single structure and across a research campus.
The route guides runners and walkers from desert environments to exhibits and areas representing a rain forest, an ocean reef, and savanna grasslands, all within a single event. Run Tucson organizes the race, applying its experience from producing 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, marathons, trail races, road races, and RRCA-certified coaching. The event accommodates both runners and walkers, with a primary appeal being the opportunity to combine a short race with a visit to one of Arizona’s most distinctive science facilities.
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About 5K races in Tucson
Tucson Desert Base Miles
Tucson hosts 14 5K races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.
Tucson runners keep it simple: The Loop for flat base miles, Reid Park for the nearly three-mile golf-course loop, and Sabino Canyon when the long gradual rises need to get your attention. Saguaro East gives you Cactus Forest Drive and Loop, and the hilly road course runs about eight miles through that amazing desert landscape. Tumamoc Hill is the local climb when you want city views and honest work. Tucson Run Club meets Wednesdays at MSA Annex at 6:30 PM, and Tucson Trail Runners owns the darker weekday trail vibe. Tucson Marathon Events, Sabino Canyon Sunset Run, and Everyone Runs Catalina State Park are anchor races.
Tucson cyclists live on The Loop, and the 131-mile car-free shared-use path handles Z2, recovery spins, and long social miles through Pima County, Marana, Oro Valley, Tucson, and South Tucson. GABA brings the big club calendar, and Cactus Cycling Club keeps B and C rides rolling near Saguaro East, Corona de Tucson, Saddlebrooke, and Marana. Mount Lemmon is the climb everyone talks about, and Catalina Highway is the road to it. Reddington Road is quintessential Tucson gravel, and Mount Lemmon Control Road brings rough technical gravel when you want to work. Lemmon TT and El Tour de Tucson sit as anchor events.
Fall, winter, and spring are Tucson’s best training months, and October feels like runners are breathing a little easier. The city sits at 760 m, so winter base miles feel mild while elite athletes show up for blocks of work. When it drops to 4°C, locals get out by first light, ride pre-7 AM, or keep the before-work spin to about an hour. The North American Monsoon typically arrives around July 3 and runs through August into September, so clouds, humidity, and rain change the rhythm.