I flew into Phoenix and took a taxi straight to the expo. It was easy enough to navigate, but it got crowded at the expo, which was annoying.
The expo was ok. Expo was at Sloan Park (Chicago Cub’s training grounds). There weren’t many goodies to take home. Venders were mainly PT and other race organizers. One vender sold oranges and wanted me to order a box of oranges. I like oranges, but I don't eat them religiously.
The weather was relaxing, especially coming from the winter in West Virginia. The race started at 6:30 in the desert with the weather in the 40s. The rest of the race eventually got to 60s. It was not humid, so people weren’t sweating like crazy!
Miles 3-4 has the slight elevation increase. Miles 5-13 had the biggest downhill elevation change. Miles 13-26 was flat.
There were not at many spectators as I hoped. There were some, but there were tons of empty parts of the run, so I felt like this race was kinda boring and not as entertaining as it could've been.
Highlights
I went to Noodles & Company to carboload and I met a guy the day before the race! I started chatting with him because he was wearing a hat for an Indiana marathon that I'm interested in doing & I found out that he will be pacing for my MI marathon in October. I won't be in his pace group since I'm not fast, but it was great to meet up with a fellow runner!
One spectator gave out beer. I wish there were more beer opportunities, but I'll take what I can!
I met up with a couple of first timers and I encouraged them! I also met up with an Ironman athlete, and he made it seem like Ironmans are fun! I do want to try one day, not sure when!
One section (around mile 10) had tons of people set up a Christmas section.
There was zero corral control. People started wherever they felt like it, and we all started at the same time.
Pacers? No
There were fireworks in the beginning, which was cool. The race director asked for a volunteer to sing the national anthem. I would've sung, but I can't sing for my life.
No challenge options, so all the runs were on the same day, and no one could do anything crazy sadly.
Finishers received a popsicle, 1 beer, bananas, chips, and granola bars. There were zero bags for finishers to take, so I had to awkwardly hold everything on my person.
I definitely recommend this marathon if you want to PR and run in a race that's not crowded!
Race Website: Mesa Marathon