Phoenix marathon route kicks off with Arizona Canal Trail stretch that few runners expected to be this scenic

The Phoenix marathon route kicks off today with runners beginning their 26.2-mile journey through Arizona’s diverse desert landscape. The inaugural race features 9 miles along the Arizona Canal Trail, stunning views of desert terrain, and a dramatic finish near iconic Papago Park.

Route Begins at Deer Valley Towne Center

Runners will line up near Deer Valley Towne Center on N 31st Avenue for the official start. Faster pace groups stage closest to the start line near Behrend Drive. The course immediately immerses participants in Phoenix’s urban landscape as they head toward the picturesque Arizona Canal.

The marathon opening miles guide runners through residential neighborhoods before transitioning to the scenic waterway segments. This starting point puts athletes at approximately 1,100 feet of elevation, setting them up for the relatively flat desert terrain ahead.

Arizona Canal Trail Showcases Nine Miles of Waterway Beauty

One of the course’s most distinctive features runs along the Arizona Canal Trail, stretching approximately 9 miles from 43rd Avenue near Peoria Road all the way down to 24th Street near Bethany Home Road. This section offers consistent shaded running and scenic water views.

Runners benefit from the cooler morning temperatures and natural shade provided by the canal’s vegetation. The flat terrain along this segment makes it an ideal stretching ground for maintaining pace and building confidence before the later course challenges.

Route Section	Distance/Duration	Key Features
Arizona Canal Trail	9 miles	Scenic waterway, flat terrain, shade
Downtown Phoenix	Approx. 5-6 miles	Urban streets, skyline views
Camelback Road/Biltmore	Approx. 4-5 miles	Vibrant neighborhoods, beautiful streets
Desert Desert Sections	Multiple segments	Desert vistas, open views
Papago Park Finish	Final miles	Red rock views, Phoenix Municipal Stadium

Iconic Camelback Road Through the Biltmore

Race participants will experience the iconic Camelback Road that cuts through Phoenix’s elegant Biltmore neighborhood. This segment showcases beautiful tree-lined streets and upscale residential areas. Both full marathon and half marathon runners race down this scenic route.

The Biltmore area offers psychological boosts during the mid-race miles, with supportive spectators lining the streets. The neighborhoods provide visual interest and the shade of mature landscaping during what will be peak race hours on a pleasant December morning.

Desert Trails Lead Toward Papago Park

As runners approach the final miles, the course transitions to desert terrain with panoramic desert vistas opening up around them. The route guides participants toward the distinctive red rock formations of Papago Park, which looms dramatically on the northern horizon as runners make their final push.

These concluding miles test mental fortitude while rewarding participants with some of the most visually stunning sections of the race. The desert landscape provides natural elevation changes and open-air scenery that showcase what makes Phoenix’s geography unique. Finishing near Phoenix Municipal Stadium adds a stadium atmosphere as runners cross the finish line.

“Participants will enjoy the diverse scenery from the desert vistas down to the beautiful finish near Papago Park.”

— Phoenix Marathon Official Organizers, Event Description

Will Today’s Phoenix Marathon Route Deliver the Most Complete City Tour in Arizona Racing?

The inaugural Phoenix Marathon represents more than just a running event on December 13, 2025. The carefully designed 26.2-mile phoenix marathon route takes athletes on a complete guided tour of the Valley of the Sun.

From the northern starting point at Deer Valley Towne Center through the scenic Arizona Canal Trail and the upscale Biltmore neighborhoods, down iconic Camelback Road, across desert sections, and finishing with views of Papago Park at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, this race encapsulates what makes Phoenix a unique running destination. First-time marathoners and seasoned ultramarathon veterans alike will discover why the Phoenix marathon route sets the standard for city-based racing experiences.

Sources

• Phoenix Marathon Official Website – Course information and route details
• Arizona Central – Pre-race coverage and course overview
• KTAR News – Road closures and route logistics