City Readies for First-Ever Phoenix Marathon: What Residents Need to Know

Phoenix is set to host its inaugural Phoenix Marathon on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, marking a major milestone for the city’s running community. With more than 7,000 runners expected to participate across three race distances—marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), and 10K—residents can expect a day full of energy, excitement and some temporary traffic adjustments. 

The event kicks off Friday, Dec. 12, with a Health & Lifestyle Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center. Free and open to the public, the expo offers race packet pickup, exclusive merchandise, vendor booths, and more.

Traffic Impacts & Road Closures

To ensure safety for runners and spectators, several roads will be impacted during race day, including: 

• Glendale Avenue and Central Avenue: Near the half marathon starting point 
• Camelback Road: Expect delays and detours from 24th Street to 40th Street 
• Phoenix Municipal Stadium area: Finish line location with heavy traffic flow 

The marathon kicks off at 7 a.m. The course is expected to close, with roads expected to reopen, around 1:30 p.m. For the entire route and road closures, visit the Phoenix Marathon website at phxmarathon.com. 

Residents with questions or concerns on traffic impacts can contact the marathon team at community@phxmarathon.com or call the hotline at 623-252-2485.