P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon and 1/2 Marathon

Runners, Walkers, Music, and Entertainment

By Judy Hedding, About.com Guide

The start at the P.F. Chang's® Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon

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The P.F. Chang's® Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon starts in Phoenix, continues through Scottsdale, and finishes in Tempe, Arizona. There's also a kids' race, two-person half marathon relay and a mini-marathon. You'll find live music every mile, and hopefully Phoenix will have its perfect winter weather in place for the day of the P.F. Chang's® Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. Really a three-day event, there's a Health & Fitness Expo for the two days prior to the actual races.

See a photo gallery of the P.F. Chang's® Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon.

What is the P.F. Chang's® Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon?

P.F. Chang's® Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon is more than a running event. It's a musical running event with bands, entertainment, an expo and more. It is also the largest combined running event in the United States, and a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

When is it?

Race Date: Sunday, January 20, 2013

Start Times:
Marathon Start: 7:30 a.m.
1/2 Marathon Start: 7:30 a.m.

Where does the P.F. Chang's® Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon take place?

The Half Marathon starts from Downtown Tempe at Mill Avenue and 3rd Street. The Marathon starts from Downtown Phoenix at CityScape. the finish line is the same for both races. That is at Packard Drive between Sun Devil and Sun Angel Stadiums at ASU in Tempe. Here's a map of the race course.

The starts for both races are within steps of a METRO Light Rail Station. Marathon runners will use the 3rd Street and Washington/Jefferson Stations and runners in the Half Marathon in Tempe can use the Mill Avenue & 3rd Street Station. It's about a 10-minute walk back to the Metro Light Rail Station at 5th Street & College from the finish line.

The Arizona Department of Transportation usually provides detailed motorist information, including any travel or road restrictions, for the P.F. Chang's® Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon. Call 5-1-1, then *7. The call is free.

Are there fees/admission charges for the P.F. Chang's® Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon ?

If you are running in one of the events, you can register online until January 13, 2013. There are fees for entering both the regular marathon and the half-marathon. Pick up your Race Number, Timing Chip, T-shirt and goodie bag at the Health & Fitness Expo located at the Phoenix Convention Center, South Building. Runners must show photo ID to pick up their race number and timing chip. After January 13 you can register at the Health & Fitness Expo if space is available (at a higher price). There is no race day registration.

There is no charge for being a spectator at the race or for attending the Health & Fitness Expo.

What else should I know?

The Health & Fitness Expo is located at the Phoenix Convention Center and will be open to the public on Friday, January 18, 2013 from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday, January 19, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 60 exhibitors will feature free samples, running gear, sports apparel, health and nutritional information, and more. Admission to the Health & Fitness Expo is free, but parking is not free.

There are many spots from which you can watch the race on January 20th and cheer for your favorite runners. You can find course maps here. Remember that it will most likely be cold early in the day, and then will warm up.

There will be bands and high school cheer squads all along the course for the day of the marathon, and there will be a free concert at the Finish Line Festival at Arizona State University. The headliner in 2013 is Andy Grammer. Approximate start time for the band is 11:15 a.m.