The moderate Tucson-area temps are creeping in, finally. The weather brings with it the optimal conditions for a variety of outdoor activities and events, from golf to hiking to biking, Tusconans will soon revel in the splendor of al fresco sport options available to the climate-blessed region.
This year, two races in the Tucson vicinity will involve arduous climbs through extraordinary scenery.
This October, one of Southern Arizona’s most coveted athletic events will draw fitness junkies from all over the state.
The 20th Annual Bisbee 1000-The Great Stair Climb will take place on Saturday, Oct. 16 and is a 5K that has been know to feel more like a 10K.
The course includes nine sets of more than 1,000 stairs at an altitude of 5,000-plus feet in Bisbee, Arizona. Participants walk, climb, or run through the former mining town's historical streetscape, and can enjoy live music, a beer garden, and arts and crafts vendors. Adding to the excitement is the fact that individuals of all ages can participate and climb the 100 steps along the way. Keeping motivation and spirits high throughout the event, runners and walkers will be serenaded by live music scattered at strategic locations along the route.
Another event set to transpire on Sunday, Oct. 17, will have marathoners running into town. The inaugural Mount Lemmon Marathon and Half Marathon, one of the toughest road marathons in the world and the only uphill marathon in the US, will offer 6000-plus feet of elevation change above the Tucson desert to athletes up for the challenge.
The course runs through multiple ecosystems featuring everything from saguaro cacti to alpine meadows. The event is also friendly to charity runners and walkers, with the course open for 10 hours beginning at 6 a.m. Spectators are encouraged to come watch the marathoners tackle the challenging route and there are six designated places where galleries can gather. A pilot care will serve as transport for spectators looking to take in the views and catch the race. Being that this is the inaugural year of the event, volunteers will be what makes the event run smoothly, Volunteer positions are still availale to interested parties. Proceeds from events at the marathon will benefit Beat Cancer Bootcamp.
To Learn More
The 20th Annual Bisbee 1000, 520.432.1585 or go to www.bisbee1000.org.
Mount Lemmon Marathon, 520.270.0763 or visit www.mountlemmonmarathon.com.
