Race Information

Start Times:

6:55 am Half Marathon Wheelchair
7:00 am Valley of Gold Half Marathon
Time TBA Arizona Distance Classic Quarter Marathon
7:15 am Northwest Medical Center Oro Valley 5K Run/Walk
10:00 am Kids Fun Run

All events will start at Ventana Medical Systems Inc.

1910 Innovation Park Drive
Oro Valley, Arizona

To ensure the safety of all participants, the ADC does not permit any wheeled devices such as bicycles, rollerblades, baby joggers or scooters on the Half Marathon course.

Strollers/baby joggers WILL be allowed to start at the back of the 5K.

Pets are not allowed on either course.

Walkers welcome: the half marathon course is open and FULLY supported for FOUR hours.

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Course

Valley of Gold Half Marathon and Northwest Medical Center Oro Valley 5K, USA Track & Field certified courses: AZ05011GAN (Half Marathon), AZ05012GAN (5K) — click elevation chart to enlarge

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Aid Stations

There are 7 Aid stations on the Valley of Gold Half Marathon Course at miles 2.0, 3.8 4.8, 6.6, 8.4, 10.4 and 11.9. They will all feature water and Ultima Replenisher. Mile 6.6 will also have GU.

The Oro Valley Hospital 5k will have one aid station at mile 2.0.

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Finish Line

All participants are greeted with cheers and fanfare as they cross the finish line. Enjoy food and music on the green at the Ventana Medical Systems facility. There will be refreshments for participants and their guests.

Please plan to stick around after your race to enjoy the food and music.

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Timing

We are using Disposable Chips this year. The D-Tag is a disposable, lighter tag that athletes peel off of their bib and easily attach to their shoe to record their time. Tag time is the most accurate form of timing available because it measures the exact time between an athlete crossing the start line and the finish line. In addition, the new timing system will eliminate pre-race chip assignment, post-race chip return, and fees for lost or unreturned chips, allowing athletes to focus more on their competition and less on the timing mechanism. That's right, no clipping, $30 charges, etc. Just put them on, run, get great results and throw them away. However, we do ask that you follow the PDF instructions.

You can also watch a video of the new chip on YouTube: click here.

YOU MUST WEAR YOUR CHIP TO BE TIMED!
NO CHIP, NO TIME.

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Awards & Divisions

Awards for the Valley of Gold Half Marathon

Every participant will receive a finisher's medal (click image to enlarge) and technical shirt (new this year).
1st, 2nd and 3rd overall men and women, and 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall masters men and women will receive an award.

Wheelchair Division

Attention Wheelchair Athletes — Do you want to participate along with some of the best Wheelchair Athletes in the World? We invite you to come join our event as our guest this year with a FREE ENTRY. Here are the details:

Free Entry...
Race against the University of Arizona Wheelchair Track and Road Racing Team
This is a growing division and we expect to have at least 15 wheelers in the race this year.

Contact Coach Derek Brown for more details: ddbrown@email.arizona.edu or 520 247-4305.

When you register use the coupon code AZWheelchair
Discount: 100% off
Expiration date: Good through end of day on 3/15/10

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Directions and Parking

Race Morning — Sunday March 28

General:

Get there early! You will be joining thousands of your closest friends. The Valley of Gold Half Marathon will start sharply at 7:00am and the Northwest Medical Center Oro Valley 5k will start at 7:15am.

Parking: Parking for all event participants, friends, family and volunteers will be located in the West lots at Ventana Medical Systems, located right at the event start/finish area. There is plenty of parking for everyone, but please make sure to give yourself extra time as it will be busy race morning. To get to the event and parking lot: