Arizona Distance Classic Celebrates 10th Anniversary in 2014

A record-field of more than 2,500 runners and walkers will celebrate the active and healthy lifestyle by taking part in the 10th Anniversary Edition of Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon Presented By Northwest Medical Center on March 23, 2014.

The Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon & Splendido 5K Run/Walk will once again be held in Oro Valley, Arizona. The event also features the Splendido Super Mile (Senior Walk) and Oro Valley Kids’ Run.

“The Arizona Distance Classic has grown into a spring celebration of fitness in Oro Valley and we look forward to the hosting the biggest and best event yet in 2014,” race director David Babner said. “We thank the Town of Oro Valley and the area’s running and walking community for the for being such a tremendous supporter of the Arizona Distance Classic for the past decade.”

The 10th Anniversary Edition of the Arizona Distance Classic will be feature the following events:

• Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon — The Arizona Distance Classic allows runner, walkers and wheelers to experience the world’s most popular race distance in the foothills of the gorgeous Santa Calina Mountains. The race begins at Ventana Medical Systems and takes participants west and back on a gently rolling course along Rancho Vistoso Boulevard. The course meanders through an incredibly scenic neighborhood studded with saguaro and surrounding picturesque Honey Bee Canyon.
• Arizona Distance Classic Quarter Marathon — The Quarter Marathon is a M3S Sports signature distance that allows runners and walkers to enjoy a "half of a half." The race features the same characteristics as the Half Marathon, including finishing with stunning view of Catalina Mountains.
• Splendido 5K — The Splendido 5K allows runners and walkers to enjoy the Arizona Distance Classic’s scenic race course and celebration of the active, healthy lifestyle by taking part in a 3.1-mile event along Innovation Park Drive and Rancho Vistoso Boulevard.
• Splendido Super Mile — The Splendido Super Mile is a one-mile walk for seniors on an out-and-back course along Innovation Park Drive.
• Oro Valley Parks & Recreations Kids Run — The Town of Oro Valley Parks & Recreation Department hosts the Kids Run for children 14 years and younger. The race offers distances between ¼ mile and 1 miles. Cost to enter is $5 and all children receive a t-shirt and medal.

After the Arizona Distance Classic, all participants are invited to the Arizona Distance Classic Post-Race Party, which features music, complimentary food and a Post-Race Expo.

Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon Presented By Northwest Medical Center sponsors and partners include Northwest Medical Center, Splendido, Ventana Medical Systems, All About Running & Walking, Town of Oro Valley, Explorer Newspapers and Hilton El Conquistador.

The Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.