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Yuma Territorial Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and Team Relay

Yuma Territorial Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and Team Relay

The Yuma Territorial Half Marathon offers a flat, fast desert course through Arizona farmland.

Race Date

Jan 30, 2027

Location

Somerton, AZ

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, January 30, 2027
Location
Somerton, Arizona
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 6.2 Miles
Course
Out & Back
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes

Highlights

Good For

BQ RelevantPR Friendly

Atmosphere

Low KeyEasy ParkingWell Organized

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

Starting from the Cocopah Casino & Resort in Somerton, Arizona, the Yuma Territorial Half Marathon takes runners on an out-and-back journey through the agricultural heart of the desert southwest. The course rolls gently through lettuce fields and the small town of Somerton, with the first two miles offering a favorable downhill start. Runners note a gradual uphill from mile 3 to the turnaround, but the return leg is predominantly downhill until a final climb back to the casino finish line.

The course is USATF certified and almost entirely flat, making it a prime candidate for personal bests and Boston Marathon qualifying. The small field and low-key atmosphere mean limited spectator support, but the race is well-organized with ample aid stations. Post-race, participants can enjoy the casino’s amenities, though the swag is minimal. With perfect January weather and easy parking at the on-site hotel, this half marathon is a hidden gem for runners seeking a fast, no-fuss desert race.

Race-provided description

Starting at Cocopah Casino & Resort and running through scenic areas like Somerton and San Luis, Arizona, not only offers a beautiful backdrop for the race but also gives runners a chance to experience the charm of the desert southwest and the rural communities of southern Arizona. Due to the favorable elevations and weather, the course is conducive to setting your best times and provides an excellent opportunity to qualify for the Boston Marathon as this course is certified by the USATF. With minimal elevation changes and the opportunity to run downhill at the start, this race is an ideal setup for achieving personal best times. The out-and-back course design provides a sense of familiarity for runners, which can be both mentally reassuring and strategically advantageous. The slight uphill portion near the finish line adds an exciting challenge for participants to conquer. The course starts at Cocopah Casino & Resort and runs on Southbound shoulder of US Highway 95. Runners leave the Cocopah Indian Reservation and pass through Somerton, Arizona. Marathoners will continue through Gadsen, Arizona and into San Luis, Arizona city limits. All runners will return back on the Northbound shoulder of US Highway 95 finishing back at the Cocopah Casino & Resort. This race will bring you through the beauty of the desert southwest and through the rural communities of southern Arizona. Entry Fees: Full Marathon - $105 (Active Military and Per Family Member - $75)Team Relay Marathon - $250/team (Active Military and First Responder - $125)Half Marathon - $65 (Active Military and Per Family Member - $35)10K Run - $45 (Active Military and Per Family Member - $25)

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, January 30, 2027

Start Time

7:20 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

Cocopah Casino & Resort, Somerton, AZ, 85350

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Out & Back

Terrain

road

Scenery

Rural, Small Town

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles6.2 Miles

USATF Certified Course

AZ21002JOE · Yuma Half Marathon

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details12/15

USATF certified · 4 timing sources

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather5/10

typical high 70°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

47°

Afternoon (High)

70°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.0"

Precipitation

9 mph

Wind

43%

Humidity

Frequently asked

When is the Yuma Territorial Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and Team Relay?

The Yuma Territorial Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and Team Relay is held on Saturday, January 30, 2027, starting at 7:20 AM.

Where does the Yuma Territorial Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and Team Relay take place?

It takes place in Somerton, Arizona.

What distances does the Yuma Territorial Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and Team Relay offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 6.2 Miles.

Is the Yuma Territorial Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and Team Relay course flat and good for a PR?

The Yuma Territorial Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and Team Relay is a rolling hills, out & back course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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