Marathon is back for 2024
With the recent construction of the Oak Tree Canyon Trailhead on the Coronado National Forest, we are once again able to offer a point-to-point marathon for the 2024 Vail Scramble! This scenic and challenging course traverses the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains with plenty of ups and downs through a diverse landscape of oak woodland forest and Sonoran Desert. It's a little longer than most marathons at 26.6 miles instead of 26.2. Time limit for the marathon is 7 hours, 45 minutes. Runners need to reach Sahuarita Road Aid Station by 12 p.m (mile 20 after 5:45 hours of running).
Event Description
This trail marathon, half-marathon and 10K traverses the valley between the Santa Rita and the Rincon Mountains. It offers spectacular, sweeping views and while the marathon has plenty of challenging ups and downs along the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains, the half-marathon and 10K courses offer mostly a gentle, winding descent through ocotillo, prickly pear cactus, creosote, and mesquite.
The point-to-point marathon and half-marathon begins south of Vail and follows the AZT north toward the finish line after a short dirt road segment within the first mile (marathon) and 0.3 mile (half-marathon). The 10K starts near Sahuarita Road and Hwy 83 and runs concurrent along the final 6.2 miles of the marathon course. All races finish at the Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead on the Arizona Trail. Transportation is provided to each start line on a school bus. After you finish, transportation is provided back to the parking area. All participants must park at Vail School District (13801 E. Benson Highway Vail, AZ 85641).
This event is an ideal way to experience the Arizona Trail. Well-stocked aid stations, friendly volunteers and spectacular views are waiting for you. Proceeds benefit the Arizona Trail Association and our mission to maintain and protect the Arizona National Scenic Trail.
Registration Includes...
In addition to a well-organized event in a gorgeous location, your registration includes:
- delicious food at the finish line
- post-race beverages
- event apparel (custom event running socks)
- unique finisher award
- live music at the finish line
- professional timing services
- gift certificates and gear for top finishers
- aid stations with water, electrolyte drink, fresh fruit, salty chips and other snacks
- coupons from sponsors
- outstanding safety net with the help of our radio communications volunteers
- knowing that you are helping with the maintenance and protection of the 800-mile Arizona Trail!
Discounts
Discounted registration is available for members of the Arizona Trail Association, military veterans, Native Americans, and youth under 18 years of age. Contact the Race Director for a discount code if you're eligible: matthew@aztrail.org
Refund Policy
Refunds will not be given for any reason. However, if you cancel your registration through UltraSignup at least two weeks before the event you can apply 75% of your registration credit toward any event in the Arizona Trail Endurance Series (all events are listed at runazt.org) over the next year, including the 2025 AZT Vail Scramble.
Event's current local time: 7:55 AM MT
