P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and Half Marathon

Deciding to run the half last minute with my brother who could have used a little moral support after completing the Dopey Challenge in Orlando, FL the week prior, we had a nice leisurely run through the streets of Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix. Well leisurely for me at least, props to my brother for logging that many miles and in the last 5K he did say his legs were feeling it. This is a great winter destination race as conditions are ideal and the race falls on a holiday weekend.
Registration for me and packet pick up at the convention center was pretty painless. Be prepared to pay for parking if you can’t find any spots. And be prepared to pay heavy registration fees ($ 160) if you wait last minute to sign up. If driving to the start, come early and wait it out to park at the large deck on College and 7^th which puts you less than a hundred yards from the start. When we drove in, we saw many people not waiting for the line to move and pulling into remote lots. After the race if you’ve driven, you’ll have about a half mile walk back to the starting area parking.
The point to point half marathon course traversed through many of the main roads and was pretty flat except for about ¾ mile climb up McDowell going west between miles 9 and 10. The reward when you get to the top of this climb is an excellent view of Phoenix and downtown. Then the rest of the run to the finish is pretty much all downhill.
We didn’t have to to worry too much about runners being in the wrong corral because we started in corral 13. So the bobbing and weaving factor was minimal. Thanks goes out to the volunteers that sacrificed their time to be out there, but they had it rough as many of the stations were frantically filling their cups to keep up with the volume.
Overall, a well organized race on an easy course in great conditions. Our finish time wasn’t record setting but it was nice to do an easy run and not having to worry about any recovery. Another bonus was that my brother and I each received a Double Down medal for running the RNR Vegas in November. I’ll have this race in mind again when planning my schedule for 2017.

My first half marathon to kick off the new year and my first race in Arizona!
First of all, the Rock n Roll Marathon series does not disappoint. Ever. I have done multiple of their races in different cites around the United States and as always, it is extremely organized down to every last detail. I especially loved the emails a couple weeks out describing the expo information and race parking. It made me feel at ease before the long race. Second of all, I loved this course! It started at the ASU Campus and finished at Tempe Beach Park. A chilly morning start, a few hills here and there, and I was done. It went by quicker than I thought it would… maybe because my Hawaiian body was numb for half of it, or maybe it was because there were so many great volunteers and people cheering everybody on along the course! Thanks so much to everybody who made signs and helped me to smile along the 13.1 miles!
I would definitely do this race again! Thanks, Arizona Rock n Roll, for an amazing half!

I returned for my second year to RNR AZ. This year, I opted to do the remix challenge with the 5K on Saturday and the half on Sunday.
The expo was large again, and in the Phoenix convention center, right off the light rail. I opted to stay in Tempe because the 5K and Half Marathon start and finish lines were all there and my only trip to Phoenix would be for the expo.
The 5K starts adjacent to Tempe Beach park and ends in Tempe Beach park. We walked there, but there was ample parking for those who drove. The course is quick and scenic and has the same finish as the half marathon, giving us a preview of the next day. Even with the short distance, participants get a tech tee, medal, one water stop and one band on course and refreshments and a finish concert.
The half course was fairly similar to last year (a few tweaks due to construction, I think?) The half and 10K start together on the ASU campus (while the full marathon starts in Phoenix). Plenty of parking for those who drive, but beware of road closures. We caught an über over and it was difficult to get there.
PF Changs is no longer a sponsor as of 2016, so no horses at the start, or dragon running on the course :(
The course wanders through Tempe into Scottsdale, and ending at Tempe Beach park. I had a bit of a rough race (recovering from an injury), but still had a positive experience. Bands on a pretty regular basis, well staffed hydration stops.
The one frustrating thing is that on some sections of the course, we had the inner lanes of the road with traffic on the outermost lane on both sides. I understand this averts full road closures, but the problem is if you need to pull over and stretch, you need to watch for traffic.
Huge finish area at Tempe Beach Park. The medals from 2015 – 2018 will connect to make a super medal, so I guess I’m in for the whole shebang now!

My 5^th AZ Rock n Roll marathon. Love the course, through neighborhoods am very familiar with. Great crowd support at mile 8 (Biltmore), mile 13-​mile 20 (Arcadia). Thanks so much to tha band playing «Sweet Caroline» at mile 12. A big thankyou also to the lively crowd at mile 24 near the zoo, cheered me on and gave me a boost to get me to the finish. Very flat, I recommend walking the overpass at mile 25 (everyone else will be there is no loss of pride). There is still 1.2mi to go on the other side of that overpass. Saw lots of people see every year. Feels like a real family. Plentiful free at the end at ASU parking garage (College Ave) and was suprised to see no one waiting for the light rail to the start (race is point-​point from Phoenix to Tempe). Do not understand why no arrangement with Phoenix metro or ticket included in race packet. Need $ 2.00 for ticket.
Already registered for next year.
PRO: great community feeling, good crowd support; lots of porta-​potties, great bands, scenic flat course, great traffic management, nice wide streets. Plentiful free parking at start. Lots of grasss at finish (Tempe Beach Park)
CON: meager goomies at mile 17 and 21; $ 2 for lightrail ticket; mandatory race packet pickup at expo; inundated with promotional email

Have done the ½ for over 10 years, love the race. Disappointed in the bands, angry, not rock n roll. Go after better bands, they really inspire and motivate when good. Also more port a potties in the first 5 miles, wait was outrageous.

This is an annual event in Phoenix/​Tempe/​Scottsdale Arizona area.
I’ve now run this marathon 3 times in Arizona… although the first run several years ago may have been under a different management organizer. Regardless, this is a fairly flat marathon that is run in January every year… that means the start can be quite cold. But you warm up quickly while running and with the sun. This «marathon» actually has several different length runs for those at various running levels… there is a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and a full marathon. The runner check-​in expo is usually located downtown Phoenix… this year, I felt it was a bit small and disappointing because there were not a lot of vendors.
Full marathon: there are not a lot of runners in this event… a lot of people sign up, but never even make it to the starting line! This year, there were only & appx 2300 full marathon runners that showed up to give it their best… I’ve run other RnR marathons that had nearly 20,000 runners. I really like that they use a «corral start» for those runner at various levels.
With few runners, the course isn’t as well equipped with entertainment along the course. In fact, there are a lot of quite lengthy dead zones throughout the run. We runners greatly appreciate all those volunteers and musicians that show up to help and encourage us! Also, they definitely could use more port-​o-​pottys along the full marathon course. There weren’t the standard mileage markers either on this course… they were only at the timing locations. Water & Gatorade stations aren’t ever mile like some marathons have… here they are strategically placed and for me, they were just right!
Don’t misunderstand some of my less than stellar preceding comments, feedback will only make it better… and that is my hope! Overall, I like this marathon will run in it again. I recommend it to you runners out there… have good run!

I’m running my first race ever this year and it’s a half-​marathon. And I can’t wait for the big day. My goal is to not get picked up by the big sweep. The expo was cool even though I got there at the last hour. During my short time there, many vendors try to pressure you to buy their products. I got ripped off by Allison Promotions. It’s the booth selling the «Click it Hot» hands and body warmers. I bought two for $ 10. Guy says, «It lasts for at least 45 minutes.» Excited, I started using it right when I left the expo. So, why did this piece of crap got cold in less than 15 minutes? Frustrated and feeling like Boo-​Boo the Fool, I checked out the receipt only to read No Refund. How convenient! Beware of schemes and scammers at the expo.

Did the 5k last year and was OK. I found the route nice but I hated being 15^th in line for the porta john! Was just crazy at the end.
I hope there are more porta johns this year.

¹⁄₁₅ runs for the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame!
PERFECT WEATHER
The race started off at ASU and finished at Tempe Beach Park for the half marathon runners. The full marathon runners started somewhere else, but also ended at Tempe Beach Park. The race started at 0750; it was still pretty dark when the race started, but not overly cold or hot. It was perfect for a run in Arizona. It seems like people overdressed because there were a lot of discarded clothing along the trail. All discarded clothing was donated to charity, so good for them.
SCENIC
The run wasn’t that difficult or completely boring. I loved running by Papago Park. It was very scenic with the desert, mountains and cacti. I just had to take a obligatory cactus selfie. Lol.
COME ON P.F. CHANG
Since P.F. Chang hosted the event, I expected some type of Chinese food somewhere along the race. You know, like what they do at the mall to lure you into ordering something off their menu. Who wouldn’t mind having orange chicken in the middle of their run? Or maybe a fortune cookie at the end of the race? Along the course there were people performing drumming acts; at least there were something «Chinese-​y,» I guess. lol.
SIGNAGE
After the race, there were signage pointing where to go to for gear pick-​up, family reunion, stage, etc RIGHT after you leave the finishers area. Most of the time, I have no idea where I am going, or what to do next after a race… so that was nice. Very organized, unlike my hometown’s Rock n Roll run where it was just one huge clusterBEEP.
POST-​RUN FUN
Tempe Beach Park was a perfect place for the post-​run festivals. Such a huge park, plenty of space to relax, eat or lounge. There were plenty of food trucks around the park, so you had options of things to eat within reach. If you still had energy, there was a self propelled boat rental area too! It reminded me of a scene out of a Korean Drama or something. lol. A part of me really wanted to rent a boat out, but I was afraid of overdoing it, especially since I had plans to go hiking the next day.
MARATHON JACKET
All runners received a medal, but marathon runners earned a finisher’s jacket in addition to the medal. I was very jealous. I may have to do a marathon now so I can earn a jacket. Lol.
DESERT DOUBLE DOWN
This was the last year for the Desert Double Down medal — if you ran the Las Vegas Rock n Roll Half 2014, and Arizona Rock n Roll Half 2015, you were entitled to this medal. I may not have the cool marathoners jacket, but at least I was able to show off my double D, or I mean triple D medal. lol.
PLENTY OF HOTEL SHUTTLES
It seems like most of the surrounding hotels provided free shuttling service. There were tons of hotel shuttles around the finishing area picking people up, including mine. Hopefully you were smart enough to stay at a hotel that provided one, and maybe even a continental breakfast. :)
I had a great time in Arizona, and with the race. I think I may do this run again next year, the year after that and the year after that. lol. The medals for the next 4 years (including this year) make up a puzzle piece… so I think I’m set for the next 3 years. Thanks for the trap, RnRAZ. lol.

Average of 4 stars… are you kidding me?!
Yeah, I giving this route/​event 3 stars. This was my first time traveling out of town/​state for a running event. I only did it because I ran the RnR LV ½ and supposedly this was the last year they were giving out Double Desert Medals. So I was certainly not going to let that opportunity pass me by and most runners know you register for these things because since you paid for it (not cheap IMO) it forces you to continue training and running. Obviously this is Phoenix’s biggest run and part of the reason people travel for these is because of the scenic route they hope to run through. Contrary to belief this route was extremely BORING. It was mainly commercial shopping centers with some fast food places here and there and you could smell the fried food while running. Uhh, I did not pay $ 100+ and travel hundreds of miles to run through roads surrounded by retail. Oh well, I was over it. The major highlight of the run for me was going up and down the hill around mile 10. Going up the hill wasn’t too bad, but I could tell my fellow runners were struggling. When I looked around at the others I almost felt like no one was really running and just trying to get through it. Once you reach a certain point of the hill there was a turn around and that was all down hill from there. Once the decline finished I did my best to maintain my speed and I think I was at an overall faster speed toward the end. I didn’t get to catch what time I started so I had no idea if I improved my time at all. My training for this run was very minimal because I was having ankle problems and once you’ve already done 1 ½ marathon you’re pretty confident your stamina can handle it. Although I did some speed training in hopes I would beat my time from my last one. The finish line party was at a park which I liked because everything was in a centralized place. The finish line party made it that much more fulfilling finishing 13.1 miles. One aspect that was good was that there were a lot of cheer groups. They really did help me in times I just wanted to start walking, definitely awesome motivators. The funniest sign I saw was «You have stamina, call me» Literally LOL’d passting that one. The following day official times were posted and I beat my time by 7 minutes, so I was pretty proud of myself. I guess I really did push myself at the last 3 miles? And I also have that hill to thank for helping me with the faster paste after the decline. I know I really pushed myself because once I crossed the finished line the Medical personnel asked with a look of concern «Are you okay!!!» and of course I reply «I’m fine, I’m fine.» I’m hoping my next ½ marathon I can do 2hrs and 15 minutes… Until next time Rock n Roll!

I love the rock and roll marathons. This was my second ½ marathon. I have Washington DC and San Diego coming up! With that said, I love the bands, the random people on the side lines cheering you on! I felt as if there weren’t as many water stations as in the San Antonio marathon but that is probably because I struggled mentally on this event.

I really look forward to this event every year, this was my fifth year running the half marathon. While the scenery is ok (city) they can’t help that Phoenix just isn’t scenic. However, they do make sure we are safe and have fun. The course is well marked, with plenty of drink stations and awesome volunteers. I had a great time this year as I have every year. I will run it again next year.

I have a gluten allergy and their staff is so knowledgeable and attentive to my diet. Love this place. the spicy chicken is to die for. highly recommend

This was 4^th Rock’n’Roll race and I’m beginning to figure out that they are pretty much the Starbucks of races — available everywhere and just OK. You know exactly what you are getting when you sign up for a Rock’n’Roll race: big expo with the same format and vendors at all of them, a near guarantee that you won’t be the last runner because there are PLENTY of walkers who have that duty, and lots of first time race participants who have no idea what their actual finish time will be so they’ve seeded themselves way too far up and now you get to weave around them.
I’m not the sort of person who wants to wander the expo for hours, especially if I’ve traveled from out of town because I’d much rather explore the outside world. We showed up at the expo about 20 minutes before they shut down and we still had to pay $ 12 to park, but at least packet pick up went quickly because it was so late in the day. I really wish they would offer an option to save a little bit of money to opt out of the t-​shirt, bag full of coupons and even the medal at the finish (even if it was $ 5 it’d be worth it to me) because I literally throw all of these things away the day after the race (fine, so I donate the shirt and medal and throw away the bag and coupons — either way, I don’t want ANY of this stuff) and I’ve seen that other races offer this choice.
Race morning was easy for us because we’d chosen to stay in a hotel about 2 blocks from the start so we woke up, got dressed and walked over. The race itself was fine — exactly what you expect from any big race. There were groups of slow people in corrals they shouldn’t have been in, the course was too narrow for the number of participants are points, the water stops were well staffed and the bands along the course were adequately cheesey. Other than the final 3 miles of the half that takes you through a lovely scenic area, that also happens to be downhill, the course was on big streets and through business areas. For those 10 miles it could literally be interchanged with 2 of the other rock’n’rolls I’ve done (San Jose & Portland) and you would never know the difference.
There was nothing bad about this race, it was just uninteresting in every way possible. If it were my local/​hometown race I would consider doing it again (and register stupid early to save some money), but now that I’ve done it once I definitely wouldn’t come all the way back to Phoenix to do it again.

This was my first marathon! It was very well organized and well run. I trained hard for this race but I should have trained harder. The course was nice and flat, the weather was perfect, and the bands made the pain in my knees a little more tolerable.

I ran RnR Arizona in 2010 as my first marathon and have since run 3 more (Chicago twice and NYC). I’ve also done other RnR events and I’m kinda of in the meh stages with them.
The course in 2010 was a point to point course, starting in Phoenix, ending in Tempe and it sounds like it’s still the same. It’s a flat course, which is something I liked, but there’s not a whole lot out there to see on the course which is disappointing. There were stretches where there was just no one out there or that was on open highway. There was a good amount of fluid and hydration stations on course which is appreciated.
Cons: Competitor overprices their races and it’s gotten worse since 2010 and I’ve had issues with getting friends bibs while at the expo or not being able to which is beyond crazy.

Back in 2008, good friend and Singer/​Songwriter, Laura Marie along with her husband came to Phoenix to run this event’s full marathon. I remember cheering them on from the same spot as I have for all the years except for last year when I decided to run the half marathon.
Laura Marie and her husband stayed with us and it was exciting to see how runners prepare for a race. Their enthusiasm and commitment was the spark that I needed to consider taking up running and finally losing weight.
This year, I was proud to stand and cheer on good friends, friends/​mentors from running groups and brave souls running the full marathon. Every year it’s just as exciting! After the runners passed, I walked block away back to my house and got ready to take the light rail down to Tempe.
Watching people cross the Finish Line is the best part!!! It’s such a joy to see those that completed their first race and/​or set a PR. I was set to run the Temecula Valley Half Marathon the day before this race but was canceled. All and all, I’m somewhat happy that it happened this way. If I hadn’t, I would have missed out on great personal moments as friends crossed the Finish Line.
Taking Light Rail to and from Tempe was easy. Congestion filled with Runners & their medals on Mill Ave was awesome! As with any race, I still get the jitters before a race and always thankful and blessed to cross the Finish Line. This past weekend, I felt those same jitters for all the runners that ran. I’ve completed so many half marathons these past two years that maybe it’s time to actually run this full marathon. The thought of passing my usual spot without me standing there would be such a great moment!
Thanks again PF Chang & RnR Series. Volunteers were awesome as always. Congrats to all those the Runners! Cheers***

Whew! I had to do a bit of research before posting my update on the AZ Rock N Roll Half Marathon, because I surely needed to know to whom I owe a HUGE thanks and leave it to me to find him. Steve Slattery! Thank you!!! Thank goodness, I remember Steve saying his wife won the race last year — which made it easy to find his name so I could give some credit where credit is due.
How can I not give this race 5 Stars — don’t I always love a race that I am able to set a new PR in??? :) Of course, I do!
This was my first half of 2013 and first time running the RnR AZ. I surely wouldn’t shy away from running it again.
Bib pick up from the expo was easy breezy (as it has been for every other RnR event I’ve done) — parking around the convention center was ok.
We utilized the Park and Ride and Light Rail Metro the day of the race since my friend was driving me in from the East Valley. This was a simple, smooth and great option for locals. I’d highly suggest going this route.
Very organized race, my only complaint would be the amount of restrooms at the start line — the lines were insane!!! and I had to dip into a business and wait in a slightly less insane, but still very long line to try and make it to my corral in time for the start. I know it sounds silly, but restrooms should really be set up near each corral or somehow by corral start time. I can’t stand waiting to use the restroom behind a long line of people who are starting in corrals 15, 20+ who are going to start the race LONG after other runners in the first corrals.
I opted to seek out the 2:00 pacer and start back a corral with 6. His name escapes me but he was awesome! I’ve found that pacers are really an excellent way to go, if you are running for time. I let him know early on that my goal for this race was to beat my LA time and I was looking for 1:57. Steve was running with this group and around mile 7.5 they made sure I knew that if I’d like that time it would be time to ramp it up. Breaking free from a pacer always scares me a bit, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to maintain the pace I needed and wouldn’t hold myself to it, if on my own. Steve was very kind and offered to help get me to the pace that would bring me in where I wanted to be. I was so surprised and elated by such a kind offer. We broke free from the group, ramped it up for a couple miles and when Steve saw that I was on the right track– he gave me some last minute tips and encouragement and set me free. I really appreciated this, as I feel it was really the gesture that gave me my PR.
I ended up coming in 2 minutes sooner than I had hoped for :)
I do wish I understood the Desert Double medal better — I thought after running Vegas in 2013 I’d earn it but apparently it needs to be back to back — so my 2011 for sure won’t count and nor will me running Vegas in 2013 so it looks like I’ll definitely be back in AZ for 2014 so I can have this medal in hand ;)
The temps in AZ for this race seem to have been a bit above average for this time of year which made for a comfortable run.
Course entertainment was ok — the group playing Beyonce’s «Single Ladies» was a great boost/​power song :)
Restrooms and water stations were plentiful — although I always run through the middle of these since I wear a hydration pack.
Ah! and last but not least — I love the Brooks long sleeve tech T. It’s the first long sleeve I’ve received from a Rock n Roll event and I am very happy with it.
Time to beat 1:55:49 — let’s go!!! :)

The half marathon in 2012 was my first ever, and I enjoyed it so much I returned in 2013. While the course is not the most scenic (basically running through Tempe and Scottsdale), the enthusiasm from the bands, DJs and volunteers make the route fun.
Along the mostly flat route, there are plenty of aid stations where you can get water, Gatorade and a bit of cheerful encouragement as well — thank you volunteers! My favorite part of the race is the P.F. Chang’s section around mile 10 – 11 which includes taiko drum players and funny/​motivational signs posted along the road and held by volunteers including «3.1 miles to go — you got this!» and «Chuck Norris never ran a half marathon». My personal favorite was «run complete stranger, RUN!»
A huge improvement this year was repositioning the starting line — a year ago the start times were significantly delayed due to trains! The on-​time start this year was greatly appreciated. Overall, the event is well-​organized — from the check-​in at the Expo to crossing the finish line.
Looking forward to doing it again next year!

I have completed this event five times now and it is one that I continue to support because it is local. In the past the event started at the state capital and finished at Sun Devil stadium. This year the course was changed. Full marathon runners started downtown while the half marathon runners started on Mill Avenue. The finish was the same location.
I still do not like the finish line because that home stretch is a long and winding road that never seems to end, and the headliner concerts still are weak. This year was the B-52’s. Someone who has been relevant in the past decade would be nice.
I did like the new course for the half marathon, although I did feel it was a little hillier in miles 7 – 10 than in the past. After the hill around Papago it is mostly downhill from there to the finish. This year they had a booth where runners who also ran in Vegas could pick up their double down medal there instead of waiting 6 – 8 weeks to get it in the mail. That was good. The frozen yogurt was a nice touch (thanks, Mojo!) The volunteers were great as always and the event overall is a good time. Plus this year I beat my personal best time not only for the PF Chang but for a half marathon. Wooo!