Kick off your year in the Valley of the Sun with Rock ’n’ Roll Arizona 2026, held on January 17–18 in Tempe, with courses spanning a 5K (Saturday) and both Half Marathon and 10K options on Sunday. Runners will explore city highlights across Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix, including scenic red sandstone terrain near Papago Park and winding roads that culminate in a vibrant Finish Line Festival at Tempe Beach Park. The run is a festival of its own, powered by live bands, DJs, and enthusiastic local cheer teams stationed throughout the route. Events begin with the 5K on Saturday, followed by the 10K and Half Marathon on Sunday morning, offering smooth, professionally timed courses perfect for personal bests or festive participation. Organized by the iconic Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series, this signature winter race is part of a long-running tradition of music-infused running in one of the desert Southwest’s most welcoming climates.
Races
Race Date:
17 January, 2026
The 5K race, taking place on Saturday, 17 January 2026, launches the weekend of racing with a fun, family-friendly route and leads into the dynamic Finish Line Festival at Tempe Beach Park, all organized by the Competitor Group.
Race Date:
18 January, 2026
Also on Sunday, 18 January 2026, the 10K challenges runners on the same scenic and fast course across the Valley of the Sun, starting near the half marathon route and concluding at Tempe Beach Park, featuring on-course entertainment and finishing festivities.
Race Date:
18 January, 2026
The Half Marathon, organized by the Competitor Group, takes place on Sunday, 18 January 2026, starting near downtown Tempe and winding through Tempe, Phoenix, and Scottsdale before culminating in a high-energy finish at Tempe Beach Park with live bands and celebratory crowds.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 5K?
How long is the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 5K?
Where does the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 5K take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 5K?
How can I prepare for the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 5K?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 5K?
The 5K race, taking place on Saturday, 17 January 2026, launches the weekend of racing with a fun, family-friendly route and leads into the dynamic Finish Line Festival at Tempe Beach Park, all organized by the Competitor Group.
The Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 5K is 5km long.
The Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 5K takes place in Tempe, AZ, USA.
Runna classifies the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 5K elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 5K?
The 5K race, taking place on Saturday, 17 January 2026, launches the weekend of racing with a fun, family-friendly route and leads into the dynamic Finish Line Festival at Tempe Beach Park, all organized by the Competitor Group.
How long is the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 5K?
The Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 5K is 5km long.
Where does the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 5K take place?
The Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 5K takes place in Tempe, AZ, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 5K?
Runna classifies the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 5K elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 5K?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 5K?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 10K?
How long is the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 10K?
Where does the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 10K take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 10K?
How can I prepare for the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 10K?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 10K?
Also on Sunday, 18 January 2026, the 10K challenges runners on the same scenic and fast course across the Valley of the Sun, starting near the half marathon route and concluding at Tempe Beach Park, featuring on-course entertainment and finishing festivities.
The Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 10K is 10km long.
The Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 10K takes place in Tempe, AZ, USA.
Runna classifies the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 10K elevation profile as Rolling.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 10K?
Also on Sunday, 18 January 2026, the 10K challenges runners on the same scenic and fast course across the Valley of the Sun, starting near the half marathon route and concluding at Tempe Beach Park, featuring on-course entertainment and finishing festivities.
How long is the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 10K?
The Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 10K is 10km long.
Where does the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 10K take place?
The Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 10K takes place in Tempe, AZ, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 10K?
Runna classifies the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 10K elevation profile as Rolling.
How can I prepare for the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 10K?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona 10K?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon?
How long is the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon?
Where does the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon?
The Half Marathon, organized by the Competitor Group, takes place on Sunday, 18 January 2026, starting near downtown Tempe and winding through Tempe, Phoenix, and Scottsdale before culminating in a high-energy finish at Tempe Beach Park with live bands and celebratory crowds.
The Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon is 21km long.
The Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon takes place in Tempe, AZ, USA.
Runna classifies the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon elevation profile as Rolling.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon?
The Half Marathon, organized by the Competitor Group, takes place on Sunday, 18 January 2026, starting near downtown Tempe and winding through Tempe, Phoenix, and Scottsdale before culminating in a high-energy finish at Tempe Beach Park with live bands and celebratory crowds.
How long is the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon?
The Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon take place?
The Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon takes place in Tempe, AZ, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon?
Runna classifies the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon elevation profile as Rolling.
How can I prepare for the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Rock 'n' Roll Arizona or IRONMAN Group. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona website.
