2026 Rock 'n' Roll Arizona

The 2026 Rock 'n' Roll Arizona event takes place on January 17–18, 2026, with the finish line festival located at Tempe Beach Park in Tempe, Arizona. Participants can expect ideal winter running weather, with average race-day temperatures around 68°F (20°C). The event features a high-energy, music-fueled celebration with races scheduled across the weekend, including a 5K on Saturday and Half Marathon, 10K, and Kids Rock events on Sunday. The course takes runners through Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, concluding with a festival experience at the finish line.

What is the event name and date?

• →Event Name: Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona 2026
• →Date: January 17–18, 2026

Where is the event located?

• →City: Tempe, AZ
• →Finish Line Festival Venue: Tempe Beach Park
• →Nearest Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)

What are the expected weather conditions?

• →Average Race-Day Temperature: 68°F (20°C)
• →Climate: Ideal winter running weather, sunny, dry, and mild

What distances are available?

Saturday, January 17:

• →5K (Morning start, exact time TBA)

Sunday, January 18:

• →Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
• →10K
• →Kids Rock (short, fun dash for young runners)

What is included in registration?

• →Epic Finisher Medal (unique to Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona)
• →Live Bands & DJs on course (one every mile or so)
• →Finish Line Festival + Encore Concert at Tempe Beach Park
• →Personalized Custom Race Bib with your name
• →Spirited Hype Squads cheering along the course
• →Access to Health & Fitness Expo (pre-race)

How much does registration cost?

• →Half Marathon: $185.00 USD
• →10K: $170.00 USD
• →5K: $105.00 USD

(Note: Prices include processing fees and reflect current general entry tier.)

What are the course highlights?

• →Smooth, flat, fast roads (ideal for PRs or first-timers)
• →Iconic desert scenery, including red sandstone buttes of Papago Park
• →Tri-city tour: Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe
• →Closed-course sections with full traffic control for safety

What is the event schedule?

Saturday, January 17:

• →5K (Morning start, exact time TBA)

Sunday, January 18:

• →Half Marathon (Start time TBA)
• →10K (Start time TBA)
• →Kids Rock (Details on official site)

Are there any awards or recognition?

• →Finisher Medals provided for all finishers
• →The event is part of the global Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series, allowing participants to earn points toward series challenges

What makes this event unique?

• →It marks the first major running event of the new year in the "Valley of the Sun"
• →Features a music-fueled celebration with live bands and DJs throughout the course
• →Over 20 years of running tradition in Arizona
• →World-class production with music, entertainment, and crowd support