We love what we do. Producing running and walking events in super-cool locations is so much fun.

It's a lot of work. But a lot of the work is a lot of fun.

Yesterday Tia and I drove out to Old Tucson Studios to meet with the Old Tucson staff and prep the course for next week's TMC Old Tucson Trail Run.

We ran the course, cut back some spiky overgrowth, and removed pesky jumping cholla from the trail.

If you're new to trail running, this is great starter-event for walkers and runners. You'll want to pay attention to rocks, train tracks, and cactus, but overall this route is a great way to dip your toe into the trail scene.

If you're an experienced trail runner, you'll no doubt love what we love about the course: sprinting past Boot Hill, navigating the desert single track at pace, and the thrill of racing on Main Street.

Unfortunately, we do a have an unhappy announcement to make:

Horse Poop Hill no longer has horse poop.

It's so sad, but there's no more horse poop! We'll need some help renaming this little hill that comes out of the wash near the two-mile mark, but now there's no need to worry about getting your shoes dirty . . .

Tia waving under the 10-armed Saguaro at the start of the single track

If you want some advice on navigating the terrain, click here for a dozen trail running tips from Randy and Tia.

Sightsee at Old Tucson after the race

Click here for the discounted Old Tucson Day Pass, just $10 for participants and $15 for friends and family (plus taxes, etc).

Enjoy Hollywood-style stunt shows, saloon shows, magic, shoot-outs, rides & games, fine food & drinks, and more.

When: Sunday morning, February 16th, 2025

Where: Old Tucson Entertainment, 201 Kinney Road (click here for driving directions through some of the most iconic desert scenery in the world).

The Events:

• The 4-Mile course includes single track trails, desert washes, and the dirt roads in the heart of Old Tucson.

• The1-Mile course is less technical and stays on the dirt roads around Old Tucson -- perfect for walkers and runners of all abilities.

• All races start and finish at Stage Two, near the Bitter Creek and High Chaparral sets. More information on the routes here

Race Day Times:

• 7:30 am: Women's 4-Mile Trail Race
• 8:30 am: Open and Men's 4-Mile Trail Race
• 8:30 am: Family 1-mile walk/run
• 9:30 am, approx: Free Lil' Pardner's 100 yard dash for the little cowpokes
• 9:40 am, approx: Awards and Costume Contest
• All registrants can stay on site at Bitter Creek set until 10:15am or so, with Old Tucson opening at 10:30 am

Packet Pick-Up & In-Person Registration Options:

Saturday, February 15: 10am - 1pm at The Running Shop (3055 N Campbell Ave)

Sunday, February 16: 6:30am - 8:00am at Old Tucson Studios Parking Lot, see directions here

All registration periods have passed, so the cost is $50. You can register online through 8:00 am on race morning. In-person registration is cash, check, or through RunSignup.

Highlights: 

• Souvenir short sleeve shirt for first 700 registrants, in both unisex and "ladies" cut -- snag the size you want at packet pickup

• A la carte breakfast burrito: $12 add-on at registration (last day to pre-order a burrito is Sunday, February 9)

• Participants, friends, and family can enjoy Old Tucson until 10:15 or so on race day.

• To enjoy the day inside Old Tucson Studios, all participants can use this link to purchase a $10 entry ticket ($15 for guests. Children 4-and-under are free). The Day Pass purchase is a discount off regular pricing and will take place through Old Tucson's ticketing platform and will include their e-commerce charges.

• Costume Contest with awards for best western-themed costume

• Age group awards of Running Shop gift certificates for the 4-mile in 5 year categories, from 15-19 through 80+

• The 4-Milers are part of the 2025 SAR Running Shop/Mizuno Grand Prix

** Click here for details on Awards and Grand Prix rules

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Who Sends These? To promote our mission of making our hometowns better through running, Run Tucson advocates for health & fitness, enhancing community engagement, and promoting the local economy. 

In addition, we make significant contributions to worthy charities, providing over $350,000 to local organizations over the years.

Our partners include the Town of Tusayan, Saguaro National Park, the Kaibab National Forest, the Downtown Tucson Partnership, Rio Nuevo, the Southern Arizona Roadrunners, plus Tucson Medical Center, Cox Communications, Meet Me at Maynard's and a host of local sponsors.

Why Am I on This List? You've participated in one of the events we've produced, either one of our charity running events in Arizona, or as part of Meet Me at Maynard's, Meet Me Wednesday's, Meet Me Downtown PHX.