Race Review: This past weekend, I participated in the Inaugural Saguaro National Park Half Marathon put on by Vacation Races. During the pandemic, this company has gotten creative to have in person races. In order to hold this event with the number of people who signed up, they spread out the event over 2 days, and started in 50-person waves to maintain social distancing. I ran on Saturday. The course starts on the road, and then moves into a single-track trail. The terrain is loose rocks/gravel and plenty of hills and climbs to keep you on your toes. The course was very well marked, and just enough aid stations to keep you hydrated and fueled. Just under halfway through the race, you kick back out onto road, and have more hills to conquer. It was a challenging, but beautiful run!
Saguaro is only 15 minutes outside of Tucson, which has plenty of hotel options, and airline options. Make sure to make this a true “runcation” to spend a few days in the park to see the sights. I would recommend taking the scenic loops on both sides of the park since the terrain and wildlife are slightly different and make sure not to miss the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (lots of live animals and cool exhibits).
