
23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run
Groom Creek Classic offers a scenic forest run with a challenging mix of pavement and dirt roads.
Race Date
Sep 19, 2026
Location
Prescott, AZ
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Location
- Prescott, Arizona
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 2 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Groom Creek Classic, now in its 15th year, invites runners to Prescott, Arizona's Ponderosa Pine forest for a unique half marathon and 10k experience. This event, first run in 2005, offers a compelling blend of pavement and smooth, wide dirt forest roads, creating a course that is both scenic and demanding.
The half marathon and 10k courses navigate through the cool forest, with the 5k and fun run sticking to paved paths featuring rolling hills. A commitment to sustainability is evident, with a cupless course encouraging runners to use provided reusable hydration bottles or their own packs, minimizing environmental impact within the natural setting.
With limited spots available for each distance—100 for the half marathon, 60 for the 10k, and 100 for the 5k—early registration is advised. Runners can expect a tech t-shirt and a reusable hydration bottle as part of their race package, alongside efforts to reduce waste through minimal bag distribution.
Race-provided description
One of the most scenic and challenging 1/2 marathon and 10k courses in Arizona! This challenging course is located in the scenic and cool Ponderosa Pine forest of Groom Creek just 5 miles South of Prescott. The 5k and fun run courses stay on smooth pavement with rolling hills. The 10k and 1/2 marathon courses begin and end on pavement, but also wind through the forest on smooth, wide dirt forest roads. Race is limited to 100 half marathon spots, 60 10k spots, and 100 5k spots. Don't wait!
We will have a cupless course. This means that we will not have paper or plastic cups at the water stations on the course. This is in an effort to reduce litter in our forest, and reduce the one-time use of paper and plastic cups. All runners will be given a reusable and foldable hydration bottle at registration. Alternatively, you can wear any hydration pack that works for you! We WILL offer cups at the start/finish line stations. There WILL be water stations throughout the course where you can fill your bottle or hydration pack.
Bring your own swag bag. Runners will receive an even shirt and hydration bottle. Along with our efforts to curb waste, we will not be handing out bags to all runners. These plastic bags traditionally are tossed in the garbage once the runners get home. We want to reduce this kind of waste. Should you absolutely need a bag, there will be small plastic garbage bags available on request. We will again be providing free bag check. SWAG AND AWARDS All runners receive an event T-shirt with entry. All runners receive a foldable hydration bottle. Finisher medal for all 1/2 Marathon runners. Medals for top 3 finishers in age groups (1/2M, 10K, 5K).
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
Tech T-Shirt (people say shirts run big)
Start Location
1110 E. Friendly Pines Road, Prescott, AZ, 86303
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Forest
Surface
Dirt Trail, Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
first year
no finisher counts yet
small race — neutral
needs a few years of results
4 timing sources · 5 photos
no finisher data yet
no winner time yet
typical high 78°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
59°
Afternoon (High)
78°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
45%
Humidity
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the 23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run?
The 23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run is held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the 23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run take place?
It takes place in Prescott, Arizona.
What distances does the 23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 2 Miles.
Is the 23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run course flat and good for a PR?
The 23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run is a rolling hills, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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