HalfRuns
23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run

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

Destination Worthy

Atmosphere

Well OrganizedGreat Swag

Course

Scenic Route

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

Directions

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

6.2 Miles3.1 Miles2 Miles

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details8/15

4 timing sources · 5 photos

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather0/10

typical high 78°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (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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