
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk
Flagstaff's 49th annual Big Brothers Big Sisters half marathon boasts a challenging, scenic course with significant elevation.
Race Date
Aug 8, 2026
Location
Flagstaff, AZ
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, August 8, 2026
- Location
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 13.1 Miles, 5K, 1K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 4,993
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Flagstaff's Big Brothers Big Sisters Memorial Half Marathon, now in its 49th year, is Arizona's second-oldest half marathon and a beloved local institution. This challenging course, first run in 1976, winds through Thorpe Park and ascends Observatory Mesa, offering spectacular views of the San Francisco Peaks. Runners will experience a significant climb in the first 1.25 miles, reaching elevations over 7,700 feet, making it a test for those coming from lower altitudes.
With a median field size of around 200 finishers and a growing trend, the race draws participants from about 10 states. A notable 37% of runners return year after year, testament to the race's enduring appeal. Participants receive a high-tech long-sleeved shirt, free digital photos, and a commemorative medal, with a pre-race pizza party adding to the community feel. The event is walker-friendly, with an early start option for those who wish to take their time on this unique, high-altitude course.
Race-provided description
On August 8th, join Flagstaff's oldest race, and the 2nd oldest half marathon in Arizona sponsored by Kinney Construction Services! This year we are hosting our 49th annual race on our challenging and breathtakingly beautiful course. All half marathon participants will get a commemorative finisher's medal similar to last year's popular design. Both 5k or half participants will receive a $34 Sweatvac Hi-Tech colorful long-sleeved shirt, free digital race photos, and admission to the FREE August 7th Fratelli's pre-race pizza party located in their Party Room directly behind their 4th Street restaurant (2120 N Fourth Street). Kid's Dash participants will get a medal. See photos and the last year's race! The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Half Marathon and 5K are walker-friendly events! Those who would like to take their time on our beautiful but challenging half-marathon course, there is a 6 AM start. While you will receive a chip time and finisher's medal, you will not be eligible for age division awards. For many reasons, we do not allow dogs on the course during the race. Our beautiful course starts at Thorpe Park and climbs the steep urban trail onto Observatory Mesa (where astronomers discovered Pluto) and follows dirt roads on with spectacular views of the San Francisco Peaks. Elevations range between 6957 ft at the start, to 7731 ft near the 7.5 mile mark! Most of the climbing is done over the first 1.25 miles, so pace yourself. If you are from lower elevations, heed the race director's advice and power walk!!!! You will easily make up the time over the rest of the course! The 5K is also on Observatory Mesa. ALL proceeds benefit BBBSF Mentoring Programs that create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The race is also part of the 22nd annual Flagstaff Running Series value package of five of Flagstaff's most iconic foot races. You can save big on the Series package of races by registering for one-stop shopping at https://runsignup.com/Race/AZ/Flagstaff/FlagstaffRunSeries PARTNER RACE: OCTOBER 10th SOULSTICE MOUNTAIN TRAIL RUN 30K/18K/10K
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
Sweatvac Unisex Race Shirt
Start Location
Actual Course - Thorpe Park Flagstaff, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Mountain, Urban
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Hilly
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout7130 years running
~196 finishers a year
growing or steady
37% returning runners
5 timing sources · 3 photos
runners from 10 states
winner 1:27:05
typical high 82°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
60°
Afternoon (High)
82°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
48%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 4,993 finishers actually crossed the line across 30 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
4,993
Median time
2:28:53
Latest turnout
212
States
41
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk?
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk is held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk take place?
It takes place in Flagstaff, Arizona.
What distances does the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 13.1 Miles, 5K, 1K.
Is the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk course flat and good for a PR?
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk is a hilly, loop course course.
How many people run the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk?
HalfRuns has finish records for 4,993 runners who have completed the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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