23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run 2026 — Prescott, AZ

Date
September 19, 2026
Location
Prescott, AZ
Venue
1110 E. Friendly Pines Road
Start Time
8:00 AM
Sunrise
6:14 AM
Entry Fee
$35.00 – $105.00
Events
1/2 Marathon, 10k Run, 5k Run, Fun Run
Includes
Tech T-Shirt (people say shirts run big) | Tech T-Shirt (people say shirts run big)

The 23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic takes place on September 19, 2026, in Prescott, Arizona, at 1110 E. Friendly Pines Road. This event offers multiple distance options to suit different training levels: 1 mile, 2 miles, 6.2 miles (10K), and a half marathon. The race starts at 8:00 AM. Entry fees range from $35 to $105 depending on the distance selected. Whether you're looking for a shorter tune-up run or a substantial half-marathon effort, this classic provides flexibility for endurance athletes in various stages of training. Prescott's elevation and early September timing make it worth considering as part of your fall race calendar.

From the Race Organizer
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).

Course & Travel Notes

The Groom Creek Classic takes place at 5,377 feet elevation in Prescott, Arizona, so plan to adjust your pacing accordingly for the altitude. With sunrise at 6:16 AM and an 8:00 AM start time, you'll have decent morning light for the beginning of the race. Prescott Regional Airport (Ernest A. Love Field) is just 8.3 miles from the venue, making it a convenient option for traveling to this September event.

⛰️ 5,377 ft elevation☀️ Typically 81°F / 61°F · 30% chance of rain✈️ Prescott Regional Airport - Ernest A. Love Field (PRC) — 8.3 mi

Hotels Near This Race

Find accommodation close to the start line in Prescott, AZ. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.

RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.

23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run 2026 — Prescott, AZ

Race day is approaching. Hotels fill up fast.

--Days
:
--Hours
:
--Mins
:
--Secs
Book a hotel for race weekend

Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for September 19.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Prescott, AZ. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is 23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run 2026 — Prescott, AZ?

23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run 2026 — Prescott, AZ takes place on September 19, 2026. The race is held in Prescott, Arizona.

Where is 23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run 2026 — Prescott, AZ held?

23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run 2026 — Prescott, AZ is held at 1110 E. Friendly Pines Road in Prescott, Arizona.

Where can I find hotels near 23rd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run 2026 — Prescott, AZ?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Prescott. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.