El Tour de Tucson 5K takes place on November 21, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona, starting at 7:15 AM from the Tucson Convention Center. This 5K welcomes both running and wheelchair athletes. Entry fees range from free to $30, making it an accessible option for most budgets. The early morning start time means you'll want accommodation close to the venue for convenient access before the race begins. Whether you're a competitive runner or a casual participant, this event offers a straightforward 5K distance in Arizona's desert city.
From the Race Organizer
Join the Fun: Mark your calendars for the exciting El Tour Expo & Fiesta festivities on Thursday, November 19 and Friday, November 20, with the bike and run on Saturday, November 21st. Perfect for the active family: Ride the Tour or walk or run the 5k -- either way, enjoy a Downtown party, discounted hotels, and more! Open to all ages and abilities, every finisher in this chip-timed 5K will receive a souvenir medallion as they cross the finish line. You can walk the 3.1 mile Downtown course or you can race it, with overall winners and age-group winners receiving gift cards to Fleet Feet Tucson . Enjoy Downtown and the El Tour Expo: The 5K will start at the El Tour start line at 7:15 am and cruise through the wide neighborhood streets of Barrio Viejo and Armory Park in historic Downtown Tucson. The finish is back near the Convention Center, at El Parque de San Cosme, just two blocks from the start line and expo. The El Tour Expo and Fiesta is a 3-day expo that leads up to the big day. Enjoy exhibits, demos, celebrity signings, food trucks, live entertainment and the Dragoon Brewing Beer Garden! Age Group and Overall Awards: Top finishers receive gift cards to Fleet Feet Tucson. Planned Event Week Schedule When and Where : Casino del Sol Expo & Fiesta, Tucson Convention Center Exhibition Hall, 260 South Church Avenue, in Downtown Tucson Thursday, November 19, Noon – 8:00 pm, Convention Center Friday, November 20, Noon – 8:00 pm, Convention Center Saturday, November 21, 6:00 am - 7:00 am, Convention Center next to starting line on Cushing Street Expo and Fiesta continuing until 6:00pm on Saturday In-Person Registration: All in-person registration at the Expo will be done online using the RunSignup platform. Picking Up Your Packet: Please be prepared to give the volunteers the last name and the assigned race number so that they can find your number. Use the "Find a Participant" search to find the race number for every registered participant. It may be crowded, so please be patient and please be kind to the volunteers. Add-on Purchases: Please bring your purchase receipt to the Expo to pick up your various souvenirs. Planned 5k Run/Walk Event Day Schedule, Saturday, November 21st 6:00 am - 7:00 am: Packet pickup and bathrooms at the Convention Center -- remember, the race starts promptly at 7:15 am, so give yourself enough time to get to the start line on Cushing Street 7:15 am: Start 5k Run/Walk, on Cushing Street between Church and Meyer There are no formal pace corrals, so please join the starting line in terms of your expected pace: for example, speed demon who plan to run 5 or 6 minutes per mile should at the front near the starting scaffolding facing east, while those who expect to take 20-25 minutes per mile should start towards the back. The race is so-called "gun-timed" so start your watch when you cross the start line! Finish at El Parque de San Cosme, near San Cosme Chapel at 460 West Simpson Street Runners and Walkers, as you come off the paved path onto the finishing stretch, please finish to the left of the finish line arch Finisher medals awarded to all finishers, given out by the GroGirlsGro volunteers Finish line treats of bananas, oranges, and more, given out by volunteers from AAA Arizona Music by Starlight Deejays, with face painting for the kiddos and activities by Raising Cane's, Tucson Roadrunners, and more After the finish, head over to the Convention Center for live music, the beer garden and other day-long activities. 9:15 am: Approximate time for El Tour 5k Awards at Convention Center, with age group awards by Fleet Feet Ongoing morning and afternoon: bike rides begin, expo activities, music, and more Click here for more information on the El Tour bike rides and weekend schedule El Tour de Tucson Website Additional event information can be found at https://eltourdetucson.org/ Accommodations and Travel Book with our official lodging partners and save during your stay! Click on the hotel logo to book directly online now. Rates typically are valid during race weekend and are subject to occupancy and city taxes https://eltourdetucson.org/el-tour-de-tucson/accommodations-and-travel/ Event Directors El Tour has partnered with Run Tucson , the local leaders producing running events for decades. Run Tucson has developed running events in locations like Downtown Tucson and in tourist destinations like Saguaro National Park, the Biosphere 2, and Old Tucson Studios. Questions about the El Tour 5k? Contact Randy Accetta at randy@runtucson.net . Questions about the El Tour bike events? See www.eltourdetucson.org . The event will take place rain or shine. There are no refunds, deferrals, or returns for this event. Race items will not be mailed to participants.
