Oops, we thought we were turning 50, but we're only hitting the big four - nine . Registration for the 49th Annual Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run is now open. The race is capped at 750 people, so sign up now for the 8-miler or 5k. All runners receive a free race t-shirt and a special 49th Anniversary Medallion.
Join us at this iconic Tucson event -- our paved 8 mile loop will challenge you as you race among the rolling hills of the Saguaro Cactus Forest in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains. The 5k Fun Run and Walk is an easier out-and-back, with the same gorgeous scenery Old-timers will remember when this race was the Saguaro National Monument Run, and we're proud to be part of the National Park Service, an American treasure celebrating its 103rd anniversary this year.
We offer special thanks to our friends at Saguaro for allowing us to be one of the few races produced on National Park lands. Park Ranger Steve Bolyard and Saguaro Chief Ranger Ray O’Neill have all provided above-and-beyond support for this race over the years.
Questions? Email or call Randy Accetta, SAR race director at 520-991-0733
Date and Time
Race Start: 8 mile at 6:25 am, while the 5k starts at 6:30.
Race Awards
Race Director Prize Money Challenge: The first man who breaks race director Randy's course PR of 42:48 will receive $424.80 in cash on the barrelhead. The first woman who breaks an age-graded equivalent of 47:48 will receive $474.80 in cash on the barrelhead.
Nicholas Hilton 41:33, 2018
Katie James 46:39, 2016
The 8 Miler is part of the Running Shop SAR Desert Grand Prix and is the RRCA Arizona State 8-Mile Championship, with special commemorative medallions to the first male and female in the Open Division, Master's Division (40+), Grand-Master's Division 50+) and Super Grand Master's 60+.
2018 Awards -- not sure what we're doing in 2019 yet, though
Special thanks to The Running Shop, long-time sponsor of SAR and the Saguaro Labor Day Run!
8 Miler. Overall top three and Age groups: 0-19, 20-24, etc to 75 & over
Overall 1: $40 Running Shop gift cert + keychain
Overall 2: $30 Running Shop gc + keychain
Overall 3: $20 gc + keychain
Masters 1: $20 gc + keychain
Age group 1: $15 gc + keychain
Age group 2: $10 gc + keychain
Age group 3: keychain
5K: Top three men and women, plus first place in age groups in 10-year categories: 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 +
Overall 1: $25 Running Shop gc + kc
Overall 2: $20 + kc
Overall 3: $15 + kc
Masters 1: $15 + kc
Age group 1: keychain
In these races, there is no double-dipping. Overall winner will be taken out of all Age Group awards.
Additional Details
Parking: Park safely along Old Spanish Trail, Freeman Road, and Escalante. Please don’t block driveways or bike paths. Carpooling is strongly recommended. The earlier you arrive, the shorter your warm-up jog!
Park Fee: The National Park Service has been gracious about allowing us access to the beautiful park. The Park Service asks that all participants pay the standard $5 entry fee to the park. This amount will go directly to the National Parks Service. If you buy an annual pass to the national parks (or are under 16 years of age), this fee will be waived if you provide your permit number on your entry form. For information on an annual park pass, see visit this page, or visit any national park and inquire at entry. Race entry fees also include labor cost of additional park rangers required for the event.
Beneficiaries
SAGUARO BENEFICIARIES
The National Park Service: The National Park Service has been gracious about allowing us access to the beautiful park. The Park Service asks that all participants pay the standard $5 entry fee to the park. This amount will go directly to the National Parks Service. If you buy an annual pass to the national parks (or are under 16 years of age), this fee will be waived if you provide your permit number on your hard-copy entry form or your online registration.
Friends of Saguaro: Thanks to Cox Charities, this year's event will donate funds to the Friends of Saguaro. Friends of Saguaro National Park: Our mission is to help the public discover Saguaro, protect Saguaro, and support Saguaro.
Southern Arizona Roadrunners: This event raises operating funds for SAR and income for the Children's Fitness Fund, an award-based program supporting youth fitness in and around Tucson.
Contact
Call Race Director Randy Accetta 520-991-0733 or
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
