
Mesa, United States of America · Saturday 9 May 2026
The course begins beneath the prominent white Phoenix sign on Usery Mountain, where runners face a distinctly net downhill profile featuring nearly 1,000 feet of total elevation loss over the full 26.2 miles. Early miles traverse cactus-dotted desert landscapes, providing wide views of the Phoenix Valley as the route descends along North Usery Pass Road. This initial section is notable for its consistent gradual downhill, enabling runners to maintain steady pacing, but it requires careful energy
Adjusted Time
4:24:24
Time difference: +24.4 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Mesa Marathon is a full marathon held in Mesa, United States of America, scheduled for Saturday 9 May 2026. The course is run on road surface with 50m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 601m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Mesa Marathon website.
This is a very flat course with only 50m of total elevation gain across the full distance. The course ranges from 375m to 601m above sea level — a 226m elevation range that makes it one of the flatter races available. Runners targeting a personal best will appreciate the minimal climbing.
Based on historical weather data for May, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Hot conditions are expected, with temperatures between 21°C and 40°C. Heat is one of the biggest performance factors in marathon running — research shows that for every degree above 15°C, marathon times slow by approximately 1-2%. Extra hydration and a conservative start are strongly recommended. There is a low chance of rain (0%), so dry conditions are likely.
Mesa Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.
Our difficulty rating for Mesa Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Mesa Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
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