Mesa Marathon

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