Phoenix Marathon

Phoenix Marathon 2026 Course Analysis

Phoenix Marathon is a full marathon held in Phoenix, United States of America, scheduled for Saturday 15 August 2026. The course is run on road surface with 127m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 414m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Phoenix Marathon website.

Elevation Profile

With 127m of elevation gain, this is a moderately undulating course. The route ranges from 358m to 414m above sea level (56m total range). While not completely flat, the elevation changes are manageable for most runners and shouldn't significantly impact pacing strategy.

Expected Race Day Weather

Based on historical weather data for August, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Moderate temperatures between 18°C and 24°C are expected. While comfortable for most runners, those targeting fast times should pay attention to hydration, as these temperatures can impact performance over the full distance. There is a low chance of rain (0%), so dry conditions are likely.

Surface Type: Road

Phoenix 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.

How Difficult Is Phoenix Marathon?

Our difficulty rating for Phoenix 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 Phoenix Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.