Marathon Celebrates 20th Anniversary: A Race to Remember!

The 20th anniversary of RunSedona will feature a half marathon, 10k, and 5k races on Saturday, February 1. Proceeds from the event will support the Sedona Community Food Bank and the Humane Society of Sedona. Currently, over 3,700 runners are registered, with a growing waitlist.

To facilitate the race, Dry Creek Road will be closed to vehicles between 7:30 and 11:30 a.m. Participants planning to drive should account for delays or choose alternate routes.

The event, originally known as the Sedona Marathon, was rebranded to RunSedona in 2019. Marketing Director Holly Colson comments on its success, attributing it to a combination of factors, including Sedona’s growth as a destination and a welcoming approach to new runners. “Our 5k allows strollers, and we encourage walking,” she noted.

A new addition this year is the “Run the Runway” event at Sedona Airport, starting at 2 p.m. “It is the flattest mile in Sedona, no turns,” Colson explained, emphasizing the stunning vistas participants will experience while running down the airport runway. Parking will be free on race day.

The day’s events will include multiple categories: a “paws walk” for dogs, family fun walks, and races divided by age and gender. Sedona Airport Manager Ed Rose expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “How often do you have the opportunity to run down an airport runway, and with these fantastic views?”

As of January 24, participants have raised $5,269 for the food bank and a separate sum for the Humane Society. Brenda Redel, the Humane Society’s Director of Philanthropy, will host a booth at Run the Runway, promoting volunteer opportunities and featuring adoptable dogs.

Additionally, Redwall Distillery in West Sedona will run a fundraiser for the Humane Society from February 1 to 5. Celebrating National Doggy Date Night on February 3, patrons are encouraged to bring their dogs while enjoying a drink.

The food bank will also be present at the half marathon, providing information on volunteer opportunities and distributing awards. For added convenience, residents can visit the food bank’s See’s Candy Wagon in the Bashas’ parking lot from January 31 to February 14.

Parking on Airport Mesa will be complimentary throughout the event. For more details, visit runsedona.com.