Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon
Flagstaff's oldest race climbs out of Thorpe Park onto Observatory Mesa, running dirt roads between 6,950 and 7,730 feet under the San Francisco Peaks.
Quick facts
- Dirt road course on Observatory Mesa between roughly 6,950 and 7,730 feet.
- Most of the climbing arrives in the first 1.25 miles, so early restraint pays.
- A 6 a.m. early start is open to walkers who want more time on course.
- Runs inside the Flagstaff Running Series and funds Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring.
About the Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon
Close to five decades old and still a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff fundraiser, this is the second oldest half marathon in Arizona. It also sits inside the Flagstaff Running Series, so the field mixes altitude-adapted locals with visitors who tend to misjudge the opening mile.
Course
The race starts at Thorpe Park and climbs a steep urban trail onto Observatory Mesa, taking most of its elevation inside the first mile and a quarter. From there it follows dirt roads with open views of the San Francisco Peaks, topping out near 7,730 feet around the 7.5 mile mark before turning back.
Race-day weather
August mornings at 7,000 feet in Flagstaff are cool, but monsoon season adds humidity and the chance of storms later in the day. Thin air, not heat, is usually what decides the second half.
Past Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, August 8, 2026 | Completed | Open results |
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Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon FAQ
When is the Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon?
We're waiting for the finalized date for the 2027 Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon. The most recent running was on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
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