La Primera Sun Run 10K/5K Recap – A Picture-Perfect Day on the Loop!
Last Sunday, the La Primera Sun Run 10K/5K/FitKidz kicked off under picture-perfect skies, and wow—what a day it was! With a brand-new course this year, runners took off from the southeast corner of Christopher Columbus Park, heading north onto the Huckleberry Loop for a stunning, scenic adventure. This wasn’t your typical out-and-back race—this course featured rolling hills, winding paths along the river, and some seriously gorgeous views that kept everyone motivated from start to finish.
One of the best parts of the day? The incredible range of runners on the course! From 5-year-olds sprinting with pure joy in the FitKidz race to 80 and even 90-year-olds showing us all how it’s done, this event truly celebrated running for everyone. The FitKidz race was an absolute blast, with young runners laughing, sprinting, and high-fiving their way across the finish line. Their energy was contagious, reminding us all of the pure fun of running—no pace goals, just big smiles and finish-line celebrations!
Meanwhile, the 10K and 5K races were full of speed demons, weekend warriors, and families soaking in the perfect morning. Some runners pushed for PRs, while others simply enjoyed the breathtaking desert backdrop and the electric race-day atmosphere. The course’s loop-style design meant there was always something new to see, whether it was fellow runners crushing their goals, the early morning golden light on the mountains, or the peaceful river path stretching ahead.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without our incredible volunteers! From the early risers at registration to the finish line crew cheering every runner home, and the course monitors keeping everyone safe and on track—you are the heart and soul of this race. Special thanks to Autumn Ball, our amazing Volunteer Coordinator! Her dedication, leadership, and hard work made the whole day run like a well-oiled machine. We are beyond grateful for this incredible community of runners, walkers, and volunteers who make events like this so special.
We at Southern Arizona Roadrunners hope you loved this year’s course as much as we did! We’re already looking ahead to 2026, dreaming up ways to make the La Primera Sun Run even bigger and better next year. Mark your calendars, keep those running shoes ready, and we’ll see you at the starting line again soon!
Kelly Thrush, Race Director