Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler

Monday, September 4, 2023 (Labor Day)

Event Description:

Registration is open for the 2023 version of Tucson’s iconic running race set inside Saguaro National Park East. We’re capping the total amount of runners at 750, so grab your spot before the race sells out.

This scenic course and the post-race festivities truly embrace the spirit of the old Southwest, making the 51st Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run a regional favorite. 

Our rolling 8-mile and 5k courses loop through a cactus forest in the foothills of the scenic Rincon Mountains at Saguaro National Park East. Race morning promises to be hot, so bring water and sunscreen.

The oldest race of the Southern Arizona Roadrunners, this event has been featured as a Runner’s World Race of the Month. 

The 8 Miler is part of The Running Shop SAR Grand Prix series.

Race Times:

5:30am – 8-mile rolling start begins, with prize money start at 6:30 am

6:35am – 5k Start

8:45am or so Awards

Event Beneficiaries: Friends of Saguaro National Park

Fees and Registration:

Register Online for 2023: HERE

Mail-In Registration: CHECK BACK LATER

Registration Pricing:

$50 – August 1 – Aug 31, 2023

*SAR members receive a 10% discount automatically

**Provide your National Park Service number to receive an additional $5 off

Volunteer

To volunteer, please click HERE

Packet Pickup Info:

• Running Shop Saturday, September 3, 10am-1pm
• Pre-Race at the event site 5:15-6:00am

Course Info:

8M on paved road loop rolling up and down, fast finish

5K on paved road, out and back, rolling up and down

Awards:

The 8M has awards for the top 3 finishers in 5 year age groups, and the 5K in 10 year age groups.

All participants receive a race t-shirt.

Safety Guidelines & Protocols:

We continue to monitor relevant information and consult with public health guidelines appropriate for Pima County and will ensure that all race day activities are compliant with recommendations and best practices.

Chip-Timing: 

Rolling start, with start/finish line chip timing by Roadrunner Race Timing

Bring the Kids: 

Children and strollers are allowed in the 5k

Weather: 

Most likely in 70’s at the start, rising to triple digits later in the day

Strollers: 

The 5k is fine for strollers but the 8-miler is probably not a great idea for pushing a young child, with lots of steep up-and-downs and the possibility of high heat for the child in the last few miles of the race once the sun comes out.

Chair Athletes: 

The 5k would be moderately challenging for chair athletes, while the 8-miler is a demanding course with downhills possible dangerous for chair athletes. 

Pets Not Allowed: 

We love pets but they cannot be on the grounds of Saguaro National Park during the event.