TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler/5k

September 4 Update: Click here for the final pre-race email to participants.

September 2 Update: The t-shirt race cap is 750 and as of today we've reached the cap.  Registration is still open, so there is plenty of room to sign up for the 8-miler or 5k but all late registrants after September 1st will not be guaranteed a souvenir race shirt. 

Any remaining shirts will be available to late registrants at the SAR tent after the race.

4 OTHER NOTES

Schedule, Directions, and Parking: Click here for the race weekend schedule. Click here for advice on how to get to Saguaro EAST and where to park. Carpooling is advised.

Free Italian Ice For All: SAR is providing a free Italian Ice for all registrants -- so be sure to visit the GELU food truck near the finish line to snag your cool free treat. Remember, no commercial transactions are allowed on Park land, so there are no race day sales or race day registrations.)

Additional medals available for purchase in the SAR Store. If you have not been able to purchase one of the souvenir medals, you can visit the SAR RunSignup Store here and purchase one for $15 (plus fees). 

The race is due to take place rain or shine. Weather reports indicate that it is supposed to be partially cloudy and then sunny on race morning with temperatures upwards of 80-90+ degrees. However, in the event of a morning lightning storm or otherwise dangerous storm conditions, we will defer to the requirements of the National Park Service and make a final decision on race morning. The SAR refund policy is posted here.

The Original Saguaro!  

This is the only race that takes place within the actual-factual cactus forest of Saguaro National Park.  

If you're ready ready to celebrate America's National Parks , then get ready for the 55th Annual Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler and 5 Run/Walk, one of 3 races in America actually held within the grounds of a National Park.

Join the Southern Arizona Roadrunners on an exhilarating run through the Cactus Forest, a surreal landscape of towering saguaros at the base of the rugged Rincon Mountains.

Who knows, you might even spot a herd of wild javalinas cheering you on.

This is one run you won't want to miss! NOTE: the first 750 registrants are guaranteed a race shirt -- late registrants may be able to pick up a remaining shirt after the race at the SAR tent.

Prize money for course records, age group and overall awards, a souvenir shirt and post-race fun for all.  Your race entry provides a day pass into Saguaro National Park. Produced by the Southern Arizona Roadrunners, whose original founders created the race back in 1971. 

The rolling paved course promises a challenge, but the breathtaking views of saguaro, prickly pears, ocotillos, and possibly even a rattlesnake or two make it worth it! 

The 8-Mile is a clockwise loop, with  challenging rolling hills and beautiful views of the Rincon Mountains, the Catalina Mountains, and the entire Tucson basin.

The 5k is a less-challenging out-and-back covering the last portion of the 8-mile race.

A note on 2026 pricing: Your race entry includes an entrance pass to the Saguaro National Park. You can save $5 on your registration by submitting your National Park Service number at the appropriate spot in the registration process.  Please be sure to enter your NPS number with a mix of letters and numerals, not the SKU number on the card. You can purchase an NPS annual pass online here.

Run more, pay less! SAR members receive a discount that covers RunSignup fees at all SAR-owned races. Not a member? Join SAR: https://runsignup.com/MemberOrg/SouthernArizonaRoadrunners

SAGUARO BENEFICIARIES

The National Park Service: The National Park Service has been gracious about allowing us access to the beautiful park. The Park Service asks that all participants pay the standard entry fee to the park. This amount will go directly to the National Parks Service. If you buy an annual pass to the national parks (or are under 16 years of age), this fee will be waived if you provide your permit number on your hard-copy entry form or your online registration.

Friends of Saguaro: This year's event will donate funds to the Friends of Saguaro. Friends of Saguaro National Park: Our mission is to help the public discover Saguaro, protect Saguaro, and support Saguaro.

Southern Arizona Roadrunners: This event raises operating funds for SAR and income for the Children's Fitness Fund, an award-based program supporting youth fitness in and around Tucson.