TMC Earth Day 5K at Biosphere 2

 

Looking for a way to celebrate Earth Day? Join us at Biosphere 2 for a 5k run and walk, entirely on the grounds of the famed facility.  Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking for a fun way to get some exercise, you're sure to enjoy yourself at the world-famous Biosphere 2.  

 

Clear your schedule and join us at the April 18th TMC Earth Day 5k, where you can walk or run the hidden Biosphere 2 backroads, nestled at the base of the majestic Catalina Mountains, north of Tucson. The rolling 3.1 mile course is perfect for racing and walking, with gorgeous desert and mountain views and a start and finish on the beautiful Great Lawn.  

 

After the 5k, you can relax, listen to music, snag some food, and enjoy other fun activities, so make sure to stick around to socialize and have some fun. All registrants receive free entry to the Biosphere 2 informative tour of the renowned research facility, with an exclusive peek into the inner workings of the Biosphere 2, a wild world of wetlands, rainforests, grasslands, fog deserts, and the big blue ocean. It's like a backstage pass to nature's superstar habitats!

 

The TMC Earth Day 5k is raising funds for the Ocean Reef research project, learning how to grow ocean reefs in a changing climate.  See details and donate here. 

 

• Souvenir shirt to first 600 registrants

• Timed 5k with finisher's video

• Age group and overall awards courtesy of The Running Shop

• Free entry to the world-famous Biosphere 2

• Snacks and drinks

• Food trucks with yummy post-race food for purchase

• Children's activities

 

Schedule 

Thursday, April 16
4:00 - 6:00 pm Packet pickup and in-person registration at The Running Shop, 3055 North Campbell, Tucson
T-shirts to the first 600 registered, sizing and style on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yes: you can pick up the number/shirt of other people
Yes: you can shop for cool goodies at The Running Shop. 
Yes: It may be crowded, so please be nice to everyone
Yes: Be sure to take pins and pin your number on the front of your racing shirt.

 
Saturday, April 18 at Biosphere 2, 32540 S Biosphere Rd, Oracle, AZ 85739 
Please consider carpooling. Please park in the main parking lot at the Biosphere 2.  Please follow the directions of the Biosphere 2 staff on hand.

7:15-8:15 am Race day registration and packet pick up in the parking lot by the front entrance at the Biosphere 2.  Pick up your race shirt and colorful race bib number.
8:30 am Start time for TMC Earth Day 5k Run/Walk
8:30 or so: Food trucks, with snacks and drinks available for purchase
9:45 am Free Kids Dash on the Great Lawn
10:00 am Awards, courtesy of the Running Shop. Remaining shirts available to late registrants, first-come, first-served.
10:15 Event wrap-up
Tour the Biosphere 2: All registrants can visit Biosphere2 on their own -- no need for a formal tour! All non-running guests can purchase Biosphere 2 admission for the discounted rate of $10 (before 8:30 am) and all children under 12 are free.
 
Post-race: If you can't make the race weekend activities, please note that any remaining shirts will be brought to the Running Shop and available for pickup between April 21 - May 15. To get the size you want, pick up your shirt in advance.

 

Nice words from 2024 runner Dale: It’s important to me to thank the people who help make Tucson the awesome community it is! Saturday’s Earth Day was fabulous! I’ve been fortunate to attend all the races you’ve had out there! Just the view and space is incredible and what a gift to be able to “struggle” up the hills while taking it all in!   Thank you so much for all you and your staff/team do. 

Nice words from 2024 runner Louise: Wow!! Are you guys efficient or what?  Thanks so much for the quick turnaround with results and, again, for organizing and running a great event.  The water stop was especially appreciated on a hot day. (And even if we were running short of time, the announcer was funny and added an enjoyable element to announcing the winners.)

Don't miss this chance to visit the earth's entire ecosystem under one roof while celebrating Earth Day.

Bring the Kids! Strollers are allowed at this child-friendly event, with a free Kid's Dash & Kid's Zone.  Special $5 price for children 14-and-under: includes race number, timing, and entry to Biosphere 2, but no t-shirt.

Do Good! This inaugural event raises funds for the world-renowned Biosphere 2's Ocean Reef Lab. 

Terrain: mostly pavement, with a brief dirt section

Difficulty: hilly in sections

Weather: 50's - 70's

Differently Abled: Yes, be mindful of hills and dirt road

Pets Allowed: No

Want Training Advice? Contact RRCA-certified running coach Tia Accetta at tia@runtucson.net. 

This event is a partnership between Run Tucson & the Biosphere 2, the University of Arizona 

Questions? Contact Race Director Randy Accetta at randy@runtucson.net.  

The route will be solely on the grounds of the renowned Biosphere 2, using back road and locations not available to the public.  

Terrain: The race starts and ends on grass, but it's mostly pavement, with a brief dirt section ... and, well, it's hilly in some sections...

 

The Start: The event starts on the grass of the Great Lawn, crosses some gravel, then drops down a steep hill before heading up another hill that passes the Biosphere 2 complex.  For 2024, we've flattened this hill, with a flat and smooth section through Biosphere out buildings before a gradual climb to the top of the course. There are a few speedbumps on this opening hill, so please keep an eye out for varied terrain.

Mile One: After the first half-mile or so, you'll continue heading north through the Mesquite Forest.  This is a mostly flat section, then you'll take a sharp right turn and plunging downhill. Off to your left will be the snowcapped Catalinas as you head downhill, then you'll begin a gentle climb back up to the beautiful dirt road section, with the mountains to your left and the Biosphere 2 to your right.

Mile Two: The second mile will be a bit twisty as you go past the historic ranch house, then swing downhill past the stables and onto the flat-ish out-and-back.

Mile Three and the Finish: There will be about a 1/3 of a mile of gentle downhill to the turnaround, then you'll come back heading towards the Biosphere 2. The final stretch will head back up the hill to the finish line in the middle of the Great Lawn.

Chair Athletes: Chair athletes may find this a doable but challenging course, with a couple of steep hills and the dirt road.

Strollers: Strollers are allowed in the race, but please be mindful of the hills and ensure that you are tied to the stroller you're pushing. Please remember sun protection.

Headphones: We request that you do not wear headphones while participating in the event. Enjoy the camaraderies of your fellow athletes, enjoy the scenery, and keep an ear open for rattlesnakes, javelinas, and other participants.

Wildlife: This event takes place in a rural environment adjacent to wilderness, so you may encounter any number of wild animals, including but not limited to rattlesnakes and other snakes, javelina, cattle, deer, wild turkeys, horses bobcats, and more. Please do not try to touch the wildlife. Please do not wear headphones.

Heat and Altitude: The race starts at approximately 3820 feet, so be mindful that you're at a bit of elevation. It looks like race morning may be about 50 degrees at the start, climbing to the mid-70's. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and a hat.

Measurements: The route is garmin- and map-my-run correct but not a USATF certified course.

Wanna' know more about the location?  Check out this video from 2011, with scenes from the early construction in the mid-80's.

Please carpool. There will be parking in the Biosphere 2 parking lot, but it would help if participants carpooled to share the drive.

Driving Directions from Central Tucson
From central Tucson, go north to River Road and turn left (heading west)
Continue on River Road and turn right on Oracle Road/AZ Highway 77
Drive north approximately 24 miles on Oracle Road/AZ Highway 77
Turn right on to Biosphere 2 Road at Mile Post 96.5

From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
After leaving the airport, follow the signs to I-10 E
Take I-10 E toward Tucson, to Exit 185 and exit the interstate
Turn left onto Highway 387 and continue past Coolidge until Highway 387 intersects with AZ Highway 79 near Florence
Turn right on to Highway 79 and follow this until Oracle Junction where you turn left onto AZ Highway 77
Drive north approximately 6 miles on AZ Highway 77
Turn right on to Biosphere 2 Road at Mile Post 96.5

 

Special thanks to Lucas Tyler at The Running Shop for providing gift certificates to age group and overall winners of the TMC Earth Day 5k. As much as we like trophies, we prefer gift certificates as awards because they provide such tangible benefit.

Overall Male and Female Runners: 1st = $35 gift certificate; 2nd = $30; 3rd = $25

First Male, Female 40+: $30 gift certificate

Top Three in Age Groups in 5 year increments, U15 - through 80+

Male, Female

AG 1: $20 gift cert

AG 2: $15 gift cert

AG 3: $10 gift cert

Gift Certificates must be used by October 19, 2025, with the actual winner of the gift certificate present at use. Please note that gift cards will only be given to the actual award winner -- if you're not at the Awards Ceremony, you can pick up the gift card at The Running Shop after the race.

All athletes may choose either the male, female, or non-binary category. For this race we are providing age group awards in male and female categories. If you wish to not select a traditional gender category, you can leave this field blank in your registration.

April 14 Update:  

We've reached our limit of 600 guaranteed souvenir shirts.  Registration is still open, but all new registrants are not guaranteed a shirt.  We will have any leftover shirts available AFTER the race at the Run Tucson tent near the start/finish, as available on a first-come, first-served basis.
 

The first 600 registrants are guaranteed a free souvenir short sleeve shirt, in either unisex or "women's" cut, in a soft.    We ask you to mark your size so we know what to order, but we cannot promise the perfect sizing--all shirts are first-come, first-served in terms of sizing at packet pickup.  

 

Thursday, April 17

4:00 - 6:00 pm Packet pickup and in-person registration at The Running Shop, 3055 North Campbell, Tucson

T-shirts to the first 600 registered, sizing and style on a first-come, first-served basis.

Yes: If you ordered a souvenir medal or hat, you can pick it up at packet pickup.
Yes: You can pick up the number/shirt of other people
Yes: You can shop for cool goodies at The Running Shop. 
Yes: It may be crowded, so please be nice to everyone
Yes: Be sure to take pins and pin your number on the front of your racing shirt.

Friday, April 18
4:00 - 6:00 pm Packet pickup and in-person registration at The Running Shop, 3055 North Campbell, Tucson
T-shirts to the first 600 registered, sizing and style on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yes: If you ordered a souvenir medal or hat, you can pick it up at packet pickup.

Yes: You can pick up the number/shirt of other people
Yes: You can shop for cool goodies at The Running Shop. 
Yes: It may be crowded, so please be nice to everyone
Yes: Be sure to take pins and pin your number on the front of your racing shirt.

 
Saturday, April 19 at Biosphere 2, 32540 S Biosphere Rd, Oracle, AZ 85739 
Please consider carpooling. Please park in the main parking lot at the Biosphere 2.  Please follow the directions of the Biosphere 2 staff on hand.

7:15-8:15 am Race day registration and packet pick up in the parking lot by the front entrance at the Biosphere 2.  Pick up your race shirt and colorful race bib number.  If you ordered a souvenir medal or hat, you can pick it up at packet pickup.
8:30 am Start time for TMC Earth Day 5k Run/Walk
8:30 or so: Food trucks, with snacks and drinks available for purchase
9:45 am Free Kids Dash on the Great Lawn
10:00 am Awards, courtesy of the Running Shop. Remaining shirts available to late registrants, first-come, first-served.
10:15 Event wrap-up
Ongoing: Tour the Biosphere 2: All registrants can visit Biosphere2 on their own -- no need for a formal tour! All non-running guests can purchase Biosphere 2 admission for the discounted rate of $10 (before 8:30 am) and all children under 12 are free.

 

Post-race: If you can't make the race weekend activities, please note that any remaining shirts will be brought to the Running Shop and available for pickup between April 21 - May 15. To get the size you want, pick up your shirt in advance.

There are two options for kids:

1) after the race, we'll hold a free kids dash for children of all ages.  They'll do a loop around the Great Lawn and we expect to have previous race medals to hand out to all kids.

2) we also offer a $10 Kids 5k, for all children 14 and under.  Children 14 and under receive a race number, a race time, and free entry to the Biosphere 2 -- but no souvenir t-shirt.

Discounted visitor pricing, service animals welcome, no pets on site,  and other visitor details

 

Discounted Visitor Pricing: All runners receive free entry to the Biosphere 2, while all all Earth Run spectators 13 years and older receive the reduced general admission fee of only $10 per person. Children 12 and under are free between the hours of 6am and 10am. Your admission not only gets you access to the grounds but is also good for the Biosphere 2 Experience. 

The Biosphere 2 Experience app helps guides you around and through Biosphere 2 and includes never before seen photos and videos that visualize the science and 30-year history. Through science stories and interviews you'll have the opportunity to learn more about our amazing, world-class research as you traverse a safe (socially distanced) one-way path around the exterior and through the human habitat and wilderness areas of Biosphere 2. Your admission fee helps to support Biosphere 2’s education and research initiatives.

Accessibility: While the race course is accessible to all, please be mindful of hills and varied terrain. Much of the Biosphere 2 campus is wheelchair accessible, though certain areas of the property are not accessible due the steep terrain and the presence of stairs. The majority of the biomes, including the desert, savanna, ocean and rain forest, are all accessible by wheelchair or scooter.

Pets and Service Animals: While pets are not allowed inside Biosphere 2 or on the grounds, service animals that are trained to do a specific task are welcome. Please do not leave pets unattended in vehicles.

Address: 32540 S Biosphere Rd, Oracle, AZ 85739.  You can park in the main visitor lot at the Biosphere 2. Please carpool. There will be parking in the Biosphere 2 parking lot, but it would help if participants carpooled to share the drive.

Driving Directions from Central Tucson
From central Tucson, go north to River Road and turn left (heading west)
Continue on River Road and turn right on Oracle Road/AZ Highway 77
Drive north approximately 24 miles on Oracle Road/AZ Highway 77
Turn right on to Biosphere 2 Road at Mile Post 96.5

From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
After leaving the airport, follow the signs to I-10 E
Take I-10 E toward Tucson, to Exit 185 and exit the interstate
Turn left onto Highway 387 and continue past Coolidge until Highway 387 intersects with AZ Highway 79 near Florence
Turn right on to Highway 79 and follow this until Oracle Junction where you turn left onto AZ Highway 77
Drive north approximately 6 miles on AZ Highway 77
Turn right on to Biosphere 2 Road at Mile Post 96.5

 

Our running events take place throughout Arizona, including in Southern Arizona at Saguaro National Park, Old Tucson Studios west of the Tucson Mountain, the Biosphere 2 in Oracle, and at the base of A-Mountain and in Downtown Tucson.  We also produce a trail race near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, along what is known as the Kaibab Plateau.

We respectfully acknowledge that these lands have been peopled for thousands of years.

While the Kaibab Plateau has been home to the Havasupai (https://www.theofficialhavasupaitribe.com/), the Navajo, Hualapai, Apache, and Hopi have all lived in the borderlands of the Grand Canyon area.  

In Southern Arizona, according to the Tucson Indian Center, "The Tucson area has long been the traditional site for Indian settlements. From the Archaic and Hohokam Indians, to the Tohono O’odham and Yaqui, the waters of the Santa Cruz River and the surrounding fertile land attracted desert dwelling tribes" (https://www.ticenter.org/history, retrieved January 1, 2023).  

Of course, this beautiful desert has long been a sought-after landscape, with the Spanish first arriving in the 1530's, raids by Apache and Comanche throughout the 1700's and 1800's, and even the Confederate army fighting battles in the desert during the American Civil War.

For additional information, we refer to the Friends of Saguaro National Park website (https://www.friendsofsaguaro.org/nativepeoples, retrieved January 1, 2023): Human habitation in the Tucson Basin dates back approximately 12,500 years -- to the Pleistocene Age.  The first people were likely descended from those who migrated across a land bridge from Siberia to Alaska;  bands of hunters were roaming the desert grasslands of southern Arizona by about 10,000 BC.  Archeologists have concluded that sites found in the Tucson Basin, along the Santa Cruz River, likely represent the oldest, continuously inhabited area in the United States. About 2,300 years ago, a group we now call the Hohokam had settled in southern Arizona -- including the Santa Cruz valley.  By AD 700, they had a well-developed agricultural economy including extensive irrigation systems.

Archeological finds in the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park show that Hohokam villages existed there for about 600 years -- along Rincon Creek and its tributary washes.  Then, during the 15th century, the Hohokam culture simply vanished.

Contemporary native peoples that would constitute the ethnographic history of the Park include:

• Akimel O'odham (also known as Pima)
• Apache
• Hopi
• Maricopa
• Yaqui
• Tohono O'odham ("Desert People")
• Yavapai
• Zuni

For those interested, The Desert Museum offers insights on the Spanish and Mexican contact in the region here: https://www.desertmuseum.org/members/sonorensis/week9.php.

For additional information about local tribal lands, see http://www.tonation-nsn.gov/ and https://itcaonline.com/member-tribes/pascua-yaqui-tribe/ and https://heard.org/education/arizona-indian-communities/.  

For those interested in making the running community more accessible, inclusive, and visible for all, you may wish to read about the Running on Native Lands Initiative at  https://www.risinghearts.org/nativelands.  You can also visit https://native-land.ca, the source for the image on this page.  For additional materials, perhaps see the recommended books here: https://www.nypl.org/blog/2020/10/09/honoring-indigenous-peoples-recommended-reads.

 

The Biosphere 2 is one of the world's most unique scientific experiments.  Built in the 1980's to house seven scientists to live alone with no outside support, the structures that make up the Biosphere 2 are stunning architectural success story.  Lots has been written and filmed about the experiment, but here are two thought-provoking links:

Check out this 2011 video with scenes of the early construction project.

Check out this 1986 NT Times article about the project.

Discounted hotel rooms at El Conquistador Hilton: $195 plus fees, available Friday, April 18 and Saturday, April 19. The famed El Conquistador Tucson is a Hilton Resort nestled against the western edge of Pusch Ridge, a mere 20 minute drive to the TMC Earth Day race.

 

Click here to book online 

or

Call:                             1-888-370-0980
Group Code:            TMC418
Rate:                            $195.00 plus tax, per night
Cut-Off Date:           Reservations must be made by 04/04/2025.   
Resort Charge:        Resort Charge is $19.00 per room per night.

The cut-off date for making reservations and receiving the contracted rate is April 4, 2025. On that date, any unused portion of the room block will be released back into the resort’s general inventory and any additional reservations will be made based upon availability of the resort.

 

 

After-party fun at Arizona Zipline Adventures: 15% discount for zipline tickets and 10% off burgers at the super-fun Arizona Zipline Adventures, in nearby Oracle.  When booking online, apply the code EARTHDAY at checkout and bring in your number/registration info to validate the discount! Offer valid April 1-30, 2025.

 

 

 

 

We're delighted to bring charity running events to the greater Tucson region, including Oro Valley and Pinal County region.  Run Tucson is a proud member of Visit Tucson and the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. Click here for things to do in the region. See https://orovalleychamber.com/ for the community resources provided by the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce.

 

Had a great visit with the folks at the Biosphere 2 as preparation for the April 20th TMC Earth Day.  Here are some of the photos from measuring the course and visiting Arizona Zipline Adventures, the zipline/restaurant offering participants an April discount.

Refund, Deferral, and Transfer Policy

Refunds: Following event industry protocol, there are no refunds.  All registration sales are final. 
 
Deferrals to 2026: Deferrals will be allowed for one year, with a $10 nominal fee.  The deferral deadline is April 13, 2025.  See this page for details on how to manage this process through your race registration platform: https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062915-defer-registration-claim-deferral#How-to-Defer-Registration
 
Transfer Your Entry to a Friend: Race numbers may be transferred for the same $10 nominal fee. The transfer deadline is April 13, 2025.  See this page for details on how to manage this process through your race registration platform: https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062921-transfer-to-another-runner

Reselling: Race numbers cannot be sold.
 
Packet Pickup: Friends and family may pick up your race items at registration.  Race goodies will NOT be mailed to participants who cannot attend the event weekend.

Pregnancy Policy: If your pregnancy is causing issues that preclude you from being able to participate, contact tia@runtucson.net.

Public Health: This event takes place on University of Arizona property and follows University protocols.  In 2025, there are no limitations on the event.

If you have specific questions, please contact the Run Tucson race directing team at randy@runtucson.net. 

Run Tucson is committed to producing fun, local events that highlight our region's beautify and make our hometown a better place to live.

June 1: TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k and Festival of Miles

September 2: SAR's Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler and 5k Run/Walk

September 8: TMC Tucson 10k and 5k Run/Walk

October 20: TMC A-Mountain Half-Marathon, Four-Miler, and Family Friendly Mile

November 2: Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon and 5k Run/Walk

November 24: El Tour de Tucson 5k Ru/Walk

February, 2025: TMC Old Tucson Trail Run

Want to be part of the event but don't want to run? You can volunteer and still receive a free race shirt and entry to the Biosphere 2.  
You can sign up here: volunteersignup.org/XCFCW

pots are available to help with packet pickup and registration, set up, clean up, handing out water, directing runners on the course, and more.  

Do you need community service hours for a school or other organization?  We're happy to catalogue hours and help you get credit for volunteer hours.

TMC Earth Day 5k Run/Walk: Souvenir T-Shirt