TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k Night Run and Festival of Miles

Lace 'em up!  Registration Now Open for the 20th Anniversary Race on May 30, 2026!

Join us in Downtown Tucson for the 20th Annual TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k Night Run/Walk and the Festival of Miles.

Our events have raised over $350,000 throughout the years, helping fund community organizations committed to education, the arts, public health, and civic leadership. You can join us by using the "Donate" feature to donate to the beneficiary of your choice.  Your donation will help us reach our goals this year.  The 2025 roster of beneficiaries includes the following:

Children's Museum Tucson
To inspire children and their families to reach their full potential through discovery, creativity and learning.

Greater Tucson Leadership
A non-profit, non-partisan leadership organization dedicated to providing leadership education, community development and civic engagement for the overall care of and commitment of our Tucson community

BEYOND-Tucson 
Along with its partners, BEYOND provides year-round opportunities for the public to participate in a series of healthy activities and to learn more about the scientific research that shows why these four pillars are critical for optimal physical and mental health.

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.

Below is a FAQ about the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown, a three-race series in Tucson, Arizona.

Q: What are the three events, when do they take place, and what goodies do I get?

A: Here's what you get when you register for the 2025 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown

The vibrant 2025 "Run Tucson" Gabe Zimmerman souvenir shirt, in either unisex or "ladies" sizing
The special Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown award -- details to be announced in 2025
Entry to the May 31 TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k, with souvenir shirt
Entry to the September 7th TMC Tucson 10k/5k, with souvenir medal and shirt
Entry to the October 19 TMC A-Mountain Half-Marathon and 4-Miler, with souvenir medal and shirt
The satisfaction of knowing that $10 of your entry goes straight to BEYOND for health and wellness programing 

All registrants will receive information about each of the race via email, but you can also see the appropriate page at www.runtucson.net.

Q: I'm new to this sort of thing. What is the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown?   
A: GZTC is a charity-based, three-event run/walk series that includes running and walking events in three unique Tucson locations. The goal is to honor the late Gabe Zimmerman by promoting year-round fitness, enabling people to train for and complete by walking or running events that include 1 mile, 5k, 4-miles, 10k, and a half marathon.

Q: What is the charity involved?
A:  The Triple Crown beneficiary is the BEYOND Foundation, receiving $10 of every race entry.  

Q: In years past, Triple Crown participants have received sandstone candles, Ben's Bells, medallion sets, and desktop medals.  What is the special Triple Crown award this year?
A: In 2024, we put together a three-piece medal set, but we have not yet decided the 2025 Triple Crown Award that all Triple Crown participants will receive at the TMC Meet Me Downtown event.  After the TMC Meet Me Downtown, each Triple Crown registrant will also receive the other medals when you finish the TMC Tucson 10k and the TMC A-Mountain Half-Marathon and 4-Miler.

Q: Do I have to run, or can I walk?
A: You can run or walk and you can hike, race or stroll, the goal is simply to be outside and be moving! The idea is to honor Gabe and celebrate Tucson by having fun exercising -- so come on out and walk or run as fast or slow as you want! 

Q: What if I cannot be in Tucson for any of those dates? Am I out of luck or can I do the Virtual Triple Crown?
A: Out of town folks who want us to mail the shirts and medals: you need to sign up for the Virtual Crown and we will ship your shirts and medals to you!

Local Crown: For those in the greater Tucson region (Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Vail, etc), we will bring the race goodies to The Running Shop at 3055 North Campbell in central Tucson and have them there for you to pick up until one month after the event. We cannot mail race goodies to locals in the Tucson region -- please note that you will have to pick up all race items within one month after each event.
 
Q: If I signed up for the regular Triple Crown but now want to do any of the races virtually, what should I do?
A: You can go into your own RunSignUp registration portal and modify your registration - or you can email us at randy@runtucson.net and we'll modify it for you.  Remember: we cannot mail race goodies to locals in the greater Tucson region -- please note that you will have to pick up all race items within one month after each event.
  

Q: What if I signed up for one of the events as a single race and now want to change to the Triple Crown?
A: Email us at randy@runtucson.net to change your registration.

Q: What if I want to change my chosen race distance for one of the events?
A: You can simply change your GZTC registration information through your RunSignup registration platform, or email us at randy@runtucson.net to modify the distance.

Q: What happens if you cancel any of the races - will we get our money back?
A: All races take place rain or shine, but in the event of an emergency cancellation determined by the City of Tucson, Pima County, or some other governmental entity, we will fall back on the Virtual Triple Crown - and everyone will then be able to receive their specific race awards following the rules of the Virtual Triple Crown. Of course, we will communicate regularly in this event.
 
Q: I signed up but now do not want to do it. Can I have my money back or transfer my entry to someone else?
A: There are no refunds and there are no transfers to other people.  However, you are always welcome to shift your entry to the Virtual category and do the event distance at a different time or volunteer on race day.  All Tucson-area participants can pick up their shirts/medals at packet pickup on race weekend or in the weeks immediately afterwards at The Running Shop.

Q: For those of us new to Tucson or from out of town, can you tell us about Gabe Zimmerman?
A: Gabe Zimmerman was only 30 years old when he lost his life in the January 2011 shooting of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords here in Tucson. 

Others killed by gun violence that day include Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy "Dot" Morris, Judge John Roll, Phyllis Scheck, and Dorwin Stoddard. 

Gabe was murdered doing what he was best at: supporting his community, trying to make it a better place for everyone, regardless of their politics or their backgrounds.   From the Gabe Zimmerman Davison Canyon Trailhead to the Gabe Zimmerman Meeting Room at the U.S. Capital, Gabe's presence will forever be a part of our community. We are grateful to Ross Zimmerman and Julia Strange at Tucson Medical Center for developing the concept of the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown. Gabe's whole family has been devoted to fitness, running, and the Arizona outdoors, and we are honored to be able to celebrate the spirit of Gabe and highlight the possibilities for our community through the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown.

Our goal is to celebrate Gabe and motivate the community to aspire to individual and collective greatness - to work alone and work with others towards those goals we find valuable. To celebrate living, community, and good will. To live with love, to live with passion, to chase dreams. As we all know, running shows us the power within ourselves. If we can go three miles in a hot summer night or slog our way up and down the hills of the Tucson mountains, the ups and downs of daily life are certainly manageable and we can rise to our other challenges. 
 
Special thanks to the thanks to the 7,000+ registrations that have been part of the Triple Crown these past few years!!
 
Q: Who are the sponsors?
A: Tucson Medical Center provides the sponsorship and support for the series. We are grateful to Julia Strange and the whole TMC community for working with us to develop the series. And teal is the color of TMC so we're honoring them!
  
Special thanks to the local running specialty store, The Running Shop, for hosting the Virtual Triple Crown goodie-bag pickup.

Parking: There will be plenty of Downtown street parking and City lot parking.  See Park Tucson's website here for details on Downtown parking. Do not block driveways, do not park in red zones, do not park in permitted spots, and be mindful of all traffic and parking laws -- we don't want you to get in the way of the neighbors and we don't want you to get a ticket!

Downtown Partnership: For more information on parking or other things to do Downtown, please visit the Downtown Partnership website here.

Weather: It will be hot - please be prepared for high heat, with plenty of water and perhaps a hat and sunscreen for the afternoon activities

Strollers: Yes, you can absolutely run or walk with a stroller.

Chair Friendly: Yes, this course is suitable for chair athletes. Be mindful of potholes and the dark streets.

Pets: No, pets are not allowed in the race itself. Pets are allowed at Armory Park and on the nearby city streets, but participants are not allowed to run or walk with their pets on the race course.

Headphones: We know that people like having music, but for personal and communal safety we recommend not wearing headphones.  If you're interested in the prize money events, please read the headphone policies posted.

Terrain: Pavement throughout Downtown streets -- the route is closed to vehicle traffic, but please be mindful of errant vehicles, other participants, bike riders, and the like

Difficulty: This is an easy course, on a flat and fast paved asphalt surface, with lots of spectator support 

Social Media: Please tag @runtucson and @runsar and @rrca with any instagram posts -- you can use hashtags #meetmedown5k or #tmcmeetmedowntown or #gabezimmermantriplecrown or anything else you want . . . 

FitKidz and Children's Museum: The SAR FitKidz tent will be on the lawn near the Children's Museum, near 12th Street. Please be ready for the FitKidz start at 6:30.
The Children's Museum is offering free admission on race afternoon with a race number -- if an adult runs, a child gets in free. If a child runs, an adult gets in for free. Just show your race number or your FitKidz number at the entrance. The Children's Museum courtyard will be open from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm with regular courtyard activities like the bubble garden, blue blocks, and bicycles. The Museum itself will close at 5:00 pm on race night.

Skratch Labs: Skratch Labs will provide hydration samples 

Running Shop: Our friends at the Running Shop will have their tent available to talk about any running needs you may have

PortoJohns: This year, ACE Portables has provided portojohns along the north wall of the Children's Museum facing towards 15th Street.

Water on the Route: For public health reasons, it is best if every runner brings their own water for their run. We will have a water stop at approximately the 1.5 mile mark, 6th Avenue and 15th Street.

Thanks to Greater Tucson Leadership for managing the finish line water stop!

Photos: Thanks to Damion Alexander and the Damion Alexander Realty Team will be on site taking candid photos. We'll send a link after the race. 

Food Trucks: You can purchase additional items from the Food Truck Round-Up at the finish line!

DJ: DJ Clint Pettinger will be on hand, providing the sound and helping with announcements.

Raising Cane's Festival of Miles Open Mile Male and Female Prize Money

• 1st $200
• 2nd $100
• 3rd $50

$408.90 Race Director Challenge Bonus: 408 dollars and 90 cents bonus to the fastest man who breaks the race director’s personal best of 4:08.9. Yup, Randy ran that back in the 1900’s.  Also: 408 dollars and 90 cents bonus to the fastest woman who breaks the equivalent time of 4:48.9 (see the Mercier Score Calculator for comparison details)

Master's Prize Money (40-and-over) Male and Female 

• 1st $50

NOTE: Prize Money double-dipping is allowed.

Prize money winners are taken out of age group gift certificate awards.

USATF Course Sanction #: AZ16012JOE

Awards for Raising Cane's High School Mile: TBD

 

TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k Awards and Prize Money 

Age Group Awards: All first, second, and third place in 5-year divisions from U-15 through 80+ will receive age group awards from the Running Shop: $25 for 1st, $20 for 2nd, and $10 for third. All prize money winners are taken out of age group gift certificate awards.

Thanks to the Running Shop. All Age Group awards based on Chip Timing. The TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k is part of the Running Shop SAR Grand Prix 

Male and Female Open Prize Money 

• 1st $200
• 2nd $100
• 3rd $50

Master's Prize Money (40-and-over) Male and Female 

• 1st $50 

$200 Course Record Bonus for male and female course record

Course Records TMC 5k Night Run

14:30: Male, Ian Burrell, Tucson, 27 (2012)
17:06: Female, Maggie Callahan, Boulder, 26 (2015)

Top Three Overall Men's Mile Times

4:11 Weston Strum, 24 (2016)
4:13.8 Sam Atkin 25, Lewiston (2018)
4:15.6. Harry Mulenga, Tucson (2018)
Top Three Overall Women's Mile Times: 

4:53 Courtney Barnes 24, Flagstaff (2019)
5:00 Leah Rosenfeld 29, Flagstaff (2018)
5:04 Rachel Johnson (2021)

5k TEAM AWARDS

Team prize money: $300 for each winning team of 5, men's and women's division, following cross country scoring. Teams can be as many people as desired, but all members must be registered in completion by May 24 at midnight, Arizona time. The top five in each team will score and first place will be awarded following the standard cross country scoring format. NOTE: Prize Money double-dipping is allowed (for example, a runner may receive both overall and masters money and team money)

NOTE: all teams must be formally registered as a team by midnight May 24. There is NO race week team registration and no in-person team registration.

PRIZE MONEY RULES AND REGULATIONS

NOTE: Headphones are not allowed in prize money competition; prize money will not be given to runners wearing headphones.  
NOTE: All prize money winners may be required to complete appropriate tax information in order to receive checks.
NOTE: A limited number of complimentary or discounted entries for elite athletes are available.  Send running resume and ways you can add value to the race to the race director Randy Accetta at randy@runtucson.net.
NOTE: Prize money awards are based on "gun" starting time for overall and masters, and chip time for age group.
We follow the RRCA Fair Competition Policies.

Following USATF and RRCA guidelines, the use of headphones in prize money races is prohibited -- that is, prize money will not be distributed to runners wearing headphones in these events.  We strongly discourage the use of headphones in all road race events.  From USATF: "The following shall be considered assistance and therefore not allowed: . . . The visible possession or use by athletes of video, audio, or communications devices in the competition area [ . . .] those competing in Championships for awards, medals, or prize money may not use such devices . . . headphones remain banned for any athlete competing in a USA Championship . . ."While USA Track & Field is the governing body and issuer of rules for the sport of running, local event directors are encouraged to adopt these RRCA recommended policies to further support and promote fair competition for athletes, especially those competing for prize money and age group awards.

Prize Money Eligibility Policy
To be eligible for elite entry or prize purse an athlete must:

Not be currently serving a suspension issued by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) or the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for use of a banned substance
Not have ever served a ban issued by USADA or WADA for the use of performance enhancing drugs
Not be represented by coaches and/or agents who have had 2 or more athletes receiving such suspensions in the previous 4 years
Not be represented by coaches and/or agents who served a ban for use of performance enhancing drugs during their own athletic career*
Provide proper documentation proving they are eligible for prize money (form W-9, W-8ECI or W-8BEN)
Sign a statement attesting they are in compliance with USADA and WADA anti-doping regulations related to banned substance use and if issued a doping suspension or ban in the future, they will not be allowed back at the event for any reason
Consent to random drug testing according to the standards and procedures of USATF, USADA and WADA

Any athlete that believes they have been barred from the event or the opportunity to earn prize money at the event because of mistaken identity due to near or exact name of a person currently suspended, banned or previously banned, must submit documentation certified by a notary in advance to the race director or elite athlete coordinator of the event proving that they are not the same person identified as serving a suspension, ban or previous ban. 

*Athletes have a duty to ensure they are represented by reputable coaches and agents and have a duty to consult the WADA list of athletes that are or have served a doping ban before signing with a coach or agent. 

We're thrilled to have Gigi and the Glow as the headline band for the 2025 race.  

Gigi and Glow join some illustrious Tucson bands that have rocked out at the TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k, including hall-of-famer Lee Anne Savage, Michael P and the Gully Washers, Legion of Mario, After 7, and Santa Pachita. Check out this 2016 Daily Star article about all the bands on hand for the event back then!

Check out their music on their FB page here! 

 

 

Packet Pickup Details

• Yes: You can register in person via the RunSignup platform
• Yes: You can pick up items for friends -- please limit the number of packet pickups if it is crowded
• Yes: Shirts come in both standard unisex and v-neck cut
• Yes: T-shirt sizing first come, first served.
• Yes: It may be crowded, but please be kind to the volunteers and staff

Tentative Schedule

Thursday, May 29 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: In-Person Registration and Packet Pickup at The Running Shop, 3055 North Campbell Ave

Friday, May 30 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: In-Person Registration and Packet Pickup at The Running Shop, 3055 North Campbell Ave

 

Saturday, May 31, Race Night Schedule

5:00 - 6:30 Registration and Packet Pickup, 200 South Sixth Avenue

• We're setting up a chute-based system in front of the Children's Museum for those who pick up their race items on race day. You'll enter from the north, then first get your race number, then get your TMC Meet Me Downtown shirt
• If you have not registered for the Triple Crown, you can then leave the chute.
•  If you have registered for the Triple Crown, continue along the chute to receive your souvenir medallion and your souvenir GabeZ shirt from the BEYOND tent, then exit the chute system to the south.
• Yes: T-shirt sizing first come, first served.

6:00 pm Start Open Mile Race

• For all ages, all abilities, all bodies, with prize money for top runners. Tutus, first-responders, walkers, and speed demons all welcome!  
• This is the RRCA West Regional One Mile Championship, with award medallions to top male and female Open, Masters, 50+ and 60+.

6:15 pm: Free Running Shop High School Mile by HOKA and Junior High Race

• For all high school and junior high school students, with prizes and awards for top runners and top teams

6:30 pm: Free SAR FitKidz Mile

• Fee for all children 12 and under 

7:00 pm:  TMC 5k Run/Walk/Roll

• 3.1 mile main event, for all ages, all bodies, all abilities
• All races are chip-timed.  
• All prize money will be based on gun-time, all age-group awards will be chip-time.

 

8:30 or so: Awards 

• Overall and Age Group awards courtesy of The Running Shop
• Prize Money courtesy of TMC and Run Tucson
• See all prize money and award rules and details here.

Post-Race: After-Party at Hotel Congress, 311 E Congress.  Bring your race number for discounts.

Post-race through June
Shirts and medals of registrants who cannot make race weekend will be available at The Running Shop, 3055 North Campbell through the end of June. T-shirt sizing first come, first served. We're super grateful to Lucas Tyler and the whole crew at The Running Shop for all the help with this event.

Course: USATF certified loop course, with elevation starting and ending at 2398 feet.  The highest point of the course is 2411 feet at .78 miles into the race.  The lowest point is 2385 at 2.9 miles into the race. 

Q.  I signed up for the TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k, but now I want to transfer to the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown.  How do I do that?

A: You can go into your Meet Me Downtown registration portal and simply change your event, paying the appropriate fees.

You can find details on the process here: https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062922-transfer-to-another-event.  

Q: How about doing this as a Virtual race -- if I have to miss the May 31st race itself, how do I get my race schwag?

A: All local runners and walkers are able to register for the event and pick up their race goodies without actually completing the race on race weekend.  Packet pickup times are Friday, May 30 from 3-6 pm at The Running Shop (3055 North Campbell) and Saturday, May 31 at the race site from 5-6:30pm. You can send a friend to snag your stuff, or you can pick up any remaining race items through June 30th at The Running Shop, with shirt sizing on a first-come, first-served basis.

Q: If I have to miss the race itself, other than picking up my goodies, what else do I need to do?
A: You do NOT have to do anything, just pick up your race goodies!

Q: Do I have to actually run?
A: Of course not! You can't drive, but feel free to walk, run, skip, hike, shuffle, or sprint your distance; whatever is comfortable for you.

Q: Do I have to follow the race route?
A: You can choose wherever you want to run -- and you can pick how far. Complete the virtual 1-mile or 5k by running or walking around your neighborhood, on a local trail, or even on a treadmill. 

Q: How do I share my results?
A: We’ll post a link at the top of the Run Tucson webpage ( www.runtucson.net ) for you to submit your results. The link will also be available on our TMC Meet Me Downtown Facebook event page. 

Q: Where can I find the virtual race results?
A: TMC MMD 5K & 1 Mile virtual race results will be posted on our Run Tucson homepage and on the Southern Arizona Roadrunners (SAR) website.

Q: Are Virtual participants eligible for race awards?
A: Unfortunately, no.  You gotta' show up and race to receive an age group or cash prize.

Q: Can friends still register?
A: Yes! 

Q: Can Virtual participants be part of a team and still receive the team discount?
A: YES

Q: What if I still have questions?
A: Please email randy@runtucson.net if you have a question that did not get answered here.

 

We're thrilled to have the Leo Kent as our host hotel, just steps from the start/finish line of the race!

The Leo Kent Hotel, Tucson, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is offering rooms for the low price of $139.00 USD per night.  But hurry, the last day to book at this low price is Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Book your group rate now!

 

 

Anyone can create a group or team.  Once you have five people registered for that team, all team members will receive a $5 discount to their race entry.  All team members must join by May 25th at midnight.  

If you have already registered and want to now join a team, follow these steps:

• Sign In to RunSignUp
• Go to your Profile
• Navigate to Upcoming Events.
• Click Manage Registration next to the registration you would like to add to a team
• Click Group/Team on the left-hand sidebar
• From the pop-up select Join Existing Group/Team
• Either select a Group/Team from the dropdown or Search Groups/Teams
• Click Continue
• Click on the “Group/Team” tab, and the default view allows you to see your "Current Group/Team" information.
• Click on the tab for "Join Existing Group/Team", and then you will be given the fields needed to join this group.

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.   

That was the best race EVER!
You totally rocked it.
AND…I got to ring the PR bell.
Whew hew.
What a great turn out.
Thank you for all you do!
Robin 

 

We thank you for having allowed us once again to be a part of Run Tucson for 2019. WE had a great day in serving all those who participated in the Runs you all provided. 
We were honored by many of the guests and runners once again by telling us they were glad we were there again as well. Many of them are people we serve through out the year at various venues. - Jozarelli's
 
 
Hi, Randy and Tia - I wanted to drop you both a quick note to say thank you for putting on such a wonderful event this past weekend.   My wife, S., and I are relatively new to Tucson, and this was our first time participating in the Meet Me Downtown.  We appreciated the opportunity to be part of such a vibrant running community, and we thoroughly enjoyed the event, from start to finish.Hope to see you around at future races.  Have a wonderful day!  --Jose
 
 
Here is the photo of my wife and I running the MMD race virtually as part of the San Diego RnR 1/2 Marathon relay.  Note our lovely running shirts!
We have signed up for the Gabe Zimmerman series every year since it started. Even when we couldn’t run, we always felt good contributing to the cause. 
We also have always loved the MMD run, particularly because of the cheering local residents, especially the ones with the garden hose showers as we go by. 
Anyway, we both love what you and Tia do, and will keep running in your races as long as our rapidly aging bodies hold up. --Patrick
 

Thank you so much for the opportunity to partner again on this wonderful event. What an amazing event it was! The race was well organized and we heard great things from the 483 individuals who made use of our courtyard and the Museum.  On behalf of the Museum staff, Board of Directors and all the kiddos who ran, jumped and played on Saturday night…thank  you!  --Autumn
 

Hi Randy and Tia,
Thank you so much for including us in this weekend’s event.  It is always to incredible to a part of the Tucson Community coming together.  We were also able to spread the word about what we are working on and learn about other folks in the community.  On behalf of EEF and our TUSD students, thank you. All my best, Leslie
 

Course Records TMC 5k Night Run

• 14:25: Male, Jordan Chipengama, Flagstaff (2013)
• 17:06: Female, Maggie Callahan, Boulder, 26 (2015)

Top Three Overall Men's Mile Times

1. 4:11 Weston Strum, 24 (2016)
2. 4:13.8 Sam Atkin 25, Lewiston (2018)
3. 4:15.6. Harry Mulenga, Tucson (2018)

Top Three Overall Women's Mile Times: 

1. 4:53 Courtney Barnes 24, Flagstaff (2019)
2. 5:00 Leah Rosenfeld 29, Flagstaff (2018)
3. 5:04 Rachel Johnson (2021)

2024 TMC Meet Me Downtown Top Finishers

2024 Top 5k Male: Tai Smith, Glendale, 15:24
2024 Top 5k Female: Jory Galles, Oro Valley, 18:28
2024 Top Mile Male: Miles Dunbar, Tucson, 4:27
2024 Top Mile Female: Whitney Penny, Oro Valley, 5:12
2024 Top HS Male: Aric Accetta, Salpointe, 4:48
2024 Top HS Female: Rory Divijak (unknown), 6:18

2023 TMC Meet Me Downtown Top Finishers

2023 Top 5k Male: Harry Mulenga, Tucson, 16:22
2023 Top 5k Female: Kiera Woodman, Precott, 18:24
2023 Top Mile Male Miles Dunbar, Tucson, 4:21
2023 Top Mile Female Kiera Woodman, Prescott, 5:13
2023 Top HS Male: Crewe Resendez (unknown), 4:44
2023 Top HS Female: Olivia Cornelius (unknown), 6:39

2022 TMC Meet Me Downtown Top Finishers
2022 Top 5k Male: Harry Mulenga, Tucson, 15:45
2022 Top 5k Female: Caroline Mosely, Tucson, 18:54
2022 Top Mile Male Harry Mulenga, Tucson, 4:20
2022 Top Mile Female Katie Keating, Tucson, 5:45
2022 Top HS Male: Aric Accetta (9th, Salpointe), 5:09
2022 Top HS Female: Gizelle Paredes (unknown), 7:14

2021 TMC 5k Night Run Annual Winners 

2021 (morning edition) Top 5k Male: Harry Mulenga, Tucson, 16:17
2021 (morning edition) Top 5k Female: Shannon Porter, Flagstaff,18:00

Past Winners

2020: Virtual, no official results

2019 Top 5k Male: John Raneri, 15:00
2019 Top 5k Female: Leah Rosenfeld, Flagstaff, 17:11

2018 Top 5k Male: Ryan Dohner, 15:23
2018 Top 5k Female: Kayla Ferron, 17:43

2017 Top 5k Male: Alex Verdugo, 14:58
2017 Top 5k Female: Shannon Porter, Flagstaff, 17:55

2016 Top 5k Male: Andrew Lemoncello, Flagstaff, 33, 14:51
2016 Top 5k Female: Jessie Parker, Tucson, 26, 17:39
 
2015 Top 5k Male: Nicholas Hilton, Flagstaff, 26, 14:46 
2015 Top 5k Female: Maggie Callahan, Boulder, 26, 17:06
 
2014 Top 5k Male: Jordan Chipengama, Flagstaff, 14:25
2014 Top 5k Female: Paula Morrison, Tucson, 18:16 
 
2013  Top 5k Male: Craig Curley, Tucson, 24, 15:13 
2013  Top 5k Female: Tia Accetta, Tucson, 37, 18:20 
 
2012 Top 5k Male: Ian Burrell, Tucson, 27, 14:30 
2012 Top 5k Female: Maggie Callahan, 23, 17:23
 
2011 Top 5k Male: Ian Burrell, Tucson, 26, 14:37 
2011 Top 5k Female:Hanna Henson, Tucson, 21,  18:00 
 
2010 5k Night Run
14:37 Ian Burrell, Flagstaff, 25
18:15 Tia Accetta, Tucson, 34
 
2009 5k Night Run
15:32 Craig Curley, Tucson, 20
17:52 Everlyne Lagat, Tucson, 28
 
2008 5k Night Run
15:39 Jason Colavito, Tucson, 23
18:58 Paula Morrison, Tucson, 35
 
2007 5k Night Run
15:42, Jason Colavito, Tucson, 22
19:50 Jessica Munson, Tucson, 28
 

No runner wants to mess with their ability to breath, and as we write this in early 2023 with respiratory illnesses making the rounds, we urge everyone to follow local health department guidelines and get flu shots, get COVID vaccines, wear a face covering when in crowded indoor settings, and be careful when showing symptoms.  

Please see our friends at Tucson Medical Center for all health care needs.

Please note that we will not provide refunds for participants who wish not to participate, but all registrants can still receive the race t-shirt and other goodies by picking up their items at the Running Shop on race weekend, first-come, first-served basis.  Others can pick up your items.

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

We're finalizing the details but it looks like the first 250 youth to cross the finish lines of the High School Mile and the FitKidz Mile will receive a “Free Kids Combo” Certificate.

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers is an American fast casual chain specializing in chicken fingers founded in 1996 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by Todd Graves and Craig Silvey. The company is named after Graves' dog, a yellow Labrador.

• 4219 N Oracle
• 6352 E Broadway Blvd
• 2604 E Speedway Blvd
• 2150 E Ajo Way
• 1830 W Valencia Road

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

• February 16: TMC Old Tucson Trail Run - 4-Miler and 1-Mile
• March 2: SAR's The Arizona Distance Classic, Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon and 5k
• April 19: TMC Earth Day 5k at the Biosphere 2
• May 31: TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k and Festival of Miles
• September 1: SAR's Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler and 5k Run/Walk
• September 7: TMC Tucson 10k and 5k Run/Walk
• October 19: TMC A-Mountain Half-Marathon, Four-Miler, and Family Friendly Mile
• November 1: Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon and 5k Run/Walk
• November, 2025: El Tour de Tucson 5k Run/Walk

 

We're thrilled to have Pueblo Vida back as the sponsor of the Beer Garden.

In 2025, Pueblo Vida will provide a single free sample pour to all participants age 21 and over, with additional pours at $5 apiece, payable by cash, credit, or mobile device. Be sure to bring your ID as needed.

Wanna' visit them in person?  Pueblo Vida is located steps from the event at 115 East Broadway Boulevard, a perfect post-race location.  

See their website for upcoming events and activities at their historic location.

 

Want to be part of the event but don't want to run? You can volunteer and still get all the race goodies!

Sign up here: https://volunteersignup.org/KP47A

Spots are available to help with packet pickup and registration, set up, clean up, handing out water, directing runners on the course, helping with the FitKidz event, 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.

 

Click here for our emailed newsletter with amore  detailed origin story.  

Our hope is to continue to bring people together to celebrate physical health, mental wellness, and the wonderful community that makes up Tucson and Southern Arizona.

That wasn't the original goal, though.  Indeed, the event traces its root to a date night in Downtown Tucson.  Turns out, there was nothing to do Downtown, so we decided to start throwing a party for runners and walkers to give folks something to do.  The first few years of the race took place at the now-razed La Placita Village (photo of runners waiting for awards in 2009 courtesy of Len Taruscio), with a goal of raising funds for local arts and culture non-profits.  Our first fundraising efforts supported the Fox Theatre and Cinema La Placita.  

In those early years, runners enjoyed a live band, fire dancers, and a free movie at the Fox (Chariots of Fire, Saint Ralph, Marathon Man, and Run Fatboy Run). We're eternally grateful to the Tucson Association of Realtors and Anthony Wiggins, at the time the Board President for Greater Tucson Leadership, for the early support of this event.

Tucson Medical Center has been our title sponsor since 2008, and as more participants joined the fun, we moved to our current location in front of the Children's Museum, using the large park space of Armory Park and the Downtown streets 12th Street, 13th Street, and Sixth Avenue. Over the years, the event has raised funds for a variety of local arts and educational entities, including the Tucson Museum of Contemporary Art, the Tucson Museum of Art, the Tucson Symphony, the Educational Enrichment Foundation, Greater Tucson Leadership, and the Children's Museum.

Ever since the race first began, we realized how such an event can bring people together.  Our hope is that this event makes our "RRCA Runner-Friendly Community" a better place to live and visit.  We're delighted to be part of Visit Tucson and bring the passion of being a Certified Tourism Ambassador to the event.  

 

 

Festival of Miles: T-Shirt

TMC 5k Night Run/Walk: TMC 5k shirt

Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown: GabeZ Souvenir Shirt and Medal