Yuma Territorial Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and Team Relay

Starting at Cocopah Casino & Resort and running through scenic areas like Somerton and San Luis, Arizona, not only offers a beautiful backdrop for the race but also gives runners a chance to experience the charm of the desert southwest and the rural communities of southern Arizona.

Due to the favorable elevations and weather, the course is conducive to setting your best times and provides an excellent opportunity to qualify for the Boston Marathon as this course is certified by the USATF. With minimal elevation changes and the opportunity to run downhill at the start, this race is an ideal setup for achieving personal best times. The out-and-back course design provides a sense of familiarity for runners, which can be both mentally reassuring and strategically advantageous. The slight uphill portion near the finish line adds an exciting challenge for participants to conquer.

The course starts at Cocopah Casino & Resort and runs on Southbound shoulder of US Highway 95. Runners leave the Cocopah Indian Reservation and pass through Somerton, Arizona. Marathoners will continue through Gadsen, Arizona and into San Luis, Arizona city limits. All runners will return back on the Northbound shoulder of US Highway 95 finishing back at the Cocopah Casino & Resort. This race will bring you through the beauty of the desert southwest and through the rural communities of southern Arizona.

Entry Fees:

• Full Marathon - $105 (Active Military and Per Family Member - $75)
• Team Relay Marathon - $250/team (Active Military and First Responder - $125)
• Half Marathon - $65 (Active Military and Per Family Member - $35)
• 10K Run - $45 (Active Military and Per Family Member - $25)

AWARDS 

A plaque will be given to the first finisher to eclipse the course record in the Half Marathon or the Full Marathon. In addition, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals will be awarded in the following age groups participating in the Full and Half Marathon races (excludes Team Relays):

Under 20
20 - 29
30 - 39
40 - 49
50 - 59
60 - 69
70 – 79
80 and above

AWARD CEREMONIES 

Awards will be presented once the top finishers in each classification are determined.

CASH PRIZES

Cash Prizes will be awarded to the overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd place individual male/female runners in each of the Marathon and Half Marathon categories (excludes Team Relays):

1st Place is $250.00
2nd Place is $100.00
3rd Place is $50.00

CERTIFIED COURSE

With favorable elevations and weather, the course is conducive to setting your best times and provides an excellent opportunity to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The Marathon course is certified by the USATF. The course is an out and back course with minimal elevation change. Most of the race is run on the flats going downhill for about 74 feet at the start and running back up the 74 feet a couple of miles before the finish.

RACE COURSE

Due to the nature of the Yuma Territorial Marathon and Half Marathon Course only registered runners will be allowed on the course. Bicycles, strollers and unregistered runners will not be allowed on the course. Runners will be running on the shoulder of a highway. Remember, that although this is a closed course with law enforcement providing traffic control, you are still running on the side of a highway. Please be aware of your surroundings at all times and be safe at all times.

MILEAGE MARKERS

The race is marked off each mile, with hydration stations at almost every marker. There will be a couple of first aid stations on the course as well.

DRINKS AND NUTRITION 

Bring any pre-race drinks or nutrition you may require to the start of the race Saturday morning. Each aid station will have water and Gatorade for hydration as well as items to provide some nutrition. Coffee and hot chocolate will be provided prior to the race near the start/finish line.

MEDALS/SHIRTS

Free event t-shirts go to the first 1,000 participants to check in on race day, one per person, while supplies last. Sizes are first come, first served and can't be guaranteed, so arrive early for the best selection! All participants registered before January 15th will receive a finishers medal.

COURSE RECORDS

Full Marathon: Men – 2:26:56, Gary Krugger (2014)
Women – 3:05:34, Courtney Langer (2023)

Half Marathon: Men – 1:10:49, Adam Dalton (2020)
Women – 1:25:24, Ivette Sandoval (2022)

10k Run: Men – 39:35, Barrett Dahl (2024)
Women – 45:40, Arcy Selk (2023)

Team Relay: Team – 2:47:08, Tangerinos (2024)

ENTRY FEES EFFECTIVE 12/1/2024 (Register Early for Early Bird Pricing)

• Full Marathon - $105 (Active Military and Per Family Member - $75)
• Half Marathon - $65 (Active Military and Per Family Member - $35)
• Team Relay Marathon - $250/team (Active Military and First Responder - $125)
• 10K Run - $45 (Active Military and Per Family Member - $25)

Event Schedule

Friday (January 29th)
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Registration & Packet Pickup at the New Cocopah Casino Event Center

Location: New Cocopah Casino Event Center, Address: 15318 S. Ave B, Somerton, AZ 85350 

Please bring a valid photo ID (and military ID if required). There is no participant meeting, and once you have received your packet, you are fully checked in.

Saturday (January 30st)
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Check-in and Registration will be located in the new Cocopah Casino Event Center adjacent to the Start/Finish line if you were not able to check in the night before.
7:00 AM: Marathon and Team Relay starts at Cocopah Casino
7:20 AM: Half Marathon starts at Cocopah Casino
7:40 AM: 10k Race starts at Cocopah Casino
10:00 AM: Full Marathon turnaround closes
11:00 AM: Overall Awards
11:30 AM: Age Group Awards
1:00 PM: Race course closes

TEAM RELAY

Relay teams to consist of four members. However, if due to unforeseen circumstances a team member is unable to participate, the team may run with three members requiring one team member to run two consecutive segments. Race organizers must be notified prior to start of the race of which team member will no longer be participating and which team member will be running the two consecutive segments. Each team is responsible for arranging to get runners 2, 3 & 4 to their respective exchange locations. Exchange points will take place at the following course locations (Refer to Course Map):

Exchange Point #1 (Runners 1 & 2): Aid Station #6 (Half Marathon Turnaround)
Exchange Point #2 (Runners 2 & 3): Aid Station #11 (Marathon Turnaround)
Exchange Point #3 (Runners 3 & 4): Aid Station 6

Whether you're visiting Yuma and Somerton for the Yuma Territorial Marathon or enjoying the race weekend from your hometown, discover exclusive hotel rates and travel packages that showcase the best of our desert communities while making your stay comfortable, convenient, and memorable.

Official Host Hotel: Cocopah Casino & Resort

We're proud to partner with Cocopah Casino & Resort as our official race hotel. Runners and their families receive 20% off their stay.

How to get the discount:

When booking, mention that you're participating in the Yuma Territorial Marathon to receive the 20% race rate.

• Book by phone: 928-726-8066
• Book online: Stay | Cocopah Casino & Resort
• Address: 15318 South Avenue B, Somerton, AZ 85350

Rooms at the discounted rate are limited, so we recommend booking early.

Getting to Yuma

• By air: Yuma International Airport (YUM) offers regional connections. Many visitors also fly into Phoenix or San Diego, each about a 3-hour drive.
• By car: Yuma sits along Interstate 8, with easy access from Phoenix, San Diego, and Southern California.

Race Weekend Weather

January in Yuma is one of the best times of year to run. Expect cool mornings and mild, sunny afternoons, so pack layers for the start line.

Questions?

Contact the Caballeros de Yuma office at 928-373-1715 or Info@caballeros.org