The Garmin Marathon Tucson begins at sunrise in downtown Tucson. This road marathon offers Boston Marathon qualifying status. The race starts in the city center, then heads west from the downtown streets toward more open desert terrain.
The course provides a clear view of the Tucson Mountains as the city recedes. Volunteers are integral to the event, with local assistants distributing water, directing runners, and cheering at the finish line, in addition to other duties before and during the race.