On January 25, 2014, the Yuma Territorial Marathon and Half-Marathon will take place in southern Yuma County in Arizona. The certified course, which is level for the most part, takes runners through a number of different communities, including Somerton, San Luis, and Gadsden. Many runners actually set their best times on this course. The raceway is also quite scenic.

The start and finish line of the race is a Cocopah Resort and Casino, which also happens to be a convenient place for you to stay if you are coming in for the race from out of town. The casino also offers some entertainment and excitement for runners and their guests as well. The top three male and female finishers in both the full and the half-marathon, and the top three finishers in each age bracket for male and female, will also receive awards. Everyone who races will receive a t-shirt.

The marathon’s website offers all of the information needed to sign up for the events, so if you are in the Yuma area, or you want to visit for the race, head to the site and learn how to register. The site even offers information on course elevations, the course map, and previous records so the runners know what they will want to shoot for! Keep in mind that the Arizona heat can be rough, so make sure you hydrate properly.

After the completion of the race, you can head into the resort for some rest in your room, a meal, and perhaps some time on the slot machines. Those who live in the area can mingle with some of the other runners or head home to unwind after the race. Each year, this race is getting bigger, better, and more impressive. It is fast becoming one of the best running events in the Southwestern United States.