One of the most scenic and challenging running races in Arizona. This challenging course is located in the scenic and cool Ponderosa Pine forest of Groom Creek just 5 miles South of Prescott. The 5k and 2 mile courses stay on smooth pavement with rolling hills. The 10k and 1/2 marathon courses begin and end on pavement, but also wind through the forest on smooth, wide dirt forest roads.

Event T-shirt with entry. Finisher medal for all 1/2 marathon runners. Medals for top 3 finishers in age group (1/2M, 10K, 5K). Aid stations throughout all courses.

Groom Creek Classic 15th Annual 1/2 M, 10K, 5K & 2m Saturday, September 21, 2019 @ 8:00 AM

The 2019 Groom Creek Classic is presented by Native Air

Presented by Native Air

Friday, September 20 2019 Updates:

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.

Morning-Of Registration:

  • There are 8 half marathon spots available on a first come, first served basis.  You may show up before the race to register.  If the event fills up, we will keep registration open for the 10k to unlimited runners.  This way nobody gets locked out of running on what will be a beautiful Saturday morning.
  • The 5k is sold out.
  • T-shirt cannot be guaranteed for morning-of registrants.

NEW FOR 2019!

  • Don’t wait to register! Race is limited to:
    • 100 half marathon spots (8 left)
    • 60 10k spots (we will keep this even open with no registration limit)
    • 50 5k spots (SOLD OUT).
    • In-person registration will be available Saturday morning ONLY for events not yet sold out. We will post here when events sell out.  No guarantees on shirts and other swag for late registration.
  • We will have a cupless course in 2019.  This means that we will not have paper or plastic cups at the water stations on the course.  This is in an effort to reduce litter in our forest, and reduce the one-time use of paper and plastic cups.  All runners will be given a reusable and foldable hydration bottle at registration.  Alternatively, you can wear any hydration pack that works for you!  We WILL offer cups at the start/finish line stations.  There WILL be water stations throughout the course where you can fill your bottle or hydration pack.
  • Bring your own swag bag.  Runners will receive an even shirt, hydration bottle, and there will be other giveaways.  Along with our efforts to curb waste, we will not be handing out bags to all runners.  These plastic bags traditionally are tossed in the garbage once the runners get home.  We want to reduce this kind of waste. Should you absolutely need a bag, there will be small plastic garbage bags available on request.  We will again be providing free bag check.

SWAG AND AWARDS

  • All runners receive an event T-shirt with entry.
  • All runners receive a folding hydration bottle.
  • Quality finisher medal for all 1/2 Marathon runners.
  • Medals for top 3 finishers in age groups (1/2M, 10K, 5K).

RACE TIMES AND CHECK IN

Attention runners! We are looking forward to seeing you all on the 21st. Be ready to enjoy another great morning in the pines of Groom Creek. With that, here are a few updates for you…

Run Times:

  • 1/2 Marathon – 8:00 am
  • 10k – 9:00 am
  • 5k – 9:15 am
  • 2-Mile Fun Walk – 9:20 am
  • Please plan on checking in at least 30 minutes before race time.

Awards: Medals are awarded to the top 3 in each age group division for the 5k, 10k, and 1/2 marathon. Awards will be announced and given at approximately 11:00 am.

Goodies and Perks:

  • High quality t-shirt to all preregistered runners.
  • FREE reusable folding water bottle.
  • The 5k, 10k, and half marathon runners can compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals in age groups.
  • Custom finisher medal to half marathon runners that cross the finish line.
  • FREE bag check.
  • FREE post-run food provided by Friendly Pines Camp.
  • FREE parking.
  • Raffle drawing after the run with lots of great prizes.

CHECK IN: You can check in the morning of the run. We recommend showing up 30-45 minutes before your run kicks off to check in. For your convenience we will offer FREE BAG CHECK. We will provide an attended area where you can check in your race goodies, jackets, and other non-valuable items after you check in.  We will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items, so please keep valuables at home or in your vehicle.  We suggest you bring a bag that you can use to keep your items in.  If necessary, we will have small plastic bags that you can use.

2018 Race Medals

2018 Race Medals

SAFETY FIRST:

  • First aid will be available on the course.
  • A visor, sunscreen and proper shoes can help get you across the finish line safely. Also, it can be a little cool in the mornings so pack accordingly. Event will be held rain or shine, so be prepared!
  • No bicycles, roller-skates, roller blades, pets, alcohol, or bad attitudes allowed on the event course.
  • Jogging strollers will be permitted. Please be considerate of other runners, and make sure to keep plenty of clearance around you and allow other runners room to pass.
  • You agree to abide by these rules by submitting your registration.

THANK OUR 2019 SPONSORS:

We could not do it without these folks!  Click on any sponsor logo below to visit their website.

AIM Retail Partners, LLC
Friendly Pines Camp
Frozen Frannies
Mountain Milers
Arizona Public Service

Presented by Native Air

Native Air is our 2018 Presenting Sponsor

Groom Creek Fire District
Ferrellgas
The Hike Shack
Mile High Inspections

Groom Creek Firefighter's Association
Yavapai County Jeep Posse
Country Bank
Granite Mountain Brewing

THE PLACE:

Groom Creek, located 5 miles south of Prescott in the Ponderosa Pines.

  • DIRECTIONS: As you enter Prescott westbound on Highway 69 from I-17, or southbound on Highway 89, the road will turn into Gurley Street. This is the main thoroughfare of Prescott. At Mt. Vernon Street, turn south (i.e. left). If you reach Downtown Prescott, you’ve gone too far. There is a Friendly Pines Camp sign on the southwest corner of Gurley & Mt. Vernon.
  • Mount Vernon St. then becomes the Senator Highway; follow the pavement up into the hills about 5 miles.
  • Turn right at Marapai Road, and follow the pavement about 1/2 mile. Turn left on Peter Mackin Drive (dirt road), which will become Friendly Pines Road as you cross Groom Creek at the bottom of the hill. About 1/2 mile beyond the end of the pavement, you’ll see our large sign on the right. Turn in and follow the pavement into camp!
  • PARKING: Carpooling is recommended, but Friendly Pines Camp will provide parking for 100 cars. Overflow parking will be available. All parking is free.
  • CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE MAP  (PDF).
Starting Line

A view from the starting line.

5K runners

The 2m and 5k runs will be on pavement.

A view of your route on the 10K

The majority of the course for 10K and 1/2 Marathon runners is on maintained dirt road in the Ponderosa pines.

Scenic view

Scenic view from the 10k course.

Additional Run Information:

Elevation and Incline Info

  • 1/2 Marathon Elevation and Incline Info: half-marathon-elevation

Strava Route for the 1/2 Marathon

Avenza PDFMaps Smartphone App

  • Runners can download an app from Avenza called PDFMaps to their smartphone
  • Apple and Droid OS versions available (download from iTunes or Google Play)
  • The app can view a Geo-referenced PDF on your phone.
  • Click here to download the Groom Creek Classic Run PDF for the app.
  • Runners can download this map, configure it with the phone app, and then will have a GPS location of themselves on the Race course within the Avenza App. Runners can see water stations and turnarounds.

Refund Policy:  Event is rain or shine. No refunds will be given for race registration fees should runners change their mind about participating. If the event is cancelled due to extreme weather or some other unforeseen circumstance, we may offer refunds and/or the option to put your entry fee toward the next event.

Change Policy:  You may change your distance choice. If you upgrade from the 5k or 10k to the 1/2 marathon you will be asked to pay the difference. In the case of downgrades, we will not offer partial refunds. However, keep in mind that 100% of your entry fee is going to a good cause. Email admin(at)gcffa.org for change requests.

Past Results

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