Tucson Marathon 2002

The Tucson Cactus Marathon organization ranks amongst the best for skating events in the country. From hotel and restaurant discounts, race packets, all the way to the prizes at the award ceremonies, everything was top notch.

The marathon consisted of three 8.7 mile laps. The pavement throughout the course was relatively rough, not to a point to make your feet numb but enough to slow you down. The course began with a 4 mile up hill, one ease off at mid-point, and a gentle down hill.

If you wanted to stay with the pack you needed to skate hard (rough pavement didn't help) including a fairly steep up hill for few thousand feet. Then came the long descent starting with 1000 feet of gravel mixed with pavement. If you were still with the pack coming out of it, the ride can easily take you to 35+ mph. If alone, you would be lucky if you approached 30 mph! Once you reached bottom the start/finish line is only a thousand feet ahead but 100 feet above! Most of the course is at an altitude of 4000 feet. For flat-landers that train at sea level, this course gives you a lot for the money.

The city of Tucson was very involved in the event, blocking the roads (even one lane on the highway) with the police, fire department, emergency team, and even a motorcycle escort for the lead pack. Super organization for about 150 skaters, which was 50% more participation than last year. The sponsorship was incredible, from Bont skin suits, $200 rebates on skate tours, bearings, wheels, Rudy's Project sunglasses, recreational skates, Bont Frames for 84 mm wheels (which are in Portland now). There were also trophies for the top three winners of each division and the medals for each age group. All of that for less than a $50 registration fee which included a T-shirt! Can't beat that!

For next year there are rumors of an easier course to attract more skaters. Nonetheless, the Cactus Marathon is a great experience. It was a very friendly race with terrific scenery as a bonus. A must do for your skate travel list!

Click here for Race results, photos and other stories on this event.

   Luc B.