Race: Mesa Marathon
Runner: Sanne Nakaska
Race Date: 02/08/2025
Location: Mesa, Arizona
Results: 3:42:52 (= a 19 minute marathon PR at only 9 months postpartum!)
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Scenery – Think cactus desert and spectacular views of the Phoenix Valley.
- Course – It’s net downhill (also a BQ-certified course), making it super fast and perfect for PRs!
- Weather – A welcome escape from the Canadian winter!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Running a huge 19 minute marathon PR at only 9 months postpartum!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Don’t go out too fast! The steepest downhills are in the first half, so it’s tempting to go out much faster than you should. Unfortunately, this will only leave you with beat up legs when you need them towards the end when the course flattens out. Look at the course map ahead of time!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
It’s net downhill, so be prepared to hold back the first half of the race to save your quads from getting trashed.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Super pretty views of the cactus desert and Phoenix Valley.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Well-oiled machine!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
There is good competition in this race. The fast, net downhill course attracts lots of people hoping to run PRs and qualify for the Boston Marathon. Also, it’s great weather for this time of year, and the race has pacers available for a wide variety of goal times and paces (including BQ times).
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Know that you must take a shuttle to the start line, so be prepared for a very early start! The roads close several hours before the start, so it’s not possible to get dropped off by someone else either. The race starts at 6:30am and you have to be there for bus loading between 4:00-4:30am!
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
There are 13 aid stations on course; after mile 3, there is then 1 about every 2 miles. They have the standard fare of options you’d expect for a road marathon: water, Gatorade Endurance, GU Roctane Energy Gels (both caffeinated and non-caffeinated), as well as fruit at some. Also, all aid stations have restrooms and medical support too.
Weather and typical race conditions
Pretty ideal until later in the morning and afternoon. The start at 6:30am can be chilly, about 40F, so bring some layers. It will warm up to high 50s- low 60s for most of the morning. Then the afternoon can be hot, 70F and above.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Nope, nothing out of the ordinary for a marathon.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yes, absolutely spectator friendly!!!
How’s the Swag?
The medals are great, and you get a good amount of sponsor swag in your race bag, plus a race shirt.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
10/10!
Looking for more info on the Mesa Marathon? Check out another Mesa Marathon Race Report from David Ho who ran the race in 2023.