48th TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler & 5k Walk/Run News

Ready, set, go—registration open for TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day 5k Run/Walk & the 8-mile

Remember, the Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run is capped at 750 total runners.  As of today, about 300 spots in the 8-miler have been filled, so we're opening the 5k Run/Walk registration on July 1st.

TMC Saguaro Announcement

Wow, that was fast -- within 6 hours 27 SAR members had already claimed their spot at the September 4 TMC Saguaro Labor Day Run! 

Check your email for the news on this year's race.  Here's part of what we sent out:

HELLO TO THE SAR EMAIL COMMUNITY: Randy Accetta here, long-time race director for SAR's TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run, writing to give you an update on some of the issues facing the Saguaro Run this year.  

The Saguaro race was the first race ever put on by SAR, 48 years ago.  This scenic course and the post-race festivities truly embrace the spirit of the old Southwest, making the upcoming 48th Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run a regional favorite. Indeed, up until a decade ago, about 600 runners completed the race every year.  But last year, over 1,400 registered overall.  

Here's the problem: the surrounding roads have gotten more and more crowded and the National Park itself has gotten more and more popular.  Thus, for 2017, we've been asked by the National Park Service and Pima Department of Transportation to put a hard cap of 750 on the event.  

Thus, here are the Three Big Changes for 2017 

1) Cap of 750, registration for the public opens on April 1: There will now be a hard cap of only 750 total participants. We will open registration on April 1st.  (Current SAR members have already received an email with directions to early registration and the SAR member discount.  You can join SAR here.)

2) 8-Mile only, for now: To honor Tucson's running history and to enable those who are competing in SAR's Running Shop Grand Prix, we are opening registration only for the 8-miler.  

Registration will open on April 1st and will be open solely for the 8-miler until June 30th.  

Starting July 1st, any of the 750 slots left open will be allotted to the 5k Run/Walk.  If there are no spaces available, then there will be no 5k -- just the 8-miler and a free kid's dash.

3) This race is NOT part of the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown: we know the Saguaro race is popular and we don't think it is fair that you would have to pay for three races just to do one race.  So, as part of the Triple Crown honoring Gabe Zimmerman, we're developing a brand new 10k, currently scheduled for Sunday, September 17th, staged at Pima Community College West, looping the beautiful cactus forests of the Tucson Mountains.  This "Tucson 10k" event will have a 5k, a 10k, and a children's dash, too. Details on this race are here.

Well, I hope this helps clarify some of the things you may have heard through the grapevine, but if you have any questions please email me at randy@runtucson.net or call me at 520-991-0733.

See you at the races!  Next up: Marana 5000 and FitKidz Family Mile!

-- Randy Accetta, SAR Race Director and Past President

TMC Saguaro: September 7th post-race updates

Post Race Report: Read the post-race email to the race participants here, including the race report here . . .  in which we congratulate the speedsters, thank the volunteers, thank the National Park Service and the sponsors (like Tucson Medical Center, the Running Shop, Muscle Milk, Daily Star, Tucson Lifestyle Magazine, The Morning Blend, and Cox Communications), and say how much we appreciate all of you for being such great members of the Southern Arizona Roadrunners community!  Click here to take the post-race survey.

Photos: Erik Wilkerson from Oro Valley Photography has emailed race participants with information on purchasing your amazing souvenir photos from this scenic race.  Here is the link to his catalogue of race photos. The social media sized images are available for FREE through the photo sponsorship by Costa Vida Tucson.  You can post directly to your social media from the icons on the bottom of the image.  Additionally, you can right-click on your image to download.  The password for the FREE download is the avenue name for Costa Vida Tucson. For all of you using social media, please tag @RunSAR and @RunTucson with hashtags #TMCSaguaro #GabeZimmermanTripleCrown #RunSAR #RunTucson with photo credit to @orovalleyphotography. 

More Photos: Kerry Whelan, aka, Goatographer, has taken some of the most beautiful running photos in the history of the world -- you can see his work here at the SAR facebook page and here at his Goatographer page.  Damion Alexander has become another wonderful running photographer -- check out his photos at The Damion Alexander Team here.

Results and Awards: Check results here.  If you won an age group prize, you can pick up your awards throughout the month of September at The Running Shop (3055 North Campbell). Questions about timing? Contact Roadrunner Timing here.

Shirts and Medals: 

1) We're in the process of ordering another round of shirts for the 78 of you who didn't get a shirt on race day.  These are customized shirts, and we hope to have them at The Running Shop for pick up within a few weeks.

2) The TMC Saguaro race medals are at The Running Shop, so all Virtual Triple Crown participants can grab their medal.  Please postyour photos to the SAR facebook page tagging @RunSAR and @RunTucson with hashtags #TMCSaguaro #GabeZimmermanTripleCrown #RunSAR #RunTucsonVirtual Triple Crown medals at The Running Shop by September 9th.  

3) We are working with our supplier to order more of the large Cactus Medal for the Triple Crown participants.  At the moment, we count 16 people who need one. We'll know more shortly and will get in touch with Triple Crown participants.

Questions? Contact race director Randy Accetta here.

47th Annual TMC Saguaro: Women’s Course Record and Total Attendance Record!

Thanks to all who came out to the 47th Annual TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run.  A number of records were set, so let's start this recap with the press announcement we've sent out:

26-Year-Old Course Record Smashed at 47th Annual Saguaro Labor Day Run 

Tucson newcomer Katie James won Monday's TMC Saguaro Labor Day 8-Mile race in 46:39, smashing the previous course record by over a minute.  Taking the lead in the first steps and outrunning the previous two winners, the 25-year-old James ran her first four miles in 23:12 and closed the second half of the race in a similar 23:27, for an average pace of 5 minutes and 50 seconds per mile over the extremely hilly Saguaro National Park East 8-mile road.  Running comfortably, James broke the course record of 47:44 set by Stephanie Wessel 26 years ago in 1990.

Second place in the women's race went to 2014 champion Autumn Ray, in 50:39, while Amy Cole, the 2015 and 2013 winner, took third place in 51:32.

Andrew Lemoncello, won the men's race in a blistering 42:04, a mere 25 seconds off the course record set by former Pima Community College standout Craig Curley.  A former British Olympian now living in Flagstaff, the 33-year-old Lemoncello easily outdistanced the field, beating second place finisher Robert Scribner's 44:39 by over two minutes.  Third place went to last year's runner-up, Kurt Michels in 45:06.   

Over 1,500 runners, the most in the 47-year history of the race, signed up to run Tucson's oldest running race.  The event raised funds for the Friends of Saguaro National Park, Cox Charities, Child and Family Resources, and the Southern Arizona Roadrunners.

Thanks for the photos Kerry Whelan, aka Goatographer!! 

And yes, you read that correctly: over 1500 folks registered for the race, making this the largest field ever (yup, we were allowed to go over our initial limit by the Park Service).  This explains why we ran out of t-shirts -- we'll send a note with details on the next steps for both the race shirts and the Triple Crown materials.  We hope you all enjoyed receiving the finisher medals!  Thanks to Sharon Bart and the Running Shop for all the great awards, including those nifty age-group socks!!!  If you won an age-group award, please go to the Running Shop to pick it up!  Congratulations to Merry Dearmon and Kevin Tuck for winning the BEAT YOUR AGE awards in the 8-miler!!  Congratulations, too, to Yvonne Valenzuela for displaying the heart of champion!! 

The TMC Saguaro 5k winners were Chris Harrod in 20:11 and Sharon Snyder in 22:30.  Nicely done!

Special thanks to the SAR Board for all the help with the race, led by announcer extraordinaire Tim Bentley and Steve Outridge, Diane Manzini, Dari Duvall, Steve Felder, Sheryl Felde, Lucas Tyler, Gary Giese, and Don Branaman.  Of course, the National Park Service did a great job of making sure we were all safe, as did the fine crew from Rural Metro!

Special thanks to Ross Zimmerman and Emily Nottingham for allowing us the privilege of making this race the second leg of the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown!

Now, in case you're new to Tucson running, the timer for this and many other races is 8-time Saguaro 8-mile winner (and 3-time Olympic Trials marathoner) Greg Wenneborg, one of the best runners in the history of Tucson (see Greg Hanson's DailyStar column from a few years ago).

Special thanks to St. Augustine High School coach Tim Bentley and the students & parents for volunteering to hand out medals at the finish line and manage the water station at the finish line.  Thanks, too, to the cross country team from Sahuaro HS for managing the Mile 2 and Mile 4 water stops; to the group from Vision Quest for handling water stop at Mile 6; and to the great women from the Tucson Tri-Girls who did double-duty at the water stop at the 5k Mile 1 and 2 and the Mile 7 of the 8-miler -- that is a lot of water to hand out!!

Special thanks to Mulcogi Seng and Michelle Hawk for helping with the Triple Crown tent above and beyond the call of duty! 

Thanks to Sheryl Felde for coordinating the volunteers for Saguaro.  Here is the list she sent us of all the volunteers at registration and elsewhere:
Steve and Sheryl
Cindy Schnell
Marti Ackermann
Steve  and Sarah Sheldon
Judie and Ed Shyman
Noemi and Craig Mills
Craig Dabler
Maureen Cunningham
Connie Lopez
Shirley Hester 
Gary Giese
Gary Parcher
Pam Hoyt
LInda Pitney
Mulcogi Seng
Joe Faulk
Austin Grover
Linda Amperano
Don Branaman
Michelle Hawk
Diane Manzini
Steve Outridge
Lucas Tyler
Tucson Trigirls
Saguaro High School
Gisella Bonilla 
I'm sure there were more.

I owe a special thanks, too, to Tia Accetta for all of her race day duties.  As three-time winner of the 8-miler, it's tough for her to not be out there racing -- but I am certainly grateful for all of her work on the race!! 

Questions about the race?  Things you want us to do better?  Contact me at randy@runtucson.net. 

Thanks all! 

Randy Accetta

Labor Day 8 Miler and 5k Results now Posted!

Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8 Miler and 5k results are posted!

Results can be found here!

Top 10 things to know about the TMC Saguaro Labor Day Run Race Weekend

Sunday September 4th: Click here for today's final email to all participants, including information on Monday's number/shirt pick-up, parking rules, and more.  Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown registrants, please click here for your email.

As of September 1st, TMC Saguaro registration has closed. If you missed registration, we have provided a special coupon code for the first 15 who want to register for the Halloween weekend TMC Get Moving Tucson events.  Register online for the Tucson Lifestyle 5k or the TMC AMountain Half-Marathon and use the coupon code SOLDOUTSAGUARO to receive $10 off your 5k or half-marathon price (discount ends on September 9th).    

Click here for the final list of registrants as of September 1st.

 Questions?  Contact Race Director Randy Accetta at randy@runtucson.net

TMC Saguaro Labor Day Run: Race Weekend Details & List of Registrants - plus, registration is closed

Email to TMC Saguaro race registrants

Click here for the first round of details on the TMC Saguaro Labor Day Run packet pickup, race day schedules, parking, awards, the National Park Service, and more.  So grab a rocking chair & root beer and settle down for a nice read . . .  please consider joining our non-profit running club. SAR is a grass-roots, member-driven running club committed to making our region better through running.  SAR members receive discounts to our races, a quarterly newsletter, discounts to local businesses and a cool t-shirt.  See http://www.azroadrunners.org to join the club!

New TMC Saguaro Logo Announced!

Check out the 2016 TMC Saguaro logo -- we're helping the National Park Service celebrate their 100th anniversary -- thanks to Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrwo Wilson for having the foresight to ensure that our national community would have such beautiful national lands!

SAR member discount toTMC Saguaro Labor Day 8-miler and 5k - only 400+ spots open!

Online registration and mail-in registration is now open for the popular September 4, TMC Saguaro Labor Day 8-miler and 5k.  SAR members receive $5 off their registration when registering by June 30th, so join SAR now! 

This race is capped at 1300 and over 850 have already registered.  

TMC Saguaro Post-Race Report: Order photos, results, timing, awards and more

Click here for the post-race Race Report eblast sent to all of the participants at the  TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run, including details on how to see photos, results, timing, awards and more.

Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8 Miler and 5k age group results now posted

Results for the 5k and 8 Miler can be found here.  I apologize for the delay. We had an unfortunate chip and timing mat malfuntion at the starting line and were unable to pick up the start times.  All results are gun time. Age Group awards can be picked up at The Running Shop.  

46th Annual TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run in the books!

Congratulations to overall men's winner Stephen Schaefer and to overall women's winner Amy Cole for leading the way around the hilly 8-mile Saguaro National Park loop road in today's Labor Day race.  Congratulations, too, to Jamie Herschberger and to Claire Hans for winning the 5k.  The race timer is hard at work handling the post-race data, so we should have final results for the 8-mile and the 5k available shortly.  If by Wednesday morning you are still uncertain of your posted results, please contact me at randy@runtucson.net.

A highlight of the Tucson running calendar for almost half a century now, the TMC Saguaro race saw plenty of determined runners and happy faces, as over 1,100 runners and walkers finished the 8-mile and 5k.  Thanks to all the race participants and race sponsors such as Tucson Medical Center and Cox Charities, over $10,000 will go to Saguaro National Park, Friends of Saguaro National Park, and the Southern Arizona Roadrunners, with another $8,000 being raised for Child and Family Resources through the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown.  Special thanks to all of the regional National Park Service staff for their hard work in making this event happen.  As we begin to celebrate the Centennial Year of America's National Park, we are especially grateful for our local Park treasure.  

Special thanks, too, to our wonderful water station volunteers: parents and students from St. Augustine High School managed the water at the finish line, while Pam and Christian's runners from the Sahuaro Cross Country team handled MIles #2 and 4, while Shane's athletes from Catalina HS handled Mile #6.  The Tucson Tri-Girls and the National Park Service were on hand for mile 7, which was also the water stop for the 5k.

Sheryl Felde coordinated the volunteers for the Southern Arizona Roadrunners.  Special thanks to all the runners from The Workout Group who pitched in, including these great people:

Steve and Sheryl
Marti and Stephane Ackermann
Merry Dearmon and Stephan Moore
Connie Lopez
Steve Sheldon
Cindy Schnell
Molly and Myk Brown
Deborah Chappa
Charlotte Belflower
Janet Holland
Pam Hoyt
Don Branaman
Steve Outridge
Tim Bentley
Itzel Marques
Itzel Rosas
Robin Gerard
Ron Lumm
Joe Faulk
Shirley Hester
Jeri Baker
Linda Pitney
Andrew Peck
Paige Redman
Amada Greenler
Carrie Frisian
Mik White
Eve Shapiro
Linda Whelan
Sandra Heater
Eric Sanders
Craig Dabler
Clair Hans
Katie Keating
Doreen Davis
Michelle Hawk
Maureen Cunningham

James Eichberger

Dari Duval

Gina Nelson

Aric Accetta

John Chamberlain

Lucas Tyler 

Diane Manzini

The cross country teams of St. Augustine HS, Catalina HS, and Sahuaro HS

The Workout Group volunteer group!

Saguaro National Park Results

Preliminary overall results can be found here.  Age group updates will be provided shortly!  Have a wonderful Labor Day!

Final Update for TMC Saguaro

Hello to the participants in Monday's TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run.  Below are some updates, along with a repeat of the million race items from previous emails.  See the race page for all race details

Weather
Conflicting reports have it either clear or rainy on Monday morning (see image from weatherunderground.com way below).  We will hold the race rain or shine; however, the National Park Service reserves the right to make race morning decisions in the event of dangerous lightening.  If it is a drenching rain, please be especially kind and gracious to the volunteers as we handle packet pick up and all the race logistics.
National Park Centennial
Did you know that Labor Day marks the beginning of the year-long National Park Centennial Celebration?  See http://www.nps.gov/subjects/centennial/index.htm for details! 
More Park Service News: New leadership
Did you know that the Saguaro Park has some new folks?  New Chief Ranger Ray O'Neil and new East Side Supervisory Ranger Miranda Cook have never been to a Saguaro race, so please be nice and show them a great Tucson welcome!! 
Special thanks to U.S. Park Ranger Steve Bolyard for handling all of the race logistics.
Special thanks to Park Superintendent Darla Sidles -- she will be running the race!
 

Run/Walk Schedule
5:15-6:00 You can pick up your shirt and number on race morning, Monday, September 7th, at the SAR membership tables the maintenance yard at Saguaro EAST, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail Road.  At packet pick-up, you will receive a shirt and race number with the timing tag attached to the number.  
As we have said, we cannot guarantee that you will receive the perfect size that you want, so please be gracious to our volunteers and take the nearest size that fits you!
Please be sure your race number is pinned to the front of your shirt or shorts.  To be included in official timing, you must cross the start/finish line mats.
6:10 5k Run/Walk finish lining up for start at the flagpole in front of the Visitor Center.  Please arrive  early enough to get your number and use the restrooms as you need.  When you line up for the race, please line up in minutes/mile order: 5- and 6-minute milers at the front, 7-minute milers behind them, 8-minute milers behind them, and so forth.  
6:15 Announcements about the National Park Centennial by Saguaro Superintendent Darla Sidles; Ross Zimmerman; and Julia Strange from TMC.
6:19 Moment of silence for raising of the American flag
6:20 5k Run/Walk Race Start: you will head out of the Park's parking lot and head to the right.  Please stay on the right side of the road all the way towards the Picnic Grounds.  The turn-around is down the hill by the picnic grounds.  It is a 180-degree turn-around, so please be prepared for the turn-around.  Please stay to the right side of the road on the way out and the way back.  No bicycles, wheelchairs, skateboards, roller skates or pets allowed on the course.   
6:25 8-Milers line up as soon as the 5k runners and walkers leave the starting area. When you line up for the race, please line up in minutes/mile order: 5- and 6-minute milers at the front, 7-minute milers behind them, 8-minute milers behind them, and so forth.
6:30 8-Mile start -- remember the 8-milers will leave the starting area and head to the left  going in a clockwise direction.
7:15 or so At some point, the 8-mile lead runners will start to pass the final 5k participants -- please give them the right-of-way. 
8:00 Approx: 5k Awards Ceremony at the SAR tent in the maintenance yard, with raffle prizes from Craig Dabler Jewelry and a t-shirt grab bag raffle 
9:00 Approx: 8-Mile Awards Ceremony at the SAR tent in the maintenance yard, with raffle prizes from Craig Dabler Jewelry and a t-shirt grab bag raffle 


Parking
Parking is allowed on Pima County roads, including Old Spanish Trail, Escalante, and Freeman. Please follow all traffic laws and please do NOT park in driveways or in any way block the neighbors. 
The National Park Service is once again providing a drop-off zone in front of the Saguaro East entrance.  Please be courteous and safe when parking and when dropping folks off.   This is a crowded event, so please allow plenty of time to park and make your way safely to the starting line.
Be Safe
Saguaro is a demanding course and it will be a hot day.  We will have water on hand, but if you will be running for more than 90 minutes, you might want to bring your own water.  Our race shirts will be white, and we encourage you to wear light-weight, light-colored clothing -- perhaps with a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.  No bicycles, wheelchairs, skateboards, roller skates or pets allowed on the 8 mile or 5k course.   If you see a snake, do NOT try to pet it.

Social Media
Please feel free to share your photos and race story with  #Saguaro on the SAR facebook page, at instagram @RunSAR and @RunTucson, and on twitter @RunTucson. 

5K Walk/Run Awards
Overall 1, 2, 3 Male/Female: Running Shop Gift Certificates $40, $30, $20 
Masters 1 Male/Female: Running Shop Gift Certificate $30 
AG top runner in 10-year increments, U-20 - 70+ Running Shop Gift Certificate $15
$15 gift certificates
Overall Male/Female winners 5k Walk/Run will receive free massage coupons from Stephanie Wenneborg

Refreshments
Muscle Milk will be on hand with refreshing post-race recovery drinks, while Culligan is providing water. TMC is once again providing snacks, while local company R-Bar Energy will provide their great-tasting energy bar samples.  
Post-race expo-style booths will include a Tucson Medical Center tent with room for stretching, the Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club, the National Park Service, Friends of Saguaro, The Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, Team Red White and Blue, Mulcogi's Flag Display, the Running Shop, BJ's restaurant; the ATA/CV5050, the cool new SAR membership tent, and others.  
Students from Cortiva Massage will be on hand providing post-race massage.
The National Park Service Visitor Center will be open early, so you can browse, relax, partake in a raffle, and enjoy the coolness. Check out the discounts and raffle prizes, too!
Volunteers
Thanks to all who help: the over 100 volunteers who make this event possible: water station volunteers include the high school cross country teams from Sahuaro High School, Catalina High School, and St. Augustine High School.  The Tucson Tri-Girls and National Park Service volunteers will be at the 7-mile mark as well, while members of the Southern Arizona Roadrunners and the Workout Group will handle most of the volunteer chores.
Rural Metro is again providing ambulance support, while Waste Management is putting out plenty of portojohns, including one near the 4 mile mark.  Please do NOT use the desert for your personal needs -- this is unsafe, unsanitary, and illegal and the Park Service has indicated that our permit is dependent on the good behavior of Park visitors.

Triple Crown News for September 7 TMC Saguaro

All details regarding Monday's TMC Saguaro race can be found at the TMC Saguaro page.  Unfortunately, registration for both the TMC Saguaro race and the Triple Crown is now closed. 

1. If you signed up for the 2015 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown, you will get your Triple Crown shirt and race medals at Saguaro National Park East on Monday morning (NOT at the Running Shop).

2. The Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown tent will be in the maintenance yard staging area, near the SAR tent.  

3) The Triple Crown tent will have these items:
* TMC Saguaro Triple Crown finisher medallions, for both the 5k and 8-miler - note: these medallions are only for Triple Crown registrants

* The Run Tucson/Run Your Passion shirts for new Triple Crown registrants and for those who did not get them at the TMC Meet Me Downtown - again, we tried to get the appropriate sizing, but please take the size that fits best.  We do not anticipate doing another printing.

* TMC Meet Me Downtown finisher medallions for those who signed up for the Triple Crown and who finished MMD, but who did not get them at MMD. 

SARlandia Updates

1) TMC Saguaro registration is now closed, but if you're one of the lucky registrants, then click here for all race details.

2) Click here for the recent SAR eblast with information on upcoming races, race discounts, and more.

3) Click here for the recent SAR newsletter. Put down your summer page-turner and see what's going on in SARlandia.

4) Don't forget to follow SAR on facebook and instagram!

Entries now closed for both TMC Saguaro and the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown

Click here for all the updated details on the TMC Saguaro National Park Run. Read below for Triple Crown details. Unfortunately, though, we've hit our registration cap for the TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run and for the 2015 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown.  Thank you to everyone who has signed up for these great events.  At 835, our Triple Crown numbers skyrocketed this year -- we hope that you are enjoying the series and we're happy to donate $8,350 to Child and Family Resources directly from these registrations!

Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown Details
1. If you signed up for the Triple Crown, you will get your shirt and medals at Saguaro National Park East on race morning (NOT at the Running Shop).
2. The Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown tent will be in the maintenance yard, near the SAR tent.  
3) The Triple Crown tent will have these items:
* TMC Saguaro Triple Crown finisher medallions, for both the 5k and 8-miler - note, these are only for Triple Crown registrants
* Blue Run Tucson/Run Your Passion shirts for new Triple Crown registrants and for those who did not get them at the TMC Meet Me Downtown - again, we tried to get the appropriate sizing, but please take the size that fits best.  We do not anticipate doing another printing.
* TMC Meet Me Downtown finisher medallions for those who signed up for the Triple Crown and who finished MMD, but who did not get them at MMD. 

TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler and 5k - only 532 slots remain!

Registration is picking up steam for the 46th Annual TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run, with only 532 openings remaining!  Register online here and reserve your slot in this classic Tucson race through the foothills of the Rincon Mountains. 

Registration now open for 46th TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler and 5k Walk/Run

Online registration is now open for the 46th TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler and 5k Walk/Run, scheduled for September 7th, 2015.  This event annually hits its cap of 900 for the 8-miler and 400 for the 5k.  (Thanks to SAR runner Frank Buchanan and SAR office manager Lucas Tyler for reminding us to open registration!!)

Saguaro Race Report

Click here for the super-long race report thanking all the volunteers and detailing the event.  Or just read on for a quick overview of the race itself . . .
Craig Curley Romps to Easy Victory in Second-Fastest Time in 44 Year-History of Saguaro Race.
Craig Curley won the TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler on Monday, running the second fastest time in the 44-year history of the race.  Running alone through the light mist and distant lightening of Saguaro National Park East, his time of 41:43 narrowly missed his own course record of 41:39, set when he was a Pima Community College student in 2008.  Using the race as a training run for the US National Marathon Championships next month in Twin Cities, Curley won $424 for his efforts on the hilly 8-mile loop. 

Second place in the field of 900 runners went to Benson’s Trent Binford-Walsh in 43:59, while Stephen Schaefer, the 2011 champion, took third place in 46:08. 

Amy Cole, a University of Arizona graduate student, took first place for the women in a time of 53:25 for her first victory at Saguaro.  Second place went to former University of Montana runner, Aleta Jokisch, running in her first Tucson race.  Margaret Smith, stationed at Fort Huachuca, took third place in 56:46.

Shane Carr defended his crown in the men’s 5k, while Jennifer Garcia-Girvan was the first place woman in the 5k.

Seven Arizona state 8-mile records were set on the day.

Produced by the Southern Arizona Roadrunners with help from more than 100 volunteers, Saguaro raised over $10,000 for local charities, including Friends of Saguaro National Park and Child and Family Resources.

Full results can be seen at http://www.azroadrunners.org/results/detail/saguaro_national_park_labor_day_run_results_2013.

8-Mile Results
MEN
1.  Craig Curley (25)  41:43
2.  Trent Binford-Walsh (24) 43:59
3.  Stephen Schaefer (22) 46:08
4.  Damon Vasiliw (25) 46:18
5.  Kurt Michels (29)  47:50

WOMEN
1.  Amy Cole (29) 53:25
2.  Aleta Jokisch (23)  54:18
3.  Margaret Smith (33) 56:46
4.  Anne Neuenschwander (40) 56:54
5.  Stephanie Wenneborg (40) 57:15

Arizona 8-Mile State Age Group Records
Samantha Andrade (F16)
Debra Lazar-Pearl (F54)
Nancy Fuller (F63)

Craig Curley (M25)
Richard Kutzner (M70)
Paul Robillia (M76)
Leonard Moore (M78)

2013 Saguaro

Registration for the 2013 TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run has reached its cap and is now closed.  All race details can be seen here.  Please be sure to follow this link for all the details.

Thank you for signing up for the 44th Annual TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run produced by the Southern Arizona Roadrunners.  Below is a ton of important information about the event that takes place on Monday, Labor Day September 2nd at Saguaro EAST.

We’ll be updating the race details, so please check the SAR website and your email for additional information.

Check out the SAR facebook page Like us on Facebookand our Run Tucson twitter feed for quick updates.Follow us on Twitter

Before you dig into the details of race weekend, let’s take a moment to honor some of the folks doing the race.  Below is a list of those who are over 70 years of age—how cool is it that Tucson’s running community is filled with such fit and active runners???  Our congratulations and admiration go to this special group of runners!

Delwin Kruschke m 80 5k
Tillie Sutton F 80 5k
Leonard Moore M 78 8-miler
Dave Davis M 77 5k
Jerry Cherrington M 76 8-miler
Paul Robillia M 76 8-miler
Don Branaman M
75 8-miler
Dale Feist M 75 8-miler
David Mellady m 74 8-miler
Roger Watson M 74 8-miler
Sue Smith f 73 8-miler
Dennis McClure M 72 8-miler
DoctorJon Wang M 72 8-miler
Claudia Gary F 71 5k

At the moment, 870 of you are running the 8-miler, while 413 are doing the 5k.  This means that collectively you will run 8,175 miles, not including warm-up and cool-down.  The average age is 42.43, and there are 10 Smith’s, 8 Johnson’s (and one Johnston), and 7 Rodriguez’s.  Pretty cool if you ask me!!!

In terms of weather, it is supposed to rain on Sunday but be clear and sunny on Monday, about 79-degrees at the starting line.

On race day, don’t forget to thank all the volunteers who make this possible: all the National Park Service folks and the high school runners from Catalina High School, St. Augustine, and Sahuaro High School.  If you get a chance, hi-five the Tucson Tri-Girls, the Tucson Ham Radio Society, and the massage volunteers from the Cortiva Institute.

And at registration, try to be nice to the volunteers from Wells Fargo, SAR, and The Workout Group who are on hand to help ensure a great race.

Speaking of SAR, won’t you please consider joining our non-profit?  A part of the Road Runners Club of America, we’re a grass-roots, member-driven running club committed to making our region better through running.  Members receive discounts to our races, a quarterly newsletter, discounts to many local businesses, and a cool t-shirt!  See http://www.azroadrunners.org for details on membership.

If you are interested in improving your running, you should check out the SAR running groups page here for a listing of many of the groups in town.  Of course, my wife Tia would be a great resource at The Workout Group, but there are some cool groups in town, from The Grinders or All About Running and Walking on the northwest side of town to the Running Shop in mid-town to Fleet Feet and ESTANDA on the far east and all sorts of others in between . . .

OK—thanks for doing the race—see you Monday the 2nd! 

—Randy Accetta
Race Director, Southern Arizona Roadrunners
raccetta2@cox.net | 520-991-0733

When and Wheredetails

When - Monday September 2, 2013

Where - Saguaro National Park East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail Rd

Time - 5:15-6:00 am packet pick up at the park; 6:27 start time for the 5k Fun Run/Walk; 6:32 start time for the 8-miler

Monday Morning Parking  
The National Park Service is creating a DROP Zone (get it? Drop Runners Off at Park - DROP). 

This way you can drop off a car-load of runners in front of Saguaro East, then go park.

Participants can park on Old Spanish Trail, Freeman Road, and Escalante.  Please obey traffic laws and don’t park in driveways.   

Please note that the Pima County Department of Transportation is monitoring the race to ensure that we are complying with safety and legal regulations.  Please be thoughtful when you drive, when you park, and when you make your way to and from the Park.

Please be sure that you don’t block the bicycle lanes—keep your wheels to the outside of the road so that bike traffic is not impaired. 

Remember, the later you arrive, the farther away from the starting line you will have to park.
Please be thoughtful and safe! 

IMPORTANT: Please try to carpool—it will be easier and safer for all.  MOST IMPORTANT: Do not bring pets to the event - and do not leave them in your car!! 

Timing

Please put your bib number on the front of your shirt using the pins provided at registration. Greg Wenneborg is our official timer, and he is using the chip-based timing system from IPICO, so your bib will have an RFID tag on the back of the bib. Please leave this on your bib and don’t bend it!

Event Weekend Schedule

Saturday, August 31

10:00am - 3:00pm T-shirt and Packet Pickup at The Running Shop (3055 North Campbell)

YES: This will be crowded. Please be in a good mood! 

YES: You can pick up the number and shirt of someone else. 

YES: T-shirt sizing is first-come, first-served, so get there early to get your first choice!

NO: THERE IS NO RACE WEEKEND REGISTRATION - only t-shirt and number pick-up. 

Please note: we will have a Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown tent on race day, where you can pick up your shirt and Ben’s Bells items.

Monday, September 2

5:15-6:00 AM Packet pick-up at Saguaro Park EAST NOTE: You can pick up your shirts and numbers at the Maintenance Yard.  Go up the park road and turn right to the maintenance yard.

There is no race day registration, only number/shirt pick-up.  Please use restrooms provided by Waste Management at the Maintenance Yard and the front parking lot—not the desert! 

YES: you can pick up your Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown shirt and Ben’s Bell Kindness Coin at the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown tent.

6:10 5k line up at front, by flagpole.  8-milers line up behind them in leg speed order (5-minutes/mile at the front; 6-minutes/mile behind them, and so forth)

6:15 A few words from Head Ranger Paul Austin, Ross Zimmerman and the Zimmerman family, and Julia Strange from TMC—plus the announcement of the 2013 Spirit of Rob Bell Award. 

6:27 5k Run/Walk start (note, all under 10 children need to have a waiver submitted - parents can do this at registration)

6:32 8-miler start, again the course is tight, so if you are going to try to win, you may line up at the start—5-minutes/mile at the front; 6-minutes/mile behind them, 7-minutes/mile, and so forth) 

7:00 All post-race snacks are provided by Tucson Medical Center, Sprouts Farmers Market and JulieBar, with drinks by Culligan Water, ice by WaterMart.

8:30 (approx) Children’s Dash, presented by Craig Dabler Jewelers.  This is a playful 100 - 200 yard dash.  No need to sign up ahead of time.  Waivers will need to be signed this year—we’ll handle that at the start of the Children’s Dash.  Location to be announced.

9:00 (approx) Begin Spirit of Rob Bell Award, Raffle Prizes, and Race Awards, courtesy of The Running Shop

9:00 Official course closure—the National Park Service reserves the right to pick up any participants still on the course at 9:00 am.

Course and Staging Information

Headphones: Headphones are strongly discouraged—not only is it unsafe to run without one of your main senses, we want this to be a fun, community event—so talk with the strangers you are running with, then outsprint ‘em to the finish!!

The 8-Mile Course is hilly, so please be prepared for the sun and the heat.

If you plan on being on the course for more than two hours, please bring your own water to ensure your safety. There are no strollers allowed on the course. Please start the race in approximate order of your estimate minutes-per-mile, with the fastest runners at the front.  (Thanks to Dave Hill for ensuring that we are a measured course—USATF has certified and sanctioned the 8-mile course distance.) 

5k Run & Walk: this course covers a flatter (but still rolling) course that is suitable forstrollers and families. This is an out-and-back with a 180-degree turnaround down by the picnic ground.  NOTE: strollers are allowed on the 5k course only.

About 40 minutes into the 5k the 8-mile lead runners will start to pass you—please give them the right-of-way.

Strollers and walkers—please stay to the left on the route on both the out and the back - this will ensure that the 8-miler leaders can pass you during their final racing mile. 

No bicycles, wheelchairs, skateboards, roller skates or pets allowed on the 8 mile or 5k course. 

Water Stations - Long-time friend of Tucson running, Culligan Water will be located at approximately 2, 4, 6 and 7 miles—and the 1 & 2 mile marks in the 5k.  Students from Sahuaro High School Cross Country will be at the 2, 4, and 6 mile marks.  We will also have students from Catalina High School on hand to help out!

Thanks to long-time race friend, the Tucson Tri-Girls for handling the water stations at mile 7, which is also the 1 and 2 mile mark for the 5k.  Thanks to the cross country runners at St. Augustine High School for coordinating the refreshing Culligan water at the start/finish line.

We will have plenty of refreshing ice courtesy of Josh at WaterMart.

We’ll also have the Ham Radio Society of Tucson out at all the water stations and the finish line. 

Rural Metro provides a dedicated ambulance at the finish line. 

Thanks to Waste Management, we have more port-o-johns than ever before, including one at the 4 mile mark. Please do not use the desert to relieve yourself: the Park Servi ce may fine you - and a snake may bite you!!

After the race, enjoy free massages from the Cortiva Institute. Check out Dr. Chris Cox’s tent for some chiropractic and massage care!  Visit with the Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club booth to see how you can become a member at the Tucson tradition, the Racquet Club.

Be sure to use the garbage and recycling containers provided by Waste Management. 

The National Park Visitor Center will open at 6:30 am this year. PLUS, all participants receive a 10% discount on any 2011 saguaro flagVisitor Center merchandise (except pottery),  thanks to
the Western National Parks Association. A portion of those proceeds also go back to Saguaro. 

PLUS—this year the Park Service is providing cool water bottles for $3, and a host of raffle prizes—head to the Visitor Center for all the cool stuff.

Your one-day park pass is included in your registration, so there is no need to purchase an additional park pass. 

By the way, approximately 1% of the Park’s total fee revenue comes from this single event.
Saguaro Chief Ranger Paul Austin has been a true friend to the fitness community and deserves our appreciation. Darla Sidles, Superintendent of Saguaro National Park, have been instrumental in allowing us to have this unique treasure of an event. If you see a Park Service employee, please thank them for their efforts.
Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown
Saguaro is the second event in the 2013 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown, to be followed by the TMC Get Moving Tucson Half-Marathon and 5k.  Thank you to all Triple Crown participants for honoring Gabe Zimmerman and helping to contribute to his favorite organization, Child and Family Resources. Those who have not picked up their Run Tucson Triple Crown t-shirts can pick them up on Monday at the race site.
Sponsors

TUCSON MEDICAL CENTER A special thanks to Tucson Medical CenterMMD TMC tent for all their support of the Southern Arizona Roadrunners and the local health and fitness community.  This race could not have such low entry fees without the support of TMC.

Additional sponsors include Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club; The Running Shop; Culligan Water; Tile Outlet; Cox Communications; Tucson Lifestyle; Arizona Daily Star and Caliente; The Workout Group; Chris Cox Chiropractic; Waste Management; Rural Metro.

Miscellaneous

After the race, grab a free massage from the student massage therapists at the Cortiva Institute, and visit with The Running Shop, the Friends of Saguaro, Chris Cox Chiropractic, Tucson Racquet Club, and our friends at the Tucson Medical Center tent.

The Park Service will also have two areas to visit, so check them out - cool skulls, skins and other fun things. . . .

SAR will announce the winner of the 2013 Spirit of Rob Bell Award at the race.

The 8 Miler is part of the Desert Grand Prix presented by the Running Shop.

Technical Shirts:  The shirt is a technical shirt produced by award-winning Leslie Jordan Designs, in both men’s and women’s sizing.  First come, first served in terms of sizing!! 

Race Hotel

Looking for a place to spend Sunday night? Award-winning guest ranch, Tanque Verde Ranch, is offering all Saguaro participants a discounted week-end, single-night, or all-inclusive package.  Contact LeighAnn at 520-731-5562. See http://www.tanqueverderanch.com for details.

Awards

RACE DIRECTOR GLORY DAYS 20TH ANNIVERSARY PRIZE MONEY:

Twenty years ago I moved to Tucson for grad school at the UA and ran my first SAR race, at the time called the Saguaro National Monument Run.  (The SAR race director back then was Elisa Kinder, a monumental leader for the Tucson running community.)  Twenty years ago I got whupped over the final three miles by a guy wearing “Strapped Jock Reebok” gear, a guy who would go on to be my best friend and long-time colleague, Greg Wenneborg.  Greg is now known as the timer for all SAR events and the Pima Community College Cross Country and Track coach, but he is also a three-time Olympic Trials Marathoner who has won Saguaro 9 times.

To recognize this 20 year anniversary, prize money is being awarded to the first runner who can beat my own time from way back when, plus an adjusted time for the women.

Thus, the first man who breaks 42:48 will receive $424.80, and the first woman who breaks 50 minutes will receive $500.

Who will do it?  Local Olympians Abdi Abdirahman or Bernard Legat?  Or Saguaro course record holder, Craig Curley?  Over the past 20 years, Greg Wenneborg has 9 victories on the course, with his first in 1992 and his most recent in 2007.  Brian Grosso and Bassirimo Soro have won it twice, with other winners over the past 20 years including Craig Curley, Jayson Fultz, Ian Johnson, Jason Colavito, Tim Finnegan, Stephen Schaefer, and Damon Vasilaw.

For the women, could it be Paula Morrison, who has won the race 5 times with a best of 50:10?  Word on the street is that a newcomer to Tucson is ready to rip it up.  The women’s race has been dominated by Paula, who has won it 5 times, with three-time winners Carolyn Collman and Tia Accetta, and local standouts such as Lisa Warneke, Tracy Riccitello, Caroline Gardiner, Gina Slaby, Pam Golden, and Karla Sokolovich.

Raffles - All preregistered participants will be entered into a raffle for prizes to be given out at the awards ceremony.  Prizes courtesy of the Visitor Center, Ben’s Bells, and The Running Shop, including $25 gift certificates to be used for miscellaneous volunteer and participant raffle

$50 Cash - Given to the fastest male and female who equals or betters their age in time (+10 minutes for women).

8 Mile Prizes: Gift Certificates to The Running Shop
Overall 1st $60, 2nd $50, 3rd $40 - $300
Masters 1st-$50 = $100
Age Groups
1st $30
2nd $20
3rd $10

5K: Gift Certificates to The Running Shop
Overall 1st $40, 2nd $30, 3rd $20
Masters 1st $30
Age groups 1st $15

Thanks to The Running Shop!

Beneficiaries

Friends of Saguaro National Park, the not-for-profit fundraising partner of the National Park Service at Tucson’s Saguaro National Park  

National Park Service: The National Park Service has been gracious about allowing us access to the beautiful park. The Park Service asks that all participants pay the standard $5 entry fee to the park. This amount will go directly to the National Parks Service.

Where does your Park Service Money Go? By Jeff Wallner, Park Guide

Have you enjoyed a picnic in the shade of a historic shelter at Signal Hill? Have you learned about the natural and human history of the Saguaro from signs along the Freeman Homestead trail? Are you better informed by the new trailhead exhibits and maps found throughout Saguaro National Park? If so, you are enjoying facilities provided by park entrance fees, paid by you and other visitors to Saguaro National Park.

Like hundreds of recreation acres across the country, Saguaro National Park operates under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004. Many visitors are familiar with the “Fee Demo” signs of an earlier law: the Fee Demonstration Program. Under both programs, 100% of all entrance fees are put to use in the park system, and at least 80% of the funds stay in the park where they are collected. Your fees are not returned to the government’s general fund.

The effects of time, use, and a rugged desert climate have been tough on the recreation facilities of the park. The picnic areas of the Tucson Mountain District were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conversation Corps. The structures are wonderful, but historic saguaro rib armadas require special care. Facilities in the Rincon Mountain District were installed by the National Park Service in the 1950’s, when visitation was a small fraction of what it is today.

Projects paid for by fee dollars at Saguaro cover a wide range of visitor needs. Recently completed projects include new trailhead signs at the Broadway and Loma Alta Trails in the Rincon Mountain District, rehabilitation of eleven historic fireplaces at picnic areas in the Tucson Mountains, and installation of traffic safety signs throughout the park. Next year’s projects include trails maintenance and renovating the interpretative exhibits at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center.

Whether you purchase a seven-day permit to the park, a Saguaro Annual Pass good for one year’s worth of visits, or the Interagency Pass to be used anywhere in the USA, you can be happy knowing that your fee dollars are used for projects directly related to the facilities and resource of your Saguaro National Park.

TMC Saguaro Labor Day Run - 5k sold out, 8-miler still open through Thursday

August 28 Update: TMC Saguaro Labor Day Run -  well, the 5k has sold out thanks to 413 of you.  (Yup, we extended the field).  Registration for the 8-miler will be open through Thursday.  Register online only, here.  In the meantime, check out this link for all the news on the race! 

SAR Fall Race Updates, August 20th edition

* As of August 20th, only 111 slots remain for the TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run - mail in registration is now closed - sign up online here
* TMC, Sprouts Farmers Market, and JulieBar are providing post-race snacks at the TMC Saguaro Labor Day Run—run, get tired, then eat . . .
* Announcement about Tucson Move a Million Miles kick-off at Jim Click’s Run n’ Roll coming soon - sign up online here
* A-Mountain Training Runs every Monday night at Meet Me at Maynard’s—starting at 5:45 from Hotel Congress—open to all paces—bring your own water!
* Hill workouts every Wednesday night at Meet Me at La Encantada—be at MMLE by 5:45 Wednesday’s nights
* Last-chance registration for the 2013 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown ends on August 25th—sign up for the final two legs online here
* Registration open for the Great Pumpkin Race—click here for details

Saguaro Glory Days 20th Anniversary Prize Money

RACE DIRECTOR GLORY DAYS 20TH ANNIVERSARY PRIZE MONEY: Twenty years ago I moved to Tucson for grad school at the UA and ran my first SAR race, at the time called the Saguaro National Monument Run.  (The SAR race director back then was Elisa Kinder, a monumental leader for the Tucson running community.)  Twenty years ago I got whupped over the final three miles by a guy wearing “Strapped Jock Reebok” gear, a guy who would go on to be my best friend and long-time colleague, Greg Wenneborg.  Greg is now known as the timer for all SAR events and the Pima Community College Cross Country and Track coach, but he is also a three-time Olympic Trials Marathoner who has won Saguaro 9 times. 

To recognize this 20 year anniversary, prize money is being awarded to the first runner who can beat my own time from way back when, plus an adjusted time for the women.

Thus, the first man who breaks 42:48 will receive $424.80, and the first woman who breaks 50 minutes will receive $500.

Who will do it?  Local Olympians Abdi Abdirahman or Bernard Legat?  Or Saguaro course record holder, Craig Curley?  Over the past 20 years, Greg Wenneborg has 9 victories on the course, with his first in 1992 and his most recent in 2007.  Brian Grosso and Bassirimo Soro have won it twice, with other winners over the past 20 years including Craig Curley, Jayson Fultz, Ian Johnson, Jason Colavito, Tim Finnegan, Stephen Schaefer, and Damon Vasilaw.

For the women, could it be Paula Morrison, who has won the race 5 times with a best of 50:10?  Or Amy Cole, a top runner in town?  The women’s race has been dominated by Paula, who has won it 5 times, with three-time winners Carolyn Collman and Tia Accetta, and local standouts such as Lisa Warneke, Tracy Riccitello, Caroline Gardiner, Gina Slaby, Pam Golden, and Karla Sokolovich.

Saguaro Update

AUGUST 2 UPDATE:
Gettin’ Ready for the 44th Annual TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run!
1) Thank you to all who voted for the color of the t-shirt.  The SAR facebook page lit up with your suggestions, over 160 of them.  It looks like we’ll order all three colors! 
2) Speaking of Facebook, SAR VP Tim Bentley has created an event page here —spread the word about the hardest race in Tucson!
3) There are still a few hundred spots open for the race.  You can register online here or register by mail.
4) I am sorry that our page does not have cool photos of the race, but the SAR pages are having some difficulty with photos this fall.  Click on the SAR facebook page photo album for cool photos of past races.
5) The Cortiva Institute has once again agreed to bring out massage students to provide free massage to all participants after the race.  So start running, get good and sore, and they will heal you up after the race!

Saguaro Price Increase on August 1—about 350 slots still available

A quick reminder that the TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run registration fee increases on August 1st. Register online here.  Print a registration form to register by mail here.  See http://www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/saguaro for all the registration details.  As of today, there are about 350 slots available.  ALSO: you can still register for the 2012 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown.  See here for the details.

Final news on Saguaro

For last-last minute information or for car-pooling conversation, see our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/SouthernArizonaRoadrunners.

ANNOUNCING OUR FIRST-EVER VIDEO CONTEST: We’re trying to develop a cool youtube channel, but so far, we don’t have a lot on it.  We’re looking for a video chronicle of the 2011 TMC Saguaro National Park Race.  So here’s the deal: bring your flip video or phone video or major motion picture boom, and make a video of the race.  Submit it to http://www.youtube.com/runtucson by Friday.  The race director will select the five best videos, track you down, and send the top five videos $50 cash on the barrel-head.  How do we select the top 5?  Don’t know yet—it will be some combination of popular vote and race directory whimsy . . .

The Southern Arizona Roadrunners will have a membership booth set up tomorrow—if you join tomorrow, you will receive a free technical shirt.

When: Monday September 5, 2011
Where: Saguaro National Park East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail Rd - see map for directions
Details:
5:15-6:00 am Packet pick-up at Saguaro Park EAST NOTE: There is no race day registration—and we cannot exchange numbers for a different runner at this late date. 
6:10 5k line up at front, by flagpole. 8-milers line up behind them in leg speed order (5-minutes/mile at the front; 6-minutes/mile behind them, and so forth)
6:15 A few words from Ross Zimmerman and the Zimmerman family, a few words from Julia Strange from TMC, and the announcement of the 2011 Spirit of Rob Bell Award, presented by Performance Footwear
6:23 National Anthem by Kryshell  
6:27 5k Run/Walk start
6:30 8-miler start
8:30 (approx) Children’s Dash, presented by Craig Dabler
8:45 (approx) Begin Spirit of Rob Bell Award presented by Performance Footwear, Raffle Prizes, and Awards

Parking  
Participants can park on Old Spanish Trail, Freeman Road, and Escalante.  Please obey traffic laws and don’t park in driveways or in the bike lane. IMPORTANT: Please try to carpool—it will be easier and safer for all.  The later you arrive, the farther away from the starting line you will have to park. Please be thoughtful and safe - and carpool!  Please do not bring pets to the event - and do not leave them in your car!!   

Timing
Please put your bib number on the front of your shirt using the pins provided at registration. Greg Wenneborg is our official timer, and he will time the race the traditional computer-based way. He is also beta-testing a new RFID system, so your bib may also have an RFID tag on the back of the bib. Please leave this on your bib.

Please note that all the race materials have been prepared, so there is no longer any way to change your official distance. 

 
Course and Staging Information
5k Fun Run/Walk is an out-and-back with a 180-degree turnaround down by the picnic ground.  NOTE: strollers are allowed on the 5k course only. Strollers and walkers—stay to the left on the route.  About 45 minutes into the 5k the 8-mile lead runners will start to pass you—please give them the right-of-way by staying to the left.

The 8-Mile Course is hilly, so please be prepared for the sun and the heat.  There are no strollers allowed on the course. Please start the race in approximate order of your estimate minutes-per-mile, with the fastest runners at the front.  (Thanks to Dave Hill for coming out early Monday and dropping all the mile markers!) 

No bicycles, wheelchairs, skateboards, roller skates or pets allowed on the 8 mile or 5k course. 
Water Stations - Long-time sponsor Culligan water will be located at approximately 2, 4, 6 and 7 miles—and the 1 & 2 mile marks in the 5k. Cytomax will also be provided at the four-mile mark. Cytomax is an advanced sports drink formula that buffers acid buildup and provides optimal hydration and sustained energy while delivering essential electrolytes for optimal hydration. Thanks Cytomax!
Thanks to SAHUARO HIGH SCHOOL, the Tri-Girls, and Santa Rita High School for handling the water stations. SAHUARO will be at the 2- and 4-mile marks—perhaps in costume with a uekelele again . . .  and thanks to St. Augustine High School for coordinating the refreshing Culligan water at the start/finish line.

We’ll also have the Ham Radio Society of Tucson on course keeping an eye on things, plus a dedicated ambulance from Rural Metro at the finish line. Thanks to Waste Management, we have more port-o-johns than ever before, including one at the 4 mile mark. Please do not use the desert to relieve yourself: the Park Service may fine you - and a snake may bite you!!

The Visitor Center will open at 6:30 this year, the earliest they’ve ever opened. PLUS, all participants receive a 10% discount on any Visitor Center merchandise (except pottery), thanks to the Western National Parks Association. A portion of those proceeds also go back to Saguaro. Win, win!

Your one-day park pass is included in your registration, so there is no need to purchase an additional park pass. 

By the way, approximately 1% of the Park’s total fee revenue comes from this single event.
Rincon Mountain District Ranger Paul Austin has been a true friend to the fitness community and deserves our appreciation. Chief Ranger Bob Love and Darla Sidles, Superintendent of Saguaro National Park, have been instrumental in allowing us to have this unique treasure of an event. If you see a Park Service employee, please thank them for their efforts.
Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown
Saguaro is the second event in the inaugural Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown, to be followed by the TMC Get Moving Tucson Half-Marathon and 5k.  There are 591 registrants for the Triple Crown, raising almost $6,000 for Child and Family Resources. Thank you to all Triple Crown participants for honoring Gabe Zimmerman and helping to contribute to his favorite organization, Child and Family Resources.
Those who have not picked up their Run Tucson t-shirts can pick them up at The Running Shop.

Sponsors
TUCSON MEDICAL CENTER A special thanks to Tucson Medical Center for all their support of the Southern Arizona Roadrunners and the local health and fitness community.  This race could not have such low entry fees without the support of TMC.
Thanks, too, to new sponsor AAA Arizona . AAA Arizona is sponsoring the three races of the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown. 

Miscellaneous
After the race, enjoy Muscle Milk, ACTIVATE drinks, and plenty of snack food from Sunflower Market and local entrepreneur JulieBar.  Grab a free massage from the student massage therapists at the Cortiva Institute, and visit with The Running Shop, Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, Watershed Management, Friends of Saguaro, our friends at Ragnar Relay, and Ben’s Bells and Beads of Courage.  In particular, please be sure to visit the Tucson Medical Center tent.  Thanks to Kara Middendorf and Tile Outlet for letting us use her TILE OUTLET truck—and thanks to Josh at Watermart Ice for helping with all the ice needed for the event.

The Park Service will also have two areas to visit, so check them out - cool skulls, skins and other fun things. . . .

SAR will announce the winner of the 2011 Spirit of Rob Bell Award presented by Performance Footwear at the race.

The 8 Miler is part of the Desert Grand Prix presented by the Running Shop.

Looking for a place to spend Sunday night? Award-winning guest ranch, Tanque Verde Ranch, is offering all Saguaro participants a discounted week-end, single-night, or all-inclusive package.  Contact LeighAnn at 520-731-5562. See http://www.tanqueverderanch.com for details.

Awards

Raffles - All preregistered participants will be entered into a raffle for prizes to be given out at the awards ceremony.  Prizes courtesy of Ragnar Relays, Ben’s Bells, and The Running Shop, including $25 gift certificates to be used for miscellaneous volunteer and participant raffle

$50 Cash - Given to the fastest male and female who equals or betters their age in time (+10 minutes for women).
8 Mile Prizes
1st male and female receive custom jewelry from master jeweler Craig Dabler - thanks to long-time race sponsor (and 2011 Spirit of Rob Bell Award winner) Craig Dabler.
2nd overall $75 Running Shop gift certificate
3rd overall $60 Running Shop gift certificate

1st age group $30 Running Shop gift certificate (top three taken out of age groups)
2nd age group $20 Running Shop gift certificate
3rd age group $15 Worldly Soles gift certificate
Age Groups in the 8-miler are U-19, then 5-year increments to 80+

5K Fun Run
1st male and female receive $25 cash (winners taken out of age groups)
1st age group Running Shop goody bag
Age groups in the 5k are in 10-year categories


Beneficiaries
The Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection is an alliance of 35 local environmental and community organizations dedicated to achieving the long-term conservation of biological diversity and ecological function of the Sonoran Desert through comprehensive land-use planning in Pima County and the region.

Watershed Management Group offers an adaptive, collaborative approach to developing sustainable solutions wherever we may work. We work with local communities to identify and prioritize resource needs, foster individual and community investment, develop practical solutions, and enable action.
 
Friends of Saguaro National Park, the not-for-profit fundraising partner of the National Park Service at Tucson’s Saguaro National Park  

National Park Service: The National Park Service has been gracious about allowing us access to the beautiful park. The Park Service asks that all participants pay the standard $5 entry fee to the park. This amount will go directly to the National Parks Service.

Where does your Park Service Money Go? By Jeff Wallner, Park Guide
Have you enjoyed a picnic in the shade of a historic shelter at Signal Hill? Have you learned about the natural and human history of the Saguaro from signs along the Freeman Homestead trail? Are you better informed by the new trailhead exhibits and maps found throughout Saguaro National Park? If so, you are enjoying facilities provided by park entrance fees, paid by you and other visitors to Saguaro National Park.

Like hundreds of recreation acres across the country, Saguaro National Park operates under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004. Many visitors are familiar with the “Fee Demo” signs of an earlier law: the Fee Demonstration Program. Under both programs, 100% of all entrance fees are put to use in the park system, and at least 80% of the funds stay in the park where they are collected. Your fees are not returned to the government’s general fund.

The effects of time, use, and a rugged desert climate have been tough on the recreation facilities of the park. The picnic areas of the Tucson Mountain District were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conversation Corps. The structures are wonderful, but historic saguaro rib armadas require special care. Facilities in the Rincon Mountain District were installed by the National Park Service in the 1950’s, when visitation was a small fraction of what it is today.

Projects paid for by fee dollars at Saguaro cover a wide range of visitor needs. Recently completed projects include new trailhead signs at the Broadway and Loma Alta Trails in the Rincon Mountain District, rehabilitation of eleven historic fireplaces at picnic areas in the Tucson Mountains, and installation of traffic safety signs throughout the park. Next year’s projects include trails maintenance and renovating the interpretative exhibits at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center.

Whether you purchase a seven-day permit to the park, a Saguaro Annual Pass good for one year’s worth of visits, or the Interagency Pass to be used anywhere in the USA, you can be happy knowing that your fee dollars are used for projects directly related to the facilities and resource of your Saguaro National Park.

2011 SAR Fall Schedule
http://www.azroadrunners.org  

October 2 - Jim Click’s Run ‘N’ Roll 8K and 2-Mile Fun Run, University of Arizona

October 9 -  TMC Get Moving Tucson Half-Marathon and 5K run/walk, Downtown Tucson

October 16- Great Pumpkin 5k Race at Buckelew Farms

October23 - CATwalk 10K run and 5K walk, University of Arizona

October 29 - Oracle Run 10K and 1-Mile walk/run, Oracle AZ
 
November 24 - Thanksgiving Cross-Country Classic 5K, Reid Park

December 11 - Winterhaven Run Through The Lights
Don’t forget SAR’s weekly free social runs:
Monday night Meet Me at Maynard’s &
Wednesday night Meet Me in Marana

Saguaro is closed!

Well, the TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run registration is now officially closed.  Thanks to all of you who signed up for the race!  We have more than ever before—twice as many as just a few years ago, in fact.  Packet pick-up is Saturday at The Running Shop from 10-3 and on Monday at Saguaro East from 5:15 - 6:00.  Missed the registration but still excited about racing?  Then register for the flat and fast Jim Click Run n Roll at the UA on October 2nd.  Or test yourself against A-Mountain and do the TMC Get Moving Tucson Half Marathon and the flat Tucson Lifestyle 5k on October 9.  Check out the race pages for all the details.

Saguaro: 5k closed, and runner’s discount at Tanque Verde Ranch

Two news items: 1)  Mail-in registration is now closed for both the 5k and the 8-miler, and the 5k has reached its cap, so the only online registration available is the 8-miler.  The National Park Service is allowing us to raise the cap in the 8-miler, with all online registration closing at midnight September 2nd.  At the end of online registration, we will know if we can have any in-person registration for the 8-miler.  Again, there is no more 5k registration.  Thanks to everyone who has signed up!

2) This year, Tanque Verde Ranch is offering Saguaro runners a special discount on Labor Day weekend.  The guest ranch is about 5 miles from the race start – one left hand turn and down Freeman and there you are. Their regular single is $99, but LeighAnn, the marketing manager, said to contact her for special rates, including a full (and very, very good) breakfast plus their great swimming pools.  Horse riding and other cool things are extra.
Contact information:
LeighAnn Kindberg, Director of Guest Services,  Tanque Verde Ranch
direct:      520-731-5562
http://www.tanqueverderanch.com/” title=“http://www.tanqueverderanch.com/”>http://www.tanqueverderanch.com/

Honored as Top Ten Family Resort by Travel Channel, 2008-2010
Finalist for Top Ranch by Conde Nast, 2010
Recognized as “Best of the West” by Cowboys and Indians Magazine, 2011
Featured on the Today Show as “Top Five Spring Break for Families”, 2011
Selected as Top Wedding Venue in Arizona, The Knot, 2010

Saguaro registration limited to first 1200 - training runs begin July 30

Due to safety and parking concerns, the 2011 TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run is limited to 1200 participants.  About 300 spots are still open—see the race page for details on registration.

The annual informal Saguaro training runs will start on Saturday, July 30th.  Run or walk at your own pace.  The main group will leave at 6:00 am.  Meet in the parking lot by the visitor center—bring your own water and a park pass or $5 for a day visit.  Carpool if you can.  You can park on Old Spanish Trail, but please follow all Pima County and Park Service rules.

Rincon Mountain District Open Again

SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK REOPENS RINCON MOUNTAIN DISTRICT and LIFTS FIRE RESTRICTIONS PARKWIDE AFTER TEMPORARY FIRE

The Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park has reopened after temporary fire closures to trail use in both the Cactus Forest as well as up into the Rincon Mountains. Temporary fire restrictions put in place prior to the closures are also lifted. Manning Camp at the top of the Rincon Mountains has received 1.23 inches of rain since June 29th, and the Rincon Mountain District visitor center has received 1.18 inches. The recent rainfall across the park has brought key fire indices in Saguaro National Park down to pre-closure levels, and weather forecasts predict continuing humid conditions and thunder showers for the next week.

While closures were in effect, fire crews responded to one lightning-caused fire and were able to contain it to 0.1 acres. As lightning continues with monsoon weather, there is still a risk of fire in Saguaro National Park. Fire crews will remain in position to respond to any reported fire activity.  Though trails and campsites have reopened, fire officials warn that caution is still required by all who use the park backcountry. Park management also requests equestrian users avoid use of trails immediately following rain storms when trails are wet and muddy. Horse traffic through or around mud holes damages trail surfaces as well as surrounding vegetation and habitat.

For local fire restrictions and closure information for Federal, Tribal and State lands in Arizona and New Mexico, as well as additional information on southeast Arizona public lands, visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/. ; See also http://www.nps.gov

TMC Saguaro Rocks!  Great job today, everyone . . .

Another World Record at the TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run—over 1,000 registrants and almost a thousand finishers!  Congratulations to all who finished the 8-miler and the 5k—those hills are brutal—with no cloud cover, even!  What an awesome group of runners, walkers, volunteers, National Park folks, ham radio operators, sponsors, and partners—and Wilbur and Wilma, too.  We’ll have a full post-race report soon, with a detailed thanks to the over 80 volunteers who worked hard to make today such a great time, including the Tri-Girls, Sahuaro HS, Rincon HS, St. Augustine Catholic HS, plus Pima CC for excellent timing, Sharon Bart at the Running Shop, and the great WOG and SAR family!

A huge thanks to everyone involved—especially Julia Strange and all the great folks from Tucson Medical Center for helping fund the event!!  Thanks, too, to the Daily Star and Caliente for all the promotion, plus 92.9 The Mountain and Cox Communications—and REI, Muscle Milk, Worldly Soles, XOOD sports drink, Culligan Water, and Sunflower Market! 

Congratulations, too, to Craig Dabler for being named the 2010-2011 Spirit of Rob Bell Award recipient.  Rob, we miss you!!

Check out the SAR facebook page for hundreds of race photos—thanks to Tim Bentley and everyone else for posting photos and race updates!

TMC Saguaro 2010 Updates: Labor Day Registration and more details on the race

We are super-excited about the 41st TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run scheduled for Labor Day Monday.  All indications are that this will be the most popular Saguaro ever, with over 1,000 registrants.  It should be a blast, so come on out!  Below are some details for the weekend.

Registration
You can still register for the race on Monday morning at Saguaro National Park East from 5:00-6:00 am. If you have not paid, you will need to pay at the front gate and take a ticket to the maintenance yard to pick up your bib number and t-shirt.  If you have already paid, walk through the main gates, head to the maintenance yard, and the team of volunteers will take care of you. 

•      We’re giving away Zorrel technical shirts, the same given away at the Cinco de Mayo 10k (the planned New Balance shirts were out of stock).  The race shirts are a poly-blend designed to wick moisture; unfortunately, as with almost every clothing item these days, they run on the small side.
•      Remember: put your bib number on the front of your shirt!

Monday Parking and Travel
Please try to car-pool and please do not park in driveways or on the bike lanes.  Pima County Sheriff deputies will be on hand to ensure safety, so be considerate of others, obey traffic laws, and be safe when traveling from your vehicle to the race site.

Coming from Phoenix or elsewhere?  Check out the race hotel, JW Marriott Starr Pass, for discounts.  See the race page for details.

Event Day Schedule
•      5:00-6:00 am Registration
•      6:20 Announce winner of the 2010 Spirit of Rob Bell Award, presented by Performance Footwear
•      6:23 National Anthem
•      6:27 5k start
•      6:30 8-miler start
•      8:30 Kid’s Race
•      8:45 Begin Spirit of Rob Bell Award, Raffle Prizes, and Awards*
* Raffle prizes have been donated by REI, the Running Shop, Worldly Soles, and Ben’s Bells, plus a few free entries to upcoming SAR races.  We’ll have awards for both races - no double-dipping, so overall age group winners will be pulled out from the age group awards.

Miscellaneous
The race starting area will be crowded, so please line up according to expected pace per mile, with 5-minute milers at the front of the line.

No dogs are allowed so don’t bring the pooch!  For safety sake, strollers are OK in the 5k, but not the 8-miler.  Wheelchair athletes are welcome—but please no bikes, roller blades or anything else with wheels. Headphones are discouraged - if you must wear them, please leave one ear free for safety.

Culligan has donated plenty of refreshing water, with aid stations at approximately 2, 4, 6, and 7 miles.  Thanks to Sahuaro High School for handling 2 and 4, Santa Rita High School for handling marker 6, and the Tucson Tri-Girls for handling the 7-mile mark and the 5k turn-around.  St. Augustine High School Cross Country team will also be on the course, and we’ll also have the Ham Radio Society of Tucson on course, plus a dedicated ambulance from Rural Metro at the finish line.

Thanks to Waste Management, we have more port-o-johns than ever before, including one around the 4 mile mark.Please do not use the desert to relieve yourself: the Park Service may fine you - and a snake may bite you!!

After the race, enjoy Muscle Milk, XOOD, and plenty of snack food from Sunflower market.  Grab a free massage from the massage therapists at the Cortiva Institute, and visit with The Running Shop, REI, Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, Watershed Management,  Ben’s Bells, and event partners.

In particular, please be sure to visit the Tucson Medical Center tent and snag some give-away plunder - TMC has become a leading sponsor of SAR events and their commitment to the health and wellness of our region is to be commended.

The Park Service will also have two areas to visit, so check them out - cool skulls, skins and other fun things. . . .

Weather: The Weather Channel claims it will be around 75 at race start, with a daytime high of only 91.

Questions?  Email or call .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), SAR race director at 520-991-0733  

TMC Saguaro 2010 Updates: Training runs every Sunday and new 5k

Early registration for both the 8-miler and 5k ends on August 5th.  Online and mail-in registration options available.

Training runs on the Saguaro course start Sunday, August 1st at 6:00 am and go every Sunday through August.  The informal and free runs are led by long-time SAR member Bill Cuculic, though you can run or walk your own pace. Bring a few dollars for the park entry (or buy an annual park pass for $25 and receive $5 off your Saguaro race entry) and try to car-pool so that runners don’t overwhelm the parking spots.  Have fun and meet new friends as you prepare for this Tucson tradition!

The TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run also announces a one-year experiment: the 2-mile fun run/walk has been changed to a 5k run/walk, complete with overall and age-group prizes.  If you’re not quite ready for the hilly 8-miler, come on out and do 3.1 miles—the out-and-back starts a few minutes before the 8-miler and will head counterclockwise, with the turn-around down by the picnic area.  The rolling hills and fine for strollers, kids, and runners/walkers of all abilities!

Updated 2009 Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run Results

Click here for the updated 2009 Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run Results. Thanks to all for a great run!