Don't miss your chance to run or walk in the biggest and best Arizona Distance Classic yet. We will sell out the field for the 2nd straight year.

If you are not yet registered, register by March 11th to make sure you are not closed out and to get your name on your Race Bib. REGISTER NOW!

Remember, there are NO additional fees to register online. The price you see is what you pay!

You are receiving this email as you are already registered or we thought you did not want to miss out on the 2011 Edition of this Active Lifestyle Celebration.

Staying at the Hilton? - Would you like a shuttle to and from the Hotel? Let us know and we can help you make arrangements.

All Race information and course maps/videos can be found here.

Participant Comments:

"The Race was a blast and the scenery was amazing...It lives up to all the hype!"

Thank you for a fantastic race. There is nothing like a well organized, boutique race on a gorgeous course at a time of the year when the weather is perfect.

This is an AWESOME RACE!!! The view of the mountains and the desert scenery are breathtaking....I eagerly look forward to next year.

What a wonderful race! I heard nothing but glowing comments from EVERYONE at the finish line - the event team did a fabulous job....

With the event growing significantly over the last few years, event weekend can become a bit overwhelming. Here are some tips that will help you plan for a remarkable experience.

Packet Pickup

Race Packets and Mizuno Race shirts can be picked up at ALL ABOUT RUNNING AND WALKING in Oro Valley on on Friday March 25th and Saturday March 26th. Hours: 10:00am to 5:00pm on Friday; 8:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday.

*NOTE - If you are Staying at the Hilton, and the name on the room matches the name on your registration, you will receive your packet at hotel when you check in. However, make sure you stop by packet pickup to say hello to race founder John Corbett and pick up any last minute items you might need.

All About Running and Walking is located at 12162 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd. #140, Oro Valley, AZ 85755, 520 469-7084. For more information you can reach them at (520) 469-7084 and the email is runningstart@aol.com.

Race Day

1. Get there early! You will be joining thousands of your closest friends. The Valley of Gold Half Marathon and Quarter Marathon will start sharply at 7:00am and the Oro Valley Hospital 5k will start at 7:15am.

2. Parking for all event participants, friends, family and volunteers will be located in the West lots at Ventana Medical Systems located near the event start/finish area. There is plenty of parking for everyone, but please make sure to give yourself extra time as it will be busy race morning.

3. Please note that access to the parking lots are only available off of Tangerine Rd. and not off of Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

Course Information

The half marathon course is open for a full 4 hours. The balloon team will insure that no one finishes last. We do ask that you keep on that pace. If you are not on that pace, you will be asked to accept a ride to a point on the course that will allow you finish in 4 hours.

Aid Stations are located at the following locations: Mile 1, Mile 2, Mile 3.8, Mile 4.8, Mile 6.6, Mile 8.4, Mile 10.4, Mile 11.9 and will feature water and Ultima Replenisher. GU is available at the turn-around aid station at 6 1/2 miles.

Please Note - We are running and walking in a residential community and we want to leave it cleaner than we found it so we would ask that you please discard your GU packets and water cups in the trash containers provided.

Facebook has become an important part of the M3S Events. To receive important race information, see your photos and videos, get weather updates and stay in touch with what is going on in the running and walking community come Like the Facebook Page and follow our feed.

If you have event questions post them on the Facebook page and we will answer them for everyone to see.