We could not be more excited for this year's Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon and Northwest Medical Center 5k. Registration is on record pace and the celebration is really coming together. We want YOU to be part of the celebration. Register Now!

Make sure you register by February 26th to get your first name on your race bid. Your "FANS" will call you out by name as you pass by.

Check out what all the excitement is about in this video produced by our friends at the Explorer, The Northwest's Newspaper.

You are receiving this email as you are already registered or we thought you might like to be part of the ultimate boutique running and walking celebration. You may confirm your registration here.

The Event is again providing a limited number of VIP upgrades to make the Classic experience even more special. The VIP upgrade package is only $75 and space is very limited. The Upgrade is FREE if you reserve a room at the Hilton El Conquistador. You may upgrade during the registration process. If you are already registered and now want to upgrade to VIP, email us at info@m3ssports.com.

Come for the Race, then Stay and Make it a Vacation! Check out these cool things to do while you are staying in Oro Valley.

Our room block is almost sold out! Make sure you don't wait much longer to book your room at the Hilton. If you book before February 26th (or before they sell out, whichever comes first), you will receive your FREE VIP race upgrade which includes the official race jacket, race packet delivery directly to the resort, catered VIP tent and private portapotties!

Stay where we stay. The Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Resort is the Arizona Distance Classic official race headquarters hotel. Enjoy breathtaking views of the stunning Santa Catalina Mountains at this AAA Four Diamond resort in Oro Valley. Relax and play at this unique desert oasis, featuring sparkling pools and a 143-foot waterslide.

The Arizona Distance Classic VIP event upgrade room rate is $169/night. Call (520) 544-5000 to reserve your room today.

Note: VIP event upgrade will be applied only to the participant under whom the room is booked. To upgrade other race participants in your party, email information to info@m3ssports.com.

Meet William D. Prickett, M.D., the Medical Director for The Arizona Distance Classic. Dr. Prickett will author articles to help get you to the starting line safely. He will discuss topics ranging from injury prevention and treatment, to recognition of a serious injury, nutrition, race preparation and recovery tips. Here is Dr. Prickett's first article:

Many athletes new to running or new to half marathon training attack their training regimen with unrealistic goals and expectations. You, as the athlete, are an individual and your training regimen should be individualized based upon your experience, level of fitness, personal goals and time available for training.

The most common mistake seen in runners is a result of running too much, too fast, and too soon. This often results in overuse injuries.

Runners need to be conservative with mileage progression. If you are new to running or returning after a long lay off, consider starting with a walking or a walk/run program. A safe goal is to not increase mileage more than 10% per week.

Every runner wants to run faster - avoid the common error of running at a pace that is too fast. A good general starting point for the new runner is to run at a pace that is a little more difficult than "easy" but not a "struggle." Your heart rate should not exceed 75% of your maximum (rough estimate for men is 220-age and women 225-age). Listen to your body and stop if you are experiencing pain. Do not be afraid to cross train and take at least one day off per week. In general, it is a good idea to seek the approval of your primary care physician before embarking on your training program.

Dr. William Prickett is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in adult and pediatric sports medicine, shoulder and knee reconstruction. His office may be reached at 520.382.8200

Northwest Medical Center is proud to be the presenting partner of the Arizona Distance Classic and proud to provide the medical support for the event.

Run or Walk for a Reason! Join the Team in Training runners and walkers to get fit, stay fit and raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to fund research and patient resources. Team in Training is more than a fund-raising or even a training team. It is a family brought together to meet common goals and INSPIRE!

The Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon is incredibly proud to benefit Team in Training through our partnership. Check out this video to learn more and join the movement to beat blood cancers. GO TEAM!

Tucson native Jessica Delfs lost over 200 lbs after becoming a contestant on NBC's hit series The Biggest Loser during Season ten in 2010. To continue her commitment to an active, healthy lifestyle, and help motivate others to do the same, she is participating in the Arizona Distance Classic quarter marathon on March 24, 2013. Jessica is sharing her training successes via Twitter and invites the world to train and run with her (@JessicaDelfs).

Now 30 years old, Delfs has been a professional wedding consultant, business owner, elementary school teacher, nutritionist, certified spin instructor and even a barista at Starbucks. She is currently the marketing and admissions director at Casas Christian School in Oro Valley. Since beginning her journey to improve her health and lose weight on The Biggest Loser, Jessica states, "I became stronger, happier, healthier, and more passionate about healthy living than anything I had been passionate about up to that point. I'm ready to approach the rest of my life with excitement, adventure, and to face any challenge that is thrown my way!"

Get Fit. Stay Fit. Live Fit.

David Babner, Race Director