AZT Vail Scramble
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Vail Scramble
The Vail Scramble is a trail running event on Sunday, April 4, 2027, offering a marathon, half marathon, and 10K that traverse the valley between the Santa Rita and Rincon Mountains. Runners follow sections of the Arizona Trail and finish at the Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead.
Distances:
- Marathon: point to point along the Arizona Trail to Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead.
- Half marathon: point to point following the same course for a shorter distance.
- 10K: begins near Sahuarita Road and Hwy 83 and follows the final 6.2 miles of the marathon course.
The marathon route includes varied climbs and descents along the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains. The half marathon and 10K descend gently through desert vegetation such as ocotillo, prickly pear cactus, creosote, and mesquite. The marathon and half marathon start south of Vail and include a short dirt road segment within the first mile for the marathon and 0.3 mile for the half marathon.
Transportation is provided to each start on a school bus, and buses return participants to the Vail School District parking area after the finish. Aid stations are well stocked with water and Skratch Labs hydration served from 5 gallon containers; the event is cupless so paper cups are not provided. Finish line offerings include fresh food, cold beverages, and live music. Proceeds support the Arizona Trail Association and the maintenance of the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
