Saturday, January 23, 2027
Runaround Tucson Relay
Adventure 50+ Miles on The Loop
There is nothing else like it in Tucson — a running relay on The Chuck Huckelberry Loop. The RunAround Tucson (RAT) Relay covers 50 miles of The Loop, starting and finishing at Rillito Regional Park. Teams of 2-10 runners complete the course across 10 legs and 9 exchanges, with wave starts beginning at 7:00 AM.
The course follows the Rillito and Canyon Del Oro Washes, showcasing the unique beauty of Tucson's trail network.
Join us for a one-of-a-kind team running experience in Tucson!
* Presented by Aravaipa Running | p/b Tucson Medical Center
Start Times
Saturday, January 23, 2027Wave 1 (Bibs 100s) - 7:00 AM
Wave 2 (Bibs 200s) - 8:30 AM
Wave 3 (Bibs 300s) - 10:00 AM
Course cutoff: 6:30 PM
Packet Pickup
Packet Pick-UpDates: To Be Determined
Volunteer
We need help to make Runaround Tucson Relay possible. Volunteer perks include Aravaipa race credits and race swag!Race Day Tracking
Follow Live Splits from Runaround Tucson relay on race day!
Race Registration
| Team Size | Registration |
| Full Relay Team (4-11 runners) | Register at ratrelayaz.com |
| Half Loopy Team (2-3 runners) | Register at ratrelayaz.com |
| Ultra Loopy (solo) | Register at ratrelayaz.com |
Registration is open via RunSignup. Visit ratrelayaz.com to register your team.
Course Information
Start Location | Rillito Park
Time Limit | 11.5 Hours
Distance | 54 Miles
Total Elevation Gain | 1,250 feet
Max Elevation | 2,940 feet
Female Team Course Record | 7:51:16 - Llama Mia (2022)
All Team Course Record | 6:36:18 - Breaking the Second Wind (2025)
Experience a breathtaking NEW for 2024 point-to-point journey at the Runaround Tucson Relay!
The course begins at the iconic Rillito Regional Park, AZ, and finishes at Rillito Regional Park near Tucson. Primarily downhill, this paved course offers runners a fast, scenic route with stunning desert vistas and distant views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
The first 2 miles feature rolling hills, so be prepared for a gentle uphill to the top of the Biosphere gates, then some rollers before turning onto Highway AZ-77 at mile 2.8. From there, enjoy a smooth descent as you make your way toward Tucson. At mile 18, the course diverts onto the Cañada del Oro River Park Bike Path, where you'll continue through the Town of Tucson and the finish line.
What is "The Loop"?
Known to locals simply as "The Loop," the Chuck Huckelberry Loop is a massive, car-free network of paved paths wrapping entirely around metro Tucson.
Following a devastating flood in 1983, Pima County fortified the region's dry riverbeds for flood control. Visionary planners, championed by avid cyclist and long-time County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry, realized these flat riverbanks were perfect for recreation. They paved the tops, transforming flood infrastructure into a sprawling 137-mile trail system.
Recently voted the #1 Recreational Trail in the United States by USA Today, The Loop treats RAT Race runners to stunning mountain views, car-free safety, and an outdoor gallery of public art celebrating the region's Tohono O'odham and Pascua Yaqui heritage.
The relay uses 9 exchanges along The Loop. Aid and water are available at all exchange points. Legs range from 3.7 to 8.6 miles each:
Leg 1 - Rillito Park to Curtis Park (4.4 mi)
Leg 2 - Curtis Park to Camino del Cerro Park (4.61 mi)
Leg 3 - Camino del Cerro Park to Juhan Park (3.7 mi)
Leg 4 - Juhan Park to Silverlake Park & Ride (5.04 mi)
Leg 5 - Silverlake to Augie Acuna Los Ninos Park (6.86 mi)
Leg 6 - Augie Acuna to Old Vail Rd P&R (8.61 mi)
Leg 7 - Old Vail Rd to Fantasy Island (5.16 mi)
Leg 8 - Fantasy Island to Christ Community Church (4.81 mi)
Leg 9 - Christ Community Church to Pantano P&R (4.18 mi)
Leg 10 - Pantano P&R to Rillito Park (6.72 mi)
Gatorade’s Endurance Formula is the official on-course sports drink of the Runaround Tucson Relay and Marathon Relay.
"Buddy" runners are allowed to run with a registered race but must resister on "Runsignup". You are not allowed to pace without a "Buddy" bib.
If you don't want to run next to a runner, you are welcome to use the RaceJoy app to track teammates and fellow competitors throughout the day. Download RaceJoy for live GPS tracking along The Loop.
All teams must be off the course by 6:30 PM (11.5 hours from the earliest wave start).
Exchange 5 (Augie Acuna Los Ninos Park): No later than 1:15 PM
Exchange 8 (Christ Community Church): No later than 4:30 PM
All teams who miss cutoff will be pulled off the course and will have to coordinate a way with their team back to the start/finish area.
Additionally, ALL runners must check in with an exchange volunteer. Teams who don't check in at exchanges will be considered DNF.
Teams not meeting cutoffs will be considered DNF and ineligible for awards.
Awards are given to first place teams only:
Full Relay Teams (4-11 runners): All Male, All Female, Co-Ed
Half Loopy Teams (2 runners): All Male, All Female, Co-Ed
Ultra Loopy (solo): Male and Female
Special awards: Best Dressed Team and Best Team Name (determined by event sponsor).
Awards presented at the finish line celebration at Rillito Park.
Start Location | Rillito Park
Time Limit | 11.5 Hours
Distance | 50 Miles
Total Elevation Gain | 1,159 feet
Max Elevation | 2,940 feet
Women's Course Record | New in 2027
Men's Course Record | New in 2027
Experience a breathtaking NEW for 2027 point-to-point journey at the Runaround Tucson Relay!
The course begins at the iconic Rillito Regional Park, AZ, and finishes at Rillito Regional Park near Tucson.
The Runaround Tucson Relay covers 50+ miles on The Loop—perfect
Join us for an unforgettable ultramarathon experience in the heart of the Southwest!
The relay uses 9 exchanges along The Loop. Aid and water are available at all exchange points. Legs range from 2.75 to 7 miles each:
Leg 1 - Rillito Park to Curtis Park (4.4 mi)
Leg 2 - Curtis Park to Camino del Cerro Park (4.61 mi)
Leg 3 - Camino del Cerro Park to Juhan Park (3.7 mi)
Leg 4 - Juhan Park to Silverlake Park & Ride (5.04 mi)
Leg 5 - Silverlake to Augie Acuna Los Ninos Park (6.86 mi)
Leg 6 - Augie Acuna to Old Vail Rd P&R (8.61 mi)
Leg 7 - Old Vail Rd to Fantasy Island (5.16 mi)
Leg 8 - Fantasy Island to Christ Community Church (4.81 mi)
Leg 9 - Christ Community Church to Pantano P&R (4.18 mi)
Leg 10 - Pantano P&R to Rillito Park (6.72 mi)
Gatorade’s Endurance Formula is the official on-course sports drink of the Runaround Tucson Relay and Marathon Relay.
"Buddy" runners are allowed to run with a registered race but must resister on "Runsignup". You are not allowed to pace without a "Buddy" bib.
If you don't want to run next to a runner, you are welcome to use the RaceJoy app to track teammates and fellow competitors throughout the day. Download RaceJoy for live GPS tracking along The Loop.
All teams must be off the course by 6:30 PM (11.5 hours from the earliest wave start).
Exchange 5 (Augie Acuna Los Ninos Park): No later than 1:15 PM
Exchange 8 (Christ Community Church): No later than 4:30 PM
All teams who miss cutoff will be pulled off the course and will have to coordinate a way with their team back to the start/finish area.
Additionally, ALL runners must check in with an exchange volunteer. Teams who don't check in at exchanges will be considered DNF.
Teams not meeting cutoffs will be considered DNF and ineligible for awards.
Awards are given to first place teams only:
Full Relay Teams (4-11 runners): All Male, All Female, Co-Ed
Half Loopy Teams (2 runners): All Male, All Female, Co-Ed
Ultra Loopy (solo): Male and Female
Special awards: Best Dressed Team and Best Team Name (determined by event sponsor).
Awards presented at the finish line celebration at Rillito Park.
RAT Relay Highlights
Additional Event Info
Everyone has a cell phone and a maps app. Therefore, we will not be adding images and detailed instructions to each Exchange. Instead, we will provide GPS coordinates and links to the running maps. There are some drivers instructions on the Runner's maps.
Click on an Exchange for the link to the runner's map.
Exchange 1 ~ Curtis Park. 2110 W. Curtis Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705
(gps coordinates: 32.30364081N, 111.01570375W)
Exchange 2 ~ Camino del Cerro Park. (corner of Camino del Cerro
and Silverbell Rd)
(gps coordinates: 32.29286148N, 111.03877834W)
Exchange 3 ~ Juhan Park. 1770 W. Copper St., Tucson, AZ 85745)
(gps coordinates: 32.25622390N, 111.00332782W)
Exchange 4 ~ Silverlake Rd/ Paseo de las Iglesias Park-and-Ride lot.
(gps coordinates: 32.19847664N, 110.9866347W)
Exchange 5 ~ Augie Acuna los Ninos Park. 5432 S. Bryant Ave.
(gps coordinates: 32.15392020N, 110.90582302W)
Exchange 6 ~ Old Vail Rd Park and Ride Lot at corner of Old Vail/Camino
de Cafe.
(gps coordinates: 32.10064280N, 110.79882481W)
(If dividing this leg into 6a and 6b, you will hand off at the Roy Schooner Trailhead on Kolb
Rd. (gps coordinates: 32.11547920, 110.83934309) See the event website for more details.)
Exchange 7 ~ Fantasy Island. (9500 E. Irvington Rd.) Corner of
Irvington and Harrison.
(gps coordinates: 32.16276429N, 110.78989282W)
Exchange 8 ~ Christ Community Church Parking Lot. 530 S. Pantano
Rd. (behind the church on The Loop)
(gps coordinates: 32.21360571N, 110.82731377W)
Exchange 9 ~ Pantano Park and Ride Lot. (Glenn/Sahuara)
(gps coordinates: 32.25776502N, 110.86630825W).
You desperately want to run the RAT Relay, so go ahead and sign up, choose a team name, and then start asking your friends and family to “join” your team on RunSignUp.com.A Team can be as few as 2 runner and as many as 10 runners (11 if using the "optional exchange"). You decide!
If you know you’ll have 10 team members, save a few bucks and purchase a pre-paid or corporate team (no suit or tie required).
PLEASE NOTE: Regardless of the number of runners on your team, your Team must be able to average at least a 13-minute mile pace in order to finish the course in the specified time allotted ~ 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. If for some reason your team does not make the Exchange cut offs, your Team will be pulled from the course and you (or your teammate(s) will have to make arrangements to have your Team member(s) returned to the Start/Finish Line at Rillito Regional Park.
Things you need to decide AS A TEAM ~
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Who’s running which leg(s)
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Will you use one vehicle to transport all runners on the course, or will you require your teammates to manage their own drop off and pick up?
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What types of food and drink to bring to Exchange Stations?
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What types of clothing and equipment everyone should bring? (Tucson weather can be very unpredictable; be prepared for hot and cold weather extremes as well as rainy weather.)
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Be sure everyone on your team carries a cell phone, downloads the RaceJoy App and starts it on race day. This is how you can track your team on race day and know exactly where they are every mile along the way.
We welcome spectators at the Runaround Tucson Relay, but please follow these rules and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone:
Please do not crew runners outside of designated Aid-Stations
START/ FINISH LINE
Location: Rillito Park
You are welcome to stay at Rillito Park to enjoy the atmosphere and still have ample time to see your runner along the course and at the finish line.
ON-COURSE VIEWING LOCATIONS
See Parking and Exchanges Tab
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE ONE PERSON PICK UP FOR AN ENTIRE TEAM AT ONE OF THESE LOCATIONS. TEAMMATES/FAMILY MEMBERS CAN PICK UP YOUR PACKET FOR YOU AND/OR YOUR TEAM.
If you cannot make it to either Fleet Feet, The Running Shop, or Road Runner Sports, we will conduct packet pick-up at Rillito Regional Park on race morning from 6:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
The FIRST runner is responsible for checking in the Team on race morning between 6:00 a.m. and 6:45 a.m for Wave 1, and between 7:15 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. for Wave 2. This is when the Team's will receive the Team’s wristband. The wristband MUST BE worn by each runner and handed off at the Exchanges. Every team member will receive a TEAM BIB NUMBER that also MUST BE worn. This is how volunteers will distinguish you from the general public. THE BIB WITH A TIMING CHIP MUST BE WORN BY THE LAST RUNNER.
Runners preparing to run MUST CHECK IN at the Exchanges.
(7607 N. Oracle Rd, #121, Oro Valley , AZ 85704)
The second packet pick-up will be held on Tuesday, December 30 at The Running Shop from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
(3055 N. Campbell Ave. #153, Tucson, AZ 85719)
The third packet pick-up will be held on Wednesday, December 31 at Road Runner Sports from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(7113 N. Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704)
While this is a RACE, The Loop is an OPEN COURSE. This means there will be other runners, cyclists, walkers, dogs, children, birdwatchers ~ you name it ~ on The Loop.
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All Users MUST stay to the right and pass on the left.
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Always look before changing positions on The Loop. Anticipate other Loop users around corners or in blind spots.
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Never occupy space to the left of the centerline unless passing.
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No motorized vehicles or devices allowed (ADA accessibility and official vehicles are exempt)
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No alcohol!!! (This includes at the Start/Finish Line)
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All users must stay on the designated course and EXIT AT THE DESIGNATED EXCHANGE POINTS.
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Users should not stop on or block The Loop.
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Be aware of people with disabilities and be respectful of their needs. All Loop users should yield to people with disabilities.
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Maintain full awareness of your surroundings. The use of devices such as headphones that restrict your ability to maintain this awareness is strongly discouraged.
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Carry out all litter, clean up and properly dispose of all waste.
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Treat all Loop users with respect and courtesy regardless of their sport, speed, or skill level.
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The Loop is open dawn to dusk, night time use is prohibited.
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Obey all rules, regulations and guidelines as posted
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You are participating in The RunAround Tucson Relay at your own risk. While there will be volunteer cyclists leading, sweeping and riding back and forth on the Loop, there will be no additional “security personnel” on the course. Teams are welcome to run in pairs, should they feel the need.
If you are Runner 1 ~ You start at Rillito Park and you run to Exchange 1
If you are Runner 2 ~ You start at EXCHANGE 1 and you run to Exchange 2
If you are Runner 3 ~ You start at EXCHANGE 2 and you run to Exchange 3
If you are Runner 4 ~ You start at EXCHANGE 3 and you run to Exchange 4
If you are Runner 5 ~ You start at EXCHANGE 4 and you run to Exchange 5.
REFLECTIVE VEST REQUIRED! No minors alone on this leg.
(All teams/runners must arrive at Exchange 5 by 1:15 pm.)
If you are Runner 6 ~ You start at EXCHANGE 5 and you run to Exchange 6
(This leg can be divided into 6a and 6b. See event page for more details.)
If you are Runner 7 ~ You start at EXCHANGE 6 and you run to Exchange 7
If you are Runner 8 ~ You start at EXCHANGE 7 and you run to Exchange 8
(All teams/runners must arrive at Exchange 8 by 4:30 p.m.)
If you are Runner 9 ~ You start at EXCHANGE 8 and you run to Exchange 9
If you are Runner 10 ~ You start at EXCHANGE 9 and you run to the Finish Line
Exchange 1 ~ Curtis Park. 2110 W. Curtis Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705
(gps coordinates: 32.30364081N, 111.01570375W)
Exchange 2 ~ Camino del Cerro Park. (corner of Camino del Cerro
and Silverbell Rd)
(gps coordinates: 32.29286148N, 111.03877834W)
Exchange 3 ~ Juhan Park. 1770 W. Copper St., Tucson, AZ 85745)
(gps coordinates: 32.25622390N, 111.00332782W)
Exchange 4 ~ Silverlake Rd/ Paseo de las Iglesias Park-and-Ride lot.
(gps coordinates: 32.19847664N, 110.9866347W)
Exchange 5 ~ Augie Acuna los Ninos Park. 5432 S. Bryant Ave.
(gps coordinates: 32.15392020N, 110.90582302W)
Exchange 6 ~ Old Vail Rd Park and Ride Lot at corner of Old Vail/Camino
de Cafe.
(gps coordinates: 32.10064280N, 110.79882481W)
(If dividing this leg into 6a and 6b, you will hand off at the Roy Schooner Trailhead on Kolb
Rd. (gps coordinates: 32.11547920, 110.83934309) See the event website for more details.)
Exchange 7 ~ Fantasy Island. (9500 E. Irvington Rd.) Corner of
Irvington and Harrison.
(gps coordinates: 32.16276429N, 110.78989282W)
Exchange 8 ~ Christ Community Church Parking Lot. 530 S. Pantano
Rd. (behind the church on The Loop)
(gps coordinates: 32.21360571N, 110.82731377W)
Exchange 9 ~ Pantano Park and Ride Lot. (Glenn/Sahuara)
(gps coordinates: 32.25776502N, 110.86630825W).
CONTACT US TODAY
WE'RE HERE TO HELP!
We're here to make your Runaround Tucson Relay. You can reach out to us via phone, email or submit this contact form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can!
E-mail: [email protected]
Results & Photos
Thank you to our sponsors!
