10,500 Runners to Participate in Sprouts Mesa Marathon Feb. 8

PHOENIX, Ariz. – January 23, 2019 – In just two weeks, more than 10,500 runners will gather for the 9th Annual 2020 Sprouts Mesa Marathon taking place from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 8 at Mesa Riverview Shopping Center. Founded in 2012, the Sprouts Mesa Marathon has seen increased participation and an accelerated runner experience each year since its inception. The event includes a full marathon, half marathon, 10K and a free Kid’s 1K.  

“We love supporting participants, whether they’re aiming to qualify for Boston, just trying to finish their first race, or somewhere in between. And the fact that this is in our home state of Arizona is wonderful,” said Sprouts VP of Customer Engagement Tom Hutchison. “Naturally, we carry a lot of products in our stores to help runners nourish and recover their bodies and minds while training, but it’s just a true joy to be at the race cheering people on and helping to motivate them. We’ll see you on race day!” 

The Sprouts Mesa Marathon is one of the largest races in Arizona hosting runners from more than 20 countries and 50 states and is sanctioned and certified as a Boston Qualifier. Due to the typically clement weather and gradual downhill course, the Marathon has one of the largest percentages Boston Qualifiers in the world. 

Marathon Day Routes and Road Closures
The full marathon starts at the iconic Usery Mountain and wraps up with a complete finish experience at Mesa Riverview, where runners are invited to enjoy refreshing food and services for runner recovery. Fans are invited to a post-race festival with food trucks, booths with athletic apparel and other crowd-pleasing offerings. A free Kid’s 1K race begins at the finish area and gives young runners a full race experience, including a bib, shirt, finisher ribbon and thousands of spectators cheering them on. 

Several streets will be closed starting at 4 a.m. on February 8. Streets will re-open in stages with all streets re-opened by 1:30 p.m. Traffic will not be permitted to cross the race route during the event.  A detailed map for road closures can be found at https://gis.mesaaz.gov/mesamarathon/. 

Bringing Arizona Communities Together
The 2020 Sprouts Mesa Marathon is the culmination of a 5-year campaign that has highlighted the Five Cs of Arizona – Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus and Climate. Runners who have completed this 5-year challenge will be given a special additional medal to celebrate this at the finish line, along with their regular 2020 medal. 

Sprouts Farmers Market, headquartered in Phoenix, supports fitness and wellness as title sponsor of the 9th annual marathon and is proud to partner with premier sponsors, including: Mesa Riverview, EXPO and FINISH experience host; Offerpad, half marathon presenting sponsor; ROC Physical Therapy, physical therapy host; SRP, Kids 1K host; Massage Envy and others. 

For more on information on the marathon, visit https://mesamarathon.com/. For details on the pre-marathon Expo for participants on Friday, February 7 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Mesa Riverview, visit https://mesamarathon.com/race-week/. 

Media Interviews and Visuals  

• Marathon organizer and spokespeople interviews are available before the race begins from 5:30 to 6 a.m. 
• Starting line launch ceremony 6 a.m. 
• Interviews along the route at designated checkpoints (would need to coordinate with race) 
• Spokespeople and fan interviews at the finish line located at Mesa Riverview Shopping Center at 12:30 p.m.

###