– Paradox Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona will include a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and KiDS ROCK Fun Run. Registration is still open by visiting the Health and Fitness Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center.

– Media Credentials registration now open by visiting, www.runrocknroll.com/press TEMPE, Ariz. (Jan. 13, 2026) – The 2026 Paradox Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series Arizona returns this weekend to bring fun to the Valley of the Run on Saturday and Sunday, January 17–18. The event will bring runners and walkers together to celebrate the new year with a tri-city foot tour of Tempe, Phoenix, and Scottsdale. Participants who want to register for the Paradox Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Arizona can do so onsite by visiting the Health & Fitness Expo.
 
Schedule 
Race week will kick off on Friday, January 16, with the Health & Fitness Expo taking place at the Phoenix Convention Center. The Expo is free and open to the public, featuring the latest running technologies, fitness apparel, health and nutrition information, and interactive displays. The Paradox Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Arizona event weekend will feature a distance for everyone, including a 5K race on Saturday and 10K and half marathon races on Sunday.
  Friday, Jan. 16 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Health & Fitness Expo, Phoenix Convention Center (Halls F-G) Media credential pick up time and location will be coordinated upon approval of credentials. Please contact press@runrocknroll.com for additional information. Saturday, Jan. 17 – Race Day 8:00 a.m. – 5K – Mill Ave. Bridge – Northbound (Tempe) 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Health & Fitness Expo, Phoenix Convention Center (Halls F-G) 9:30 a.m. – Tempe Beach Park
  Sunday, Jan. 18 – Race Day 7:15 a.m. – 10K – S. Mill Ave. at 3rd Street (Tempe) 7:15 a.m. – Half Marathon– S. Mill Ave. at 3rd Street (Tempe) 8:30 a.m.Encore Entertainment – The Spazmatics! Free and open to the public! *All times listed are in MST
 
Course:
Saturday’s 5K will begin at Tempe Beach Park (80 West Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe), while Sunday’s 10K and half marathon courses will start at S. Mill Ave. at 3rd Street (Tempe). Participants will run through the red rocks of Papago Park and take in the beautiful local art and sights of Tempe, Phoenix, and Scottsdale before concluding their experience at the Finish Line Festival at Tempe Beach Park. For full course details, visit www.runrocknroll.com/arizona-courses.  
 
Entertainment:
The half marathon course will feature 13 different entertainment and motivational activations. With the design of the course, participants will pass by these locations a total of 20 times. That means 20 motivational areas in 13 miles—and that does not include the start line, finish line, or water stations. Capping off race day at the Finish Line Festival on Sunday will be The Spazmatics, renowned as “The Ultimate 80s New Wave Tribute”. Learn more about the on-course and Encore time by visiting, www.runrocknroll.com/entertainment
 
Road Closures:
Race day road closures may be found by visiting www.runrocknroll.com/traffic-impact
 
Elite Field
The 2026 Paradox Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Arizona will feature a field of elite athletes competing across all the distances. A list of elite athletes can be found here.
 
Media Credentials: 
Registration for media credentials to the upcoming 2026 Paradox Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Arizona, taking place January 17-18 is now available. Media interested in covering the event must register at the link below by Friday, January 16, at 5:00 p.m. MST to be considered for media credentials.
 
CREDENTIAL REQUESTS ON RACE DAY WILL NOT BE APPROVED. Media who arrive on the day of the race without proper registration will not be provided credentials or access to race venues. 
 
Please visit, www.runrocknroll.com/press/ to apply for credentials.
 
For more information about the 2026 Paradox Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series Arizona, visit www.runrocknroll.com/arizona. Media-related inquiries may be directed to press@runrocknroll.com
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About Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series
Established in 1998, the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series’ simple idea of making running fun has transformed both the U.S. and global running landscape by infusing the course with live bands, cheer teams, and entertaining water stations, creating a block-party atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Focused on running, music and community, race weekends kick off with a free Health & Fitness Expo showcasing the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health and nutritional information and much more. Events culminate with an Encore Entertainment experience featuring eclectic musical artists from a variety of genres. Further information about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series can be found online at www.RunRocknRoll.com and follow @RunRocknRoll on all social platforms.
 
About The IRONMAN Group   
The IRONMAN Group is the world’s largest operator of participation sports with a portfolio of brands, events, media, partners, merchandise, and digital platforms operating in over 50 countries worldwide. A global portfolio consisting of hundreds of events includes the IRONMAN® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, IRONKIDS®, premier running events including the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series, and City2Surf®, the UTMB® World Series of trail running, the Epic Series™ of mountain biking including the Absa Cape Epic®, and a collection of road cycling and other multisport races. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN® brand and its first event in 1978, millions of athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines around the world. From its beginnings as a single race among friends in Hawai’i, The IRONMAN Group has become a global sensation and collection of high-growth lifestyle brands that inspire people to unlock their potential in life. For more information, visit www.ironman.com/about-ironman-group.