TMC Earth Day 5k at Biosphere 2

TMC Earth Day 5k at the Biosphere 2, April 22, 2023

April 23 Update:

Check out the race report here, with information on awards, photos, results, and more from the TMC Earth Day 5k at the Biosphere 2.  Award winners can pick up Running Shop Gift Cards at The Running Shop, 3055 North Campbell in mid-town Tucson.  If you have not received your shirt or medal, remaining items can be picked up at The Running Shop through May 15.

See www.roadrunnerracetiming.com for all results.

April 8: Check out the Morning Blend interview about the race.

Run the Desert . . . then roam through a rain forest, view an ocean reef, and wander through savanna grass lands . . . all in one day!

Join us on Earth Day in 2023 for the TMC Earth Day 5k, where you can walk or run the hidden backroads of the world-famous Biosphere 2, nestled at the base of the majestic Catalina Mountains, north of Tucson. 

The TMC Earth Day 5k is raising funds for the Ocean Reef research project, learning how to grow ocean reefs in a changing climate.  See details and donate here.

Limited to 500 Registrants — what you get:

  • Souvenir race shirt in soft cotton feel
  • Commemorative race medal, made with recycled materials 
  • 15% discount to Oracle’s spectacular ARIZONA ZIPLINE ADVENTURES. 
  • Staycation prices at iconic Westward Look Resort
  • Free entry to the world-famous Biosphere 2
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Food trucks 
  • COX Conserves special festivities planned

The rolling 3.1 mile course offers gorgeous desert and mountain views, with start and finish on the Biosphere 2 Lawn.  Don’t miss this chance to visit the earth’s entire ecosystem under one roof while celebrating Earth Day.

 Visit our RunSignUp registration page  for registration information and all event details.

Click here for the video our wonderful race photographer Damion Alexander put together.

Click here to see the KGUN Morning Blend pre-race interview about the event.

Friday, April 21
at The Running Shop, 3055 North Campbell, Tucson
 
4:00 – 6:00 pm Packet pickup and in-person registration.
Medals to the first 500 registered. Race numbers will be marked.
T-shirts to the first 500 registered, with sizing given away on a first-come, first-served basis at packet pickup. 
 
Saturday, April 22nd
at Biosphere 2, 32540 S Biosphere Rd, Oracle, AZ 85739

7:15-8:15 am: Race day registration and packet pick up at front entrance to Biosphere 2
8:30: Start time for TMC Earth Day 5k Run/Walk
9:30: Free Kids Dash
9:45 or so: Awards, courtesy of the Running Shop. Remaining medals and shirts given to late participants

10:00 Event wrap-up

 
Ongoing: All registrants can visit Biosphere2 on their own — no need for a formal tour!
 
All non-running guests can purchase Biosphere 2 admission for the discounted rate of $11 (before 8:30 am) and all children under 12 are free.
 
NOTE: Post-Race, all remaining shirts and medals will be brought to the Running Shop and available for remainder pickup between April 26 – May 15.
 

Distance: 5k Run and 5k Walk 

Bring the Kids! Strollers are allowed at this child-friendly event, with a free Kid’s Dash & Kid’s Zone

Do Good! This inaugural event raises funds for the world-renowned Biosphere 2’s Ocean Reef Lab. 

Terrain: mostly pavement, with a brief dirt section

Difficulty: hilly in sections

Runner Quote: Amazing course.  Great setting and wonderful cause.  Thanks again.

Weather: 50’s – 70’s

Chair Athletes: Chair athletes may find this a doable but challenging course, with a couple of steep hills and the dirt road.

Pets Allowed: No, pets are not allowed on the Biosphere 2 grounds.

Want Training Advice? Contact RRCA-certified running coach Tia Accetta at tia@runtucson.net.  

 


Terrain: The race starts and ends on grass, but it’s mostly pavement, with a brief dirt section … and, well, it’s hilly in some sections…
 
The Start: The event starts on the grass of the Great Lawn, crosses some gravel, then drops down a steep hill before heading up another steep hill that passes the Biosphere 2 complex. There are a few speedbumps on this opening hill, so please keep an eye out for varied terrain.
 
Mile One: After the first half-mile or so, you’ll continue heading north on a mostly flat section, before taking a sharp right turn and plunging downhill. Off to your left will be the Catalinas as you head downhill, then you’ll begin a gentle climb back up to the beautiful dirt road section, with the mountains to your left and the Biosphere 2 to your right.
 
Mile Two: The second mile will be a bit twisty as you go past the historic ranch house, then swing downhill past the stables and onto the flat-ish out-and-back. There will be about a 1/3 of a mile of gentle downhill to the turnaround, then you’ll come back heading towards the Biosphere 2.
 
Mile Three to the Finish: The final stretch will head back up the hill to the finish line in the middle of the Great Lawn.
 
Chair Athletes: Chair athletes may find this a doable but challenging course, with a couple of steep hills and the dirt road.
 
Strollers: Strollers are allowed in the race, but please be mindful of the hills and ensure that you are tied to the stroller you’re pushing. Please remember sun protection.
 
Measurements: The route is garmin- and map-my-run correct but not a USATF certified course. The mapmyrun online map is here.
 
Headphones: We request that you do not wear headphones while participating in the event. Enjoy the camaraderies of your fellow athletes, enjoy the scenery, and keep an ear open for rattlesnakes, javelinas, and other participants.
 
Wildlife: This event takes place in a rural environment adjacent to wilderness, so you may encounter any number of wildlife, including but not limited to rattlesnakes and other snakes, javelina, cattle, deer, wild turkeys, bobcats, and more. Please do not try to touch the wildlife. Please do not wear headphones.
 
Heat and Altitude: The race starts at approximately 3820 feet, so be mindful that you’re at a bit of elevation. It looks like race morning may be about 50 degrees at the start, climbing to the mid-70’s. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and a hat.
 

2022

Click here for the Run Tucson race report.

Click here for the race results from our good friends at Roadrunner Race Timing.

The TMC Earth Day 5k is a 30 minute drive from Tucson and a bit more than an hour from Phoenix.

Directions to Biosphere 2 From Central Tucson
From central Tucson, go north to River Road and turn left (heading west)
Continue on River Road and turn right on Oracle Road/AZ Highway 77
Drive north approximately 24 miles on Oracle Road/AZ Highway 77
Turn right on to Biosphere 2 Road at Mile Post 96.5

From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
After leaving the airport, follow the signs to I-10 E
Take I-10 E toward Tucson, to Exit 185 and exit the interstate
Turn left onto Highway 387 and continue past Coolidge until Highway 387 intersects with AZ Highway 79 near Florence
Turn right on to Highway 79 and follow this until Oracle Junction where you turn left onto AZ Highway 77
Drive north approximately 6 miles on AZ Highway 77
Turn right on to Biosphere 2 Road at Mile Post 96.5

Please carpool. There will be parking in the Biosphere 2 parking lot, but it would help if participants carpooled to share the drive.

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