Marathon makes its way to Yuma

Local residents hoping to run in a marathon won't have to travel a marathon's distance to find one.

Cocopah Casino and Caballeros de Yuma have partnered to sponsor the inaugural Yuma Territorial Marathon and Half Marathon, which will be held on Jan. 23. The course starts at Cocopah Casino and runs along the shoulder of Highway 95.

Half marathoners will turn at Somerton and run back toward the reservation. Marathon racers will continue through Gadsden and into the city limits of San Luis before turning around. The half marathon will total 13.1 miles and the marathon will cover 26.2 miles.

The course was chosen due to the road's flat design, according to race organizer Dr. Robert Brown. "You've got a fairly flat course, there's only that one dip when you come off the mesa, and you've got that one climb, so it's really a flat course." That sets it up to be a fast and easy race for beginners and for family and friends to cheer on the runners.

The race, which is a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon, has already drawn dozens of entrants. But one of the more amazing things, Brown said, was the large amount of out-of-state and out-of-country entrants that have already registered.

Though the large amount of winter visitors to the Yuma-area may play a role in that, Brown suggested that the event's location was attractive to those coming to town for the race.

"The thought there is maybe family members are coming to town and have a place to stay," Brown said. "But because the start and finish line is right at a hotel people can come to town, catch a shuttle from the airport to the resort and spend their whole weekend there."

Entry fees are $95 for the marathon and $65 for the half marathon. Registration is open at yumamarathon.com. Entrants staying at the resort receive a special rate of $87 per room, per night.