RunSedona’s 20th anniversary event, which will include a half marathon, 10k and 5k races, will take place on Saturday, Feb. 1, to benefit the Sedona Community Food Bank and the Humane Society of Sedona. Over 3,700 runners have registered and the waitlist continues to grow.

Dry Creek Road will be closed to all vehicles from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. to accommodate the runners. Drivers are advised to allow extra time or find an alternate route around the race area.

Founded as the Sedona Marathon, the event was rebranded as RunSedona in 2019. RunSedona marketing director Holly Colson attributed the event’s longevity to “a combination of things, almost [a] perfect storm … Sedona as a destination has grown, but we’ve grown with it as a destination event. The running. There’s a lot more people that are crossing into running as a sport, because we are very embracing and we provide a training plan for them. We let it be known that if you want to walk, it’s okay, because, for instance, our 5k allows strollers.” Community members will also have the opportunity to participate in the inaugural “Run the Runway” event at the Sedona Airport at 2 p.m.

“It is the flattest mile in Sedona, no turns,” Colson said. “You run straight down the runway, which, if you know, people in Sedona will know that’s one of the most beautiful vistas in Sedona. Usually they charge for the parking, but it’s free on race day.” 

Run the Runway will start at 2 p.m. with a so-called “paws walk” for dogs, a stroller walk and a family fun walk, followed by kids under 12 at 2:15, boys ages 13 to 17 at 2:25, girls ages 13 to 17 at 2:30, women at 2:45 and men at 3 p.m.

“The Sedona Airport is thrilled to partner with RunSedona and the Chamber [of Commerce] to bring the community to the airport for this very special event,” Sedona Airport Manager Ed Rose said in a press release. “After all, how often do you have the opportunity to run down an airport runway, and with these fantastic views?” 

Colson said that runners had donated $5,269 to the food bank as of Jan. 24 and an undisclosed sum to the Humane Society.

“We’re going to have our setup booth at Run the Runway,” Humane Society of Sedona Director of Philanthropy Brenda Redel said. “We’ve got some giveaway treats and a little snack bag for all of the folks that are running with their dog and have a treat bag for their dogs to get that energy going for the run. Hopefully have some of our adopted dogs that they will be there as well, and people will be able to find out how they can volunteer, how they can give us their time or their resources, or get engaged and get involved in the Humane Society.”

Redwall Distillery in West Sedona will also be hosting a fundraiser for the animal shelter from Feb. 1 through 5. 

“Redwall is promoting the Humane Society of Sedona by encouraging people to donate and Feb. 3 is National Doggy Date Night. They’re going to be inviting patrons to have a brew or a whiskey and bring their dog with them that evening,” Redel said.

The food bank will have a booth set up near Verde Valley Medical Center’s Sedona Emergency Room during the half marathon to provide information about the organization and volunteering opportunities, and food bank volunteers will be presenting awards and commemorative shirts during the events. Residents can also shop the food bank’s See’s Candy Wagon in the Bashas’ parking lot from Friday, Jan. 31, through Friday, Feb. 14.

Parking on Airport Mesa will be free all day for the event. For more information, visit runsedona.com.