The Sedona Marathon

Running is an important part of life to many people. Even people who are not professional athletes can benefit from a weekly run. Of course, not everyone can run and most people certainly can not run a marathon.

Marathons have been an Olympic event since 1896, although the distance was not standardized until 1912. The 42.195 kilometres or 26.2 miles that we now recognize as an official marathon comes from the story of a Greek soldier’s run from the Battle of Marathon to Athens. While this story is now considered more of a fable, the event remains. There are over eight hundred official marathon events worldwide, and one of them is here in beautiful Sedona.

February 3rd, 2018 will be the 13th annual Sedona Marathon. The course takes runners through the scenic Coconino National Forest District, known for its magical scenery and rock-formations. There will also be an Event Expo for spectators, supporters and participants. The Expo will feature local artists and live performers.

Does the idea of running a race in Sedona sound like fun, but the idea of running 26.2 miles enough to make you forget about it? Don’t worry, while the full marathon is the main race, the event also includes a half-marathon, a 10k, and a 5k. Strollers are even allowed on the 5k race for parents who want to take their young ones with them. Just don’t forget that your little one has to be registered to ride along.

This event is designed to be both fun and challenging. The course can take your breath away not only because it is beautiful, but it is at 4,500 feet elevation! How much you enjoy your run will depend on your training for both the exercise and the altitude. Race organizers and sponsors want the participants to enjoy their time in Sedona; therefore, training runs are being hosted this year by the Sedona Running Company’s Adam Gifford. The first run will be on January 6th. Click here to view the dates and times of the following runs. There is no need to register for these runs, or even arrive on time. While running together can allow for pacing and comradery between panting, this is your chance to run the course your way. There will be an aide station with snacks and hydration at the 10K point, which is where the group will turn around. If you want to go further or even the full distance, feel free! The main goal of these runs is to set you up for success.

Accommodation is crucial after that much exercise. Arroyo Pinon Hotel offers rooms with jacuzzis to soothe sore muscles. Follow the link for the best rates on the Arroyo Pinon Hotel website.

Eventful October Weekend in Sedona

There is magic in the air in October. Whether or not you believe in witches and ghosts, the childish excitement for candy and late night adventure sweeps you up with everyone else. And anyone who has ever been will tell you that there is something special about Sedona. You don’t have to believe in vortexes and crystals to feel the calm and quiet that comes when you stay in Sedona. Halloween in Sedona combines season and location to make a truly magical day. Thanks to Sedona’s warm fall weather, October is the perfect time for families to take a weekend vacation to admire what Oak Creek Canyon has to offer. Simply spending time with each other  is often the best way to spend a holiday. While Sedona’s trail system is always an amazing way to enjoy nature, there are also lots of special events in October.

The first event in Sedona is on October 21st. The Fall Arts & Crafts Fair is an annual event full of local artists & crafters, some of whom only sell at this show. Everything sold at the show is  handmade, including pottery, jewelry, and much more. Lunch will be served; there will also be homemade baked goods available as supplies last. This amazing show has unique items such as stained glass, fiber art, lotions, and soaps. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping with photographic prints of Sedona’s natural splendor. Best of all, this event is free to attend!

The following day, Sunday the 22nd, is the Pumpkin Splash (pictured). This family centered event is fun for all ages. The Sedona Community Pool is hosting this pumpkin-packed party. Games will include bobbing for apples, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin golf, and a scarecrow throw. Stay until the end for the special Trunk or Treat activity. Join your friends at the best pumpkin patch in Sedona! Admission is five dollars and tickets can be purchased ahead of time through the local Parks and Recreations department. See the above link for more information.

The weekend of the 21st and the 22nd is looking to be an eventful adventure for parents and kids alike. However, if you are from out of town, even getting to Sedona can be quite the adventure. Quality accommodations are also difficult to find on a budget. The Arroyo Pinion Hotel is conveniently located, comfortable, and affordable. Please see the website for more information.

Fall/Winter Events in Sedona, Arizona!

Sedona Arizona Events Fall/Winter  #Sedona has experienced the best #monsoon season it has ever seen in over 20 years! Now is the time to hike and explore Sedona, Arizona. Oak Creek parks and hiking trails are OPEN! OCTOBER October 11-12: SEDONA ARTS FESTIVAL– held on the campus of #SedonaRedRock High School, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road.  A favorite in the Southwest, the festival showcases 126 juried artists, the Gourmet Gallery, the Guest Gallery (featuring an international guest artist) and KidZone, as well as great music, food, and raffle prizes. Admission fee supports arts education in our community. www.SedonaArtsFestival.org. October 18: SEDONA MAIN STREET PAINT OUT– Sedona Main Street Paint Out is Saturday October 18 from 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. See thirty nationally recognized Plein Air Artists along sidewalks and plazas in Uptown, each completing a painting in 2 ½ hours. Free event sponsored by Sedona Main Street Program and presented with #SedonaArtsCenter. PUMPKIN SPLASH– On October 18 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., $3/person through the gate. It’s a pumpkin patch in the pool! Games on deck, super glow bat cave, pumpkin bowling, bat toss! Jump in the water to pick your pumpkin, #pumpkin decorating on deck, pumpkin bounce house and caramel apple bar! So much packed into a fun afternoon! Pre-purchase tickets. www.SedonaAZ.gov/Parks October 18-25: SEDONA PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL- 30 Award-winning contemporary artists paint the landscape “en-plein air.” They come from all over the United States to spend seven days painting outdoors, and to share their incredible talent and unique experiences with this challenging art form. Workshops, Paint-Outs, Historic Events, Native American Celebration, Plein Air Gallery and more. Presented by Sedona Arts Center 928-282-3809 www.SedonaPleinAirFestival.org October 25: RED ROCKS OKTOBERFEST– The Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks is hosting the #RedRocks #Oktoberfest on October 25, 2014 at Los Abrigados #Creekside park. This traditional German celebration features 10+ local brewers showcasing their finest beers. Tickets are $25 per person and all proceeds support the club’s mission of supporting children’s charities. www.RedRocksOktoberfest.com October 31: 28th ANNUAL SAFE & FUN TRICK OR TREAT– Held October 31 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Merchants welcome ghouls and ghosts at storefronts for treats! Free event coordinated by Sedona Main Street Program plus Costume Contest and prizes in partnership with City of Sedona.www.SedonaMainStreet.com NOVEMBER November 1: TASTE OF THE VERDE VALLEY– From 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., enjoy perfectly paired culinary creations featuring wines of the Verde Valley, live music and Painted Barrel Auction. Tickets are $20, includes 5 wine or food tastings, complimentary wine glass and a $10 Casino Playcheck. located at the Cliff Castle Casino Stargazer Pavilion. 928-567-7999 www.CliffCastleCasinHotel.com November 1-2: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATIONS AT TLAQUEPAQUE– Join Tlaquepaque in Patio del Norte and Patio las Campanas on Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2, to make an offering at the Celebration of Dia de los Muertos. Expand your knowledge of Día de los Muertos through the beauty and creativity of Ofrenda installations by making any personal offering for those special friends, family members or even special pets that might be missed. 928-282-4838 www.Tlaq.com DECEMBER December 1-31: HOLIDAY CENTRAL SEDONA: Sedona transforms into a red rock winter wonderland for the entire month of #December with #events, #festivals, and #entertainment sure to enchant everyone. Discover the perfect destination for families and friends to celebrate the holiday season, make memories and create new traditions – all in the most beautiful place on Earth. www.HolidayCentralSedona.com December 4 – 6: FESTIVAL OF TREES – Come and Experience the Holiday Trees at #Tlaquepaque. This premiere holiday event at Tlaquepaque begins on Friday, December 4 – The Festival of Trees. Area artists and galleries will have over 45 Christmas trees and Gingerbread houses fully decorated in fun and exquisite ways. Kick of your holiday season with a beautiful themed tree already pre-decorated. 928-282-4838 Tlaq.com December 5: TREE LIGHTING & SANTA VISIT– Sedona’s Tree Lighting & Santa Visit is December 5 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Sedona Center Plaza in Uptown. Enjoy the Tree-lighting, entertainment and Santa visits with children. This free event is presented by Sedona Main Street Program, Sedona Chamber of Commerce and the City of Sedona.  www.SedonaMainStreet.com December 6: BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AND JINGLE BELL RUN– December 6, 7:30 – 10:00 a.m., free, at the Sedona Teen Center. Start the morning out right with a short run through Posse Grounds Park, decked with Jingle Bells. The head on in for a free pancake breakfast served by the YMCA. Enjoy crafts, games and face painting courtesy of Sedona Parks and Recreation, and end your morning with a visit from Santa himself! www.SedonaAZ.gov/Parks December 13: FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – The lighting of 6,000 Luminarias. On Saturday, December 13 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. This one day event – A cherished tradition which involves the lighting of 6,000 luminarias in Tlaquepaque’s courtyards and walkways at 5:00 p.m. Specially designated Luminarias honoring cancer survivors can be purchased in advance for $10.00. 928-282-4838 Tlaq.com December 20: HOLIDAY SWEET STROLL -Discover unique gifts, enjoy sparkling lights, strolling carolers and special sweets at the Holiday Sweet Stroll. Each day, the retailers will open their doors and celebrate the holidays with sweet treats, special give-a-ways, and discount offers. Featuring some of the best boutiques, galleries and restaurants in Sedona, you are sure to find some special presents for those on your gift list. Be sure to stop by and step in our human size snow globe as well as meet Elsa from Frozen. 928-282-4838 Tlaq.com 2015 Sedona Annual Events JANUARY January 6 – 11, 2015: SEDONA WINTER MUSICFEST– Come to the Red Rocks of Sedona and forget the cold with five days of musical activities featuring some of today’s most dynamic and inspiring young artists who are defining classical chamber music for the next generation. Concerts, documentary film, salon, in-school Concerts for Youth and more! Located at the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa. 928-204-2415 SedonaWinterMusicFest.org www.SedonaWinterMusicFest.org January 31, 2015: SEDONA MARATHON EVENT: The 10th Annual Sedona Marathon Event will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2015. The Sedona Marathon Event will feature four distances sure to take your breath away: 5K, 10K, Half, and Full Marathon. This scenic race attracts athletes from around the globe to enjoy Sedona’s red rocks up close and personal. “If the scenery doesn’t take your breath away, the hills will!” Registration will open summer of 2014.www.SedonaMarathon.com FEBRUARY February 21-March 1, 2015: SEDONA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL– Join the 21st Annual Sedona International Film Festival – a nine-day celebration of the best independent films from around the world. Films in all genres are featured: narrative features, documentaries, foreign films, short films and animated films. Plus: Celebrity guests, red carpet galas and more!www.SedonaFilmFestival.org MARCH March 14, 2015: 45th ANNUAL SEDONA ST. PATRICK’S PARADE & FESTIVAL: on Saturday, March 14 along Jordan Road in Uptown Sedona. Free event presented by Sedona Main Street Program, NAU Parks and Recreation Program, Sedona Green Team. Parade starts at 10:30 a.m.; Free Festival follows until 3:00 p.m. SedonaMainStreet.com  See ALL EVENTS

THE HOTTEST WINTER DEALS AT THE ARROYO PINION HOTEL IN SEDONA

Stay for two with a wine package
( 1-night stay)

1-night stay
Option 1: $117 for a double-queen room (up to a $189 value)
Option 2: $157 for a king premium room (up to a $269 value)

2-night stay
Option 3: $195 for a double-queen room (up to a $348 value)
Option 4: $275 for a king premium room (up to a $508 value)

Included in all options:
Wine tasting and two souvenir glasses from Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery for two
Policies and fees
Book by: 12/29/13
Travel by: 2/13/14

Blackout dates: not valid 11/27-11/29 or 12/26/13-1/1/14
Cancellation policy and fees: must cancel by 4 p.m. 3 days prior to arrival or fee of applicable 1 night’s stay up to the amount paid for Groupon applies
Taxes: 13.325% tax not included
Additional fees: $1 safe fee per day not included
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Amenities
Outdoor pool, hot tub, hot breakfast
Free WiFi

For more information:
Call 1.928.204.1146 or visit GROUPON

$119 Sedona: Renovated Hotel incl. Wine Tour,
Reg. $189

Arrive Oct. 31 – Feb. 13; blackout dates apply
$119 per night in an upgraded room with two queen beds; two nights for $199
$159 per night in a king room with a fireplace and whirlpool tub; two nights for $279
All stays include a wine tour as well as complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi access
With this deal, you don’t have to decide yet when to go. Just purchase a voucher from Travelzoo then call the hotel directly at 928-204-1146 to make a reservation for your desired travel dates. Not available on: Nov. 27-29; Dec. 26-31; Jan. 1. Reservations are subject to availability and early booking is encouraged.

Once the room is reserved with the hotel, hotel cancellation policy prevails, and cancellations or changes must be made three days prior to arrival. Hotel-imposed penalties may apply. Any unused promotional value credit will be forfeited upon checkout. Maximum occupancy in the room with two queen beds is four guests. Maximum occupancy in the room with a king bed is two guests. Parking is complimentary. This hotel is not pet-friendly. This deal cannot be combined with other offers. Purchase multiple vouchers to stay multiple nights. Taxes and gratuity, if applicable, are additional. Voucher must be used in one visit. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcohol.

For more information: Call 1.928.204.1146 or visit, TRAVELZOO