This year’s event will be held on May 6, 2017

One hundred and 75 brave souls will run the 2016 Prescott YMCA Whiskey Row Marathon, which starts at 6 a.m. Saturday, May 14, and remains among the toughest marathons in the United States.

Now in its 38th year, the popular event expects to attract a total of 1,900 runners for its marathon, half marathon (7 a.m. start), 2-mile fun run/walk (7:15 a.m.) and 10K run (7:20 a.m.).

Whiskey Row Marathon race director Laura Winniford-Hodgins said on Thursday, May 12, that 2,500 people are likely to flock to downtown on Saturday. She added that runners from 15 different states will be represented, in addition to those from Arizona and California.

WHY IS THIS RACE SO IMPORTANT?

The James Family Prescott YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, community-focused organization. The Whiskey Row Marathon is our largest fund raiser for program scholarships which help families in our community.

Proceeds from this race go directly into the scholarship fund at the James Family Prescott YMCA to assist children and families in financial need to participate in child care, swimming lessons, youth sports and gymnastics classes.

Without your participation and the community support for the WRM Races, our local families in need may not have a chance to make sure that their children flourish, even in times of economic hardship.

At the Y we do not turn participants away for the inability to pay for our programs and we believe that all children have the equal right to learn water safety, Early Learning Objectives, character values and have opportunities for success in the intramural athletics.

Your participation in this race not only promotes your personal health, but also promotes the overall health of the Prescott Community.