Hello! You're getting this email because you're one of the 1125 folks who have signed up as of May 15th for the 18th Annual TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k Night Run and Raising Cane's Festival of Miles.

Thank you so much for joining our Tucson running community for this event!

We want you to have a great weekend, so please take a few moments to read through all the race day information. We'll send updates over the coming weeks, but this should provide a head start on having an enjoyable race experience.

Remember, the last day to add people to your team is Friday, May 24th at midnight Arizona time. To find a participant see the "Find a Participant" search feature on the event RunSignUp page.

If you have any questions, please track us down! And if we made any mistakes, let Randy know . . .



Randy and Tia at Run Tucson

randy@runtucson.net | tia@runtucson.net

Some of you have asked how to upgrade from the 5k to the Triple Crown.

If you want to upgrade your event registration you can go into your RunSignup account and upgrade your registration (follow this link for directions on how to modify your registration).

We've ordered 400 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown medals and shirts. As we send this there are 372 registrants, so 28 slots are available. (We're trying to see if we can get extra souvenirs in time for the June 1st event.)

There is no fee to transfer, but each event upgrade will have these prices:

Upgrade from Mile to 5k: $30

Upgrade from 5k to Triple Crown: $100

Upgrade from Mile to Triple Crown: $130

Yes. Everyone who signs up can get their race swag, either before the event or afterwards, depending on what's available after the race.

If you have to miss the actual race in-person, you can send someone to pick up your race items at the packet pickup times listed below.

If you have to miss race night, you can fill in your VIRTUAL RACE INFO here.

If you know anyone who would like to help by handing out shirts, setting up tents, directing the children in the FitKidz mile, or doing any of the thousands of things that go into putting on a safe and organized event, please send them to the volunteer link here:

VOLUNTEER SIGN UP HERE

All volunteers receive a race number, good for the Beer Garden and Downtown discounts, or one of the volunteer shirts available. All volunteers are also entered into the SAR Volunteer Program, earning goodies and free entries!

Friday, May 24: Last Day to Add People to a Team

Registration will stay open through race night on June 1st, but Friday, May 24th is the last day to add people to your team and get the $5 team discount.

Thursday, May 30, Registration and Packet Pickup:

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, at The Running Shop, 3055 North Campbell Ave

You can pick up your souvenir items in person Thursday, first come, first served basis.

In person registration is available, online, cash or check.

Friday, May 31, Registration and Packet Pickup:

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, at The Running Shop, 3055 North Campbell Ave

You can pick up your souvenir items in person Friday, first come, first served basis.

In person registration is available, online, cash or check.

Here's How it Works:

Everyone: Go inside to get your race number: all race bib numbers for the 5k, the 1-mile, and the FitKidz mile will be inside the Running Shop. Registrants in the 5k and Triple Crown will receive a blue souvenir t-shirt.

Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown: after you get your race number and blue TMC Meet Me Downtown shirt, come back to the tent and get your Triple Crown shirt and souvenir medallion

Yes: T-shirt sizing first come, first served, with no guaranteed sizing

Yes: You can pick up items for friends -- please limit the number of packet pickups if it is crowded.

Yes: Shirts come in both standard unisex and v-neck cut.

Yes: It may be crowded, but please be kind to the staff at the Running Shop and the volunteers.

Yes: You can shop at the Running Shop, so you should shop local buy all sorts of running goodies for yourself and those you love!

Virtual Results, Missing Race Night, and Getting Your Swag: If you have to miss the actual race in-person, you can still snag your souvenirs and do the event virtually. You can come Thursday or Friday, or send someone to pick up your race items at the packet pickup times listed above (first-come, first-served in terms of shirt sizing and souvenirs).

If you have to miss race night, you can fill in your VIRTUAL RACE INFO here.

Saturday, June 1, Race Night Schedule:

5:00 - 6:30 TMC 5k Registration and Packet Pickup, 200 South Sixth Avenue

In person registration is available, online, cash or check.

Here's how it works:

• We're setting up a chute-based system in front of the Children's Museum for those who pick up their race items on race day and for those who want to register in person on race day.
• You'll enter from the north, then first get your race number, then get your blue TMC Meet Me Downtown shirt, if eligible. If you have not registered for the Triple Crown, you can then leave the chute.
• If you have registered for the Triple Crown, continue along the chute to receive your souvenir desktop medallion and your coral GabeZ shirt from the BEYOND tent, then exit the chute system to the south.
• Yes: T-shirt sizing first come, first served, with no guaranteed sizing
• Yes: You can pick up items for friends

6:00 pm Start Open Raising Cane's Mile Race and Raising Cane's High School/Junior High Mile

Prize money for top mile finishers; Raising Cane's gift card for all

• Please remember to use safety pins to wear your number on the front

6:30 pm Start SAR FitKidz Mile Check in at the FitKidz tent near the Children's Museum will begin at 5:00 pm

• Raising Cane's gift card for all and SAR FitKidz goodies for all

7:00 pm Start TMC 5k Run/Walk -- for all ages, all abilities, all bodies, with prize money and age group awards. See farther below for awards details.

• Please remember to use safety pins to wear your number on the front
• The race is chip-timed
• All prize money will be based on gun-time, all age-group awards will be chip-time.

8:30 or so Awards

• 5k Age Group awards, courtesy of The Running Shop
• Prize Money courtesy of TMC and Run Tucson
• There is a non-binary category, but due to limited participation there are no awards in 2024
• See all prize money and award rules and details here.

Post-Race at Pueblo Vida

Thanks to Pueblo Vida for providing the beer for the Beer Garden -- be sure to stop by their Brewing Company at 115 East Broadway.

Post-Race After-Party at Hotel Congress

• Bring your race number to Hotel Congress after the event and enjoy live music and special post-race discounts by our friends at Hotel Congress and the Cup Cafe at 311 East Congress.

Post-race through June. Shirts and medals of registrants who cannot make race weekend will be available at The Running Shop, 3055 North Campbell through the end of June. T-shirt sizing first come, first served. We will donate all remaining souvenirs on July 1st, so please be sure to pick up your items or send someone to pick them up before July 1st. We're super grateful to Lucas Tyler and the whole crew at The Running Shop for all the help with this event.

Race Staging Site: The race staging address is 200 South Sixth Avenue, on Sixth Avenue between 12th and 13th Streets in Downtown Tucson.

Above is a draft map of our event night staging. As you can see, registration and packet pickup will be against the Children's Museum fencing, on the south side of the Museum, while the Beer Garden has been moved to the lawn immediately west of the Start/Finish Line.

Please visit all of our vendors, partners, and sponsors in the grassy area east of the Start/Finish line in Armory Park

Parking: There is plenty of Downtown street parking and City lot parking. See Park Tucson's website here for details on Downtown parking. 

Do not block driveways, do not park in red zones, do not park in permitted spots, and be mindful of all traffic and parking laws -- we don't want you to get in the way of the neighbors and we don't want you to get a ticket!

Downtown Partnership: For more information on parking or other things to do Downtown, please visit the Downtown Partnership website here.

PortoJohns: This year, ACE Portables has provided portojohns along the north wall of the Children's Museum facing towards 15th Street.

Weather: It will be hot - please be prepared for high heat, with plenty of water and perhaps a hat and sunscreen for the afternoon activities

Strollers: Yes, you can absolutely run or walk with a stroller. Be mindful of potholes and the dark streets.

Chair Friendly: Yes, this course is suitable for chair athletes. Be mindful of potholes and the dark streets.

Pets: Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in the race itself. Following all City of Tucson regulations, pets are allowed at Armory Park and on the nearby city streets, but participants are not allowed to run or walk with their pets on the race course.

Headphones: We know that people like having music, but for personal and communal safety we recommend not wearing headphones. If you're interested in the prize money events, please read the headphone policies posted.

Finish Area Food and Drink:

• Volunteers from Greater Tucson Leadership volunteers will manage the water station at the start/finish line
• Skratch Labs will provide hydration and other Skratch samples
• Natural Grocers will be on hand with samples, drinks and other goodies!
• The Pueblo Vida Beer Garden will be on the west side of the staging area, near the Children's Museum. Free taste pour for all 21+ with additional $5 pours. All proceeds to SDMB.
• Food Trucks: Bring some cash (or a card) so you can purchase additional items from the Food Truck Round-Up.

Water on the Route: For public health reasons, it is best if every runner brings their own water for their run.

We will have a water stop at approximately the 1.5 mile mark, along 6th Avenue. Volunteers from The Workout Group and ComeRun will be on hand.

Social Media: Please tag @runtucson and @runsar and @rrca with any instagram posts -- you can use hashtags #meetmedown5k or #tmcmeetmedowntown or #gabezimmermantriplecrown or anything else you want . . .

Race Hotel: Wanna' visit Tucson or enjoy a staycation? Check out the TMC Meet Me Downtown discounted pricing for the sparkling Hampton Inn, 141 North Stone, in Downtown Tucson, steps from the starting line. Queen or King beds, suite or single room, as you wish.

Here are the booking links:

Hampton Inn

Home 2Suites

Downtown Partnership: For more information on parking and other things to do Downtown, please visit the Downtown Partnership website here.

Downtown Route Safety: The course map is below. This is an urban course, so be mindful of potential hazards that are common to urban running, such as vehicles, potholes, speedbumps, and the like.

Armory Park, Barrio Viejo, and Barrio Santa Rosa: You'll be running through three Downtown neighborhoods. Many folks will be out cheering for you, so enjoy your sightseeing trip through these unique Tucson neighborhoods!

While we want you to have fun, we recommend that you refrain from taking offered drinks from spectators or other well-meaning bystanders. (Some day we'll tell you the story of our friend running a half marathon who took a gulp of water only to find it was actually tequila . . .)

Q: What goodies to the GGZTC registrants receive?

A: The first 400 GZTC participants will receive the TMC Meet Me Downtown souvenir race shirt and the special souvenir medal and Gabe Zimmerman t-shirt.

Q: Do I get the medal if I have signed up for the TMC Meet Me Downtown?

A: No. The souvenir medal is only for those who have registered for the Triple Crown.

Q: If I signed up for the TMC 5k, can I still sign up for the Triple Crown?

A: Yes, we have about 28 slots still available. If you've signed up for the 5k but want to switch to the Triple Crown, follow this link for directions on how to modify your registration.

Q: What if I can't be in Tucson for all of the Triple Crown races? Am I out of luck or can I do the Virtual Triple Crown?

A: You can do one, two, or all of the races Virtually and still receive all the great Triple Crown stuff.

Click here to submit your 5k results if you have to do this event virtually.

Q: Do I have to run, or can I walk?

A: You can run or walk and you can hike, race or stroll, the goal is simply to be outside and be moving!

Q: Back up please. I'm new to this sort of thing. What is the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown?  

A: GZTC is a charity-based, three-event run/walk series that includes running and walking events in three unique Tucson locations. The goal is to honor the late Gabe Zimmerman by promoting year-round fitness, enabling people to train for and complete by walking or running events that include 1 mile, 5k, 10k, and half-marathon.

Q: What is the beneficiary for the Triple Crown?

A: Thanks to your entries and support from Tucson Medical Center, $10 from each race entry goes directly to BEYOND-Tucson.

Q: Can you tell us more about Gabe Zimmerman?

A: The 3-race series is named for Gabe Zimmerman, pictured above with his dad, Ross.

A Tucson native, Gabe lost his life in the January 2011 shooting of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords here in Tucson. Others murdered include Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy "Dot" Morris, Judge John Roll, Phyllis Scheck, and Dorwin Stoddard. Gabe was killed doing what he was best at: supporting his community, trying to make it a better place for everyone, regardless of their politics or their backgrounds. 

From the Gabe Zimmerman Davison Canyon Trailhead to the Gabe Zimmerman Meeting Room at the U.S. Capital, Gabe's presence will forever be a part of our community. We are grateful to Ross Zimmerman and Julia Strange at Tucson Medical Center for developing the concept of the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown. Gabe's whole family has been devoted to fitness, running, and the Arizona outdoors - thus, we are honored to be able to celebrate the spirit of Gabe and highlight the possibilities for Tucson through the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown.

Our goal is to celebrate Gabe and motivate the community to aspire to individual and collective greatness - to work alone and work with others towards those goals we find valuable. To celebrate living, community, and good will. To live with love, to live with passion, to chase dreams. As we all know, running shows us the power within ourselves. If we can go three miles in a hot summer night or slog our way up and down the hills of the Tucson mountains, the ups and downs of daily life are certainly manageable and we can rise to our other challenges. 

Special thanks to the thanks to the 6,500+ registrations that have been part of the Triple Crown these past few years!

Access care anywhere, any place, any time.

As the first leg of the 2024 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown honoring the slain civil servant, Gabe Zimmerman, the event expects to raise over $12,000 for local organizations.

Supported by funding from Tucson Medical Center, Cox Communications, and participants, the events provide funding for the following organizations:

BEYOND Tucson Foundation: Following the tragic shooting on the morning of January 8, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona at Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ “Congress On Your Corner,” the Southern Arizona community spontaneously came together to honor, remember, and show solidarity for those that were killed, injured, or traumatized by the event. Along with its partners, BEYOND provides year-round opportunities for the public to participate in a series of healthy activities and to learn more about the scientific research that shows methods for optimal physical and mental health.

Children’s Museum, Tucson: Children’s Museum Tucson offers adventure learning, interactive exhibits and daily programming.

Cox Charities is the fundraising and grantmaking arm of Cox Communications raising funds for local charities.

Greater Tucson Leadership is a non-profit, non-partisan leadership organization dedicated to providing leadership education, community development and civic engagement for the overall care of and commitment to our Tucson community.

Southern Arizona Roadrunners is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting health and fitness in Tucson and Southern Arizona through running and walking. Thanks to SAR for being our long-time partners on this event.

Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists is a not-for-profit organization devoted to mountain biking, trail development, and creating environmentally and socially-responsible fitness opportunities. Thanks to SDMB for handling all the beer garden management!

All prize money awards will be based on rules described here.

Raising Cane's Festival of Miles Open Mile, Male and Female Prize Money

1st $200

2nd $100

3rd $50

$408.90 Race Director Challenge Bonus

408 dollars and 90 cents bonus to the fastest man who breaks the race director’s personal best of 4:08.9. Yup, Randy ran that back in the 1900’s.

408 dollars and 90 cents bonus to the fastest woman who breaks the equivalent time of 4:48.9 (see the Mercier Score Calculator for comparison details)

Master's Prize Money (40-and-over) Male and Female 

1st $50

NOTE: Prize Money double-dipping is allowed.

Prize money winners are taken out of age group gift certificate awards.

USATF Course Sanction #: AZ16012JOE

Awards for Raising Cane's High School Mile: TBD

TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k Awards and Prize Money (see here on the website)

Age Group Awards: All first, second, and third place in 5-year divisions from U-15 through 80+ will receive age group awards from the Running Shop: $25 for 1st, $20 for 2nd, and $10 for third. All prize money winners are taken out of age group gift certificate awards.

Thanks to the Running Shop. All Age Group awards based on Chip Timing.

The TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k is part of the Running Shop SAR Grand Prix

Male and Female Open Prize Money 

1st $200

2nd $100

3rd $50

Master's Prize Money (40-and-over) Male and Female 

1st $50 

$200 Course Record Bonus for male and female course record

Course Records TMC 5k Night Run

• 14:30: Male, Ian Burrell, Tucson, 27 (2012)
• 17:06: Female, Maggie Callahan, Boulder, 26 (2015)

Top Three Overall Men's Mile Times

1. 4:11 Weston Strum, 24 (2016)
2. 4:13.8 Sam Atkin 25, Lewiston (2018)
3. 4:15.6. Harry Mulenga, Tucson (2018)

Top Three Overall Women's Mile Times: 

1. 4:53 Courtney Barnes 24, Flagstaff (2019)
2. 5:00 Leah Rosenfeld 29, Flagstaff (2018)
3. 5:04 Rachel Johnson (2021)

TEAM AWARDS

Team prize money: $300 for each winning team of 5, men's and women's division, following cross country scoring. Teams can be as many people as desired, but all members must be registered in completion by May 24 at midnight, Arizona time. The top five in each team will score and first place will be awarded following the standard cross country scoring format. 

NOTE: Prize Money double-dipping is allowed (for example, a runner may receive both overall and masters money and team money)

NOTE: all teams must be formally registered as a team by midnight May 24. There is NO race week team registration and no in-person team registration.