Hello to the 745 runners and walkers who have signed up for the TMC Earth Day 5k held entirely on the grounds of the world-famous Biosphere 2, nestled at the base of the majestic Catalina Mountains, north of Tucson. 

To help you have a fantastic event experience, please take a few minutes to read through the information below, including the weekend schedule, the course map, driving directions, and more. Speaking of driving, please carpool if you can. We've tried to rent busses, but with no success, so it'd be great if you can share the driving with friends.

We have a great crew of volunteers, but we could still use some help on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. All volunteers get a free entry to the Biosphere 2 plus a race shirt. Sign up here: volunteersignup.org/PYAYC.

We're excited to see everyone in the coming days. Remember to rest up on Thursday and Friday so you don't have to do the race on tired legs!

We'll send one more final pre-race email later this week, but if you have any questions after reading everything, please email Randy at randy@runtucson.net.

Randy and Tia Accetta and the crew at Run Tucson

www.runtucson.net | www.instagram.com/runtucson | www.facebook.com/runtucson

745: registrants at this writing, 452 female, 290 male, 1 non-binary, 2 unknown

1: Age of youngest registrant

85: Age of oldest registrant

22: 24-year-old's, the most participants of any age

93: Participants from the Phoenix area

19: States represented: Arizona, California, Michigan, Washington, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Alaska, Colorado, North Carolina, Nevada, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio

1: Runner from Gloucestershire, England

1,280 and 93: Dollars donated to the Biosphere 2 and number of donors -- thank you!

725: Souvenir shirts for you to choose from. 600 sublimated short sleeve shirts + 125 cotton shirts. All shirts come in a unisex and "ladies' cut and all shirts will be first-come, first-served for size and style.

3: packet pickup times for you. See the schedule below

NEW:

Thursday, April 18 at The Running Shop, 3055 North Campbell, Tucson

4:00 - 6:00 pm Packet pickup and in-person registration.

T-shirts to the first 725 registered

Yes: you can pick up the number/shirt of other people

Yes: you can shop for cool goodies at The Running Shop

Yes: it may be crowded, so please be nice to everyone

Yes: we will use the new "dynamic bib" process from race timer "Roadrunner Race Timing." Tell the volunteers your last name and they'll will find your registration on an ipad, give you the next race number on the pile and snag you a t-shirt in the size you ordered. If you need help with sizing, the volunteers will try to assist you.

Friday, April 19 at The Running Shop, 3055 North Campbell, Tucson

4:00 - 6:00 pm Packet pickup and in-person registration.

T-shirts to the first 750 registered

Yes: you can pick up the number/shirt of other people

Yes: you can shop for cool goodies at The Running Shop

Yes: it may be crowded, so please be nice to everyone

Yes: we will use the new "dynamic bib" process from race timer "Roadrunner Race Timing." Tell the volunteers your last name and they'll will find your registration on an ipad, give you the next race number on the pile and snag you a t-shirt in the size you ordered. If you need help with sizing, the volunteers will try to assist you.

Saturday, April 20 at Biosphere 2, 32540 S Biosphere Rd, Oracle, AZ 85739

7:30 - 8:15 am Race day registration and packet pick up in the parking lot by the front entrance at the Biosphere 2. The front entrance is about a 5 minute walk to the start line.

Yes: you can pick up the number/shirt of other people

Yes: it may be crowded, so please allow plenty of time to be prepared

Yes: we will use the new "dynamic bib" process from race timer "Roadrunner Race Timing." Tell the volunteers your last name and they'll will find your registration on an ipad, give you the next race number on the pile and snag you a t-shirt in the size you ordered. If you need help with sizing, the volunteers will try to assist you.

Please consider carpooling as parking is limited on site. Remember, it is about a 40 minute drive from mid-Tucson.

8:00 or so: Food trucks, with snacks and drinks available for purchase

8:30 am: Start time for TMC Earth Day 5k Run/Walk, Shrimp Chaperone gets going, with more finish line announcements and music by Starlight Deejays! Post-race snacks of cookies, chips and more courtesy of TMC.

9:45 am or so: Free Kids Dash on the Great Lawn

10:00 am or so: Awards, courtesy of the Running Shop. Remaining shirts given to late registrants.

10:15 or so: Event wrap-up, with ongoing Biosphere 2 activities

Ongoing: All registrants can visit Biosphere 2 on their own -- no need for a formal tour! All non-running guests can purchase Biosphere 2 admission for the discounted rate of $10 (before 8:30 am) and all children under 12 are free.

All remaining shirts will be brought to the Running Shop and available for remainder pickup between April 26 - May 15.

If anyone wants to help at packet pickup or on race day you can sign up here: volunteersignup.org/PYAYC

Climate Action Campaign may be on hand, with information about their vibrant coalition of a dozen major national environment, environmental justice, and public health groups.

Their goal is to reduce climate pollution and accelerate the transition to clean energy and a sustainable society in ways that support justice, jobs, improved health, and quality of life for all.

According to the Climate Action Campaign, the Biden administration has allocated more than $53 billion to deliver cleaner air, tackle climate pollution, and advance environmental justice. This includes $6.9 billion for tackling climate pollution, $270 million for cleaner air, and $45.7 billion for environmental justice.

If you want to get engaged with this sort of Earth Day action, please see https://www.actonclimate.com for more information on their national work.

10% Discount to El Conquistador Tucson: Click here to register for a discounted stay at the famed El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort in Oro Valley, nestled against the northern side of the Catalina Mountains, a mere 20 minute drive to the TMC Earth Day race. Perfect for visitors and a Staycation!

Here's what El Conquistador says: Like no other destination, at El Conquistador you will find a thoughtfully blended atmosphere of local and indigenous offerings paired with our flexible meeting space and impeccable service. Imagine a Southwest hideaway where desert beauty surrounds you and recently remodeled guest rooms and suites wrap you in luxurious comfort.

At dusk, a Native American flute player delights all with the soothing sounds of indigenous music, which has been described as one of the greatest expressions of spirit, heart, and healing. As you sit back and relax, you’ll feel the stresses of your day lift as peace and serenity surround you.

Arizona Zipline Adventures: We're happy to announce a 15% discount to the famed Arizona Zipline up in Oracle, about 15 minutes from the Biosphere 2. Apply the code EARTHDAY at the Zipline checkout and bring in your number to validate the 15% discount. Offer valid through April 30, 2024.

See https://www.ziparizona.com to reserve your slot!

Yoga Pod Tucson has joined Run Tucson as a sponsor of our upcoming events. We're thrilled that Yoga Pod supports the running community, so check out their schedule of classes to find everything you want, from Flow to Fit. Visit them at St. Phillip's Plaza or see their schedule at https://tucsonyogapod.com/schedule.

Packet Pickup and Race Day Registration: On race morning, park in the primary parking lots, then walk through the Visitor's Entrance and down the sidewalks to the Great Lawn. Packet pickup and race day registration is in front of the Visitor's Entrance.

Terrain: The race starts and ends on grass, but it's mostly pavement, with a brief dirt section ... and, well, it's hilly in some sections...

Measurements: The route is accurately measured but not certified. Click here to see an online map of the course.

The Start: The event starts on the grass of the Great Lawn, crosses some gravel, then drops down a steep hill. After the first downhill, you will pass the Biosphere 2 building on your left while you head uphill. The course has changed this year, so at about the .3 mile mark you will turn right onto a freshly paved flat section of the course, before heading up another gradual hill. If you ran this event in the past two years, you will be happy with this updated, flatter section of the route!

First Mile: After the first half-mile or so, you'll continue heading north on a mostly flat section, before taking a sharp right turn and plunging downhill. Off to your left will be the Catalinas as you head downhill, then you'll begin a gentle climb back up to the beautiful dirt road section, with the mountains to your left and the Biosphere 2 to your right.

Second Mile: The second mile will be a bit twisty as you go past the historic Ranch House from the 1870's, then swing downhill past the stables and onto the flat-ish out-and-back.

Water Stop: There will be a water stop at approximately 1.75 miles into the course, just after the steep downhill and before you hit the out-and-back.

Third Mile and the Finish: There will be about a 1/3 of a mile of very gradual downhill to the turnaround, then you'll come back heading towards the Biosphere 2. Please stay to the left side of the road on this stretch, both on the out and on the back.

The final stretch will head back up the hill to the finish line in the middle of the Great Lawn.

MISCELLANEOUS

Chair Athletes: Chair athletes may find this a doable but challenging course, with a couple of steep hills and the dirt road.

Strollers: Strollers are allowed in the race, but please be mindful of the hills and ensure that you are tied to the stroller you're pushing. Please remember sun protection.

Bring the Kids: There will be a free Kid's Dash, plus other activities for children to enjoy. Children 12 and under can enter the Biosphere 2 for free between the hours of 6am and 10am.

Pets and Service Animals: While pets are not allowed inside Biosphere 2 or on the grounds, service animals that are trained to do a specific task are welcome. Please do not leave pets unattended in vehicles.

Headphones: We recognize the popularity of headphones, but urge you to do the 5k without headphones so that you can be aware of your surroundings and perhaps even talk with those running and walking near you.

Photographs: Special thanks to Damion Alexander of Long Realty for taking photographs and providing images on his various pages. See https://www.facebook.com/TheDamionAlexanderTeam

SKRATCH LABS will provide post-race recovery drinks! We love SKRATCH -- they are our go-to running recovery drinks at home and at our events! See https://www.skratchlabs.com/

Shrimp Chaperone: We've loved having Shrimp Chaperone play at our events, ever since they headlined our first New year's Hair of the Dog race years ago. You may remember them from playing their brand of Tucson Surf at the top of Sentinel Peak at the TMC A-Mountain Half this past October. See www.shrimpchaperone.com.

Special thanks to Lucas Tyler at The Running Shop for providing gift certificates to age group and overall winners of the TMC Earth Day 5k. As much as we like trophies, we prefer gift certificates as awards because they provide such tangible benefit.

Overall Male and Female Runners: 1st = $40 gift certificate; 2nd = $35; 3rd = $30

First Male Female 40+: $30 gift certificate

Age Group, U20 - through 80+

Male, Female

AG 1: $20 gift cert

AG 2: $15 gift cert

AG 3: $10 gift cert

Gift Certificates must be used by March 31, 2025, with the actual winner of the gift certificate present at use. Please note that gift cards will only be given to the actual award winner -- if you're not at the Awards Ceremony, you can pick up the gift card at The Running Shop after the race.

All athletes may choose either the male, female, or non-binary category. For this race we are providing age group awards in male and female categories. If you wish to not select a traditional gender category, you can leave this field blank in your registration.

Do Good! This event raises funds for the world-renowned Biosphere 2's Ocean Reef Lab. 

Discounted Visitor Pricing: All runners receive free entry to the Biosphere 2, while all all Earth Run spectators 13 years and older receive the reduced general admission fee of only $10 per person. Children 12 and under are free between the hours of 6am and 10am. Your admission not only gets you access to the grounds but is also good for the Biosphere 2 Experience. 

The Biosphere 2 Experience app helps guides you around and through Biosphere 2 and includes never before seen photos and videos that visualize the science and 30-year history. Through science stories and interviews you'll have the opportunity to learn more about our amazing, world-class research as you traverse a safe (socially distanced) one-way path around the exterior and through the human habitat and wilderness areas of Biosphere 2. Your admission fee helps to support Biosphere 2’s education and research initiatives.

Accessibility: While the race course is accessible to all, please be mindful of hills and varied terrain. Much of the Biosphere 2 campus is wheelchair accessible, though certain areas of the property are not accessible due the steep terrain and the presence of stairs. The majority of the biomes, including the desert, savanna, ocean and rain forest, are all accessible by wheelchair or scooter.

Self-paced App Guided Tour: The Biosphere 2 Experience is a self-paced app guided tour that will lead you through the rich history and current research initiatives of this remarkable facility. The Biosphere 2 app should be downloaded prior to arrival in order to get the most out of your visit. The Biosphere 2 Experience will take place both indoors and outdoors. Visitors should be prepared for the following physical requirements:

• 60 to 75-minute tour
• Approximately 100 stairs, both up and down
• 1-mile route to walk
• Varying weather conditions (Biosphere 2 Biomes are maintained as tropical environments, temperature and humidity inside the facility can reach the high 90’s)

This event is a partnership between Run Tucson and the University of Arizona's Biosphere 2.