Mountain Marathon To Minor League Hockey: Unique Events in AZ

A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we're starting to see some glimmer of normalcy in the Grand Canyon State.

Yearly staples that were canceled due to the virus in 2020 are making their return to the calendar statewide, speaking to a rise in vaccinations and a decline in COVID-19 cases in Arizona.

The combination allows spectators to return en masse at sporting events and recreational events, like distance running events and other events, to return to the calendar.

Here's a smattering of the events that you can attend or take part in, in various parts of Arizona over the next month:

Family Campout: April 10-11, Patagonia Lake State Park

Families that are fans of the outdoors have a shot at taking in the sights and sounds of one of Southern Arizona's most pristine riparian regions in mid-April.

Patagonia Lake State Park, which is nestled into the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson, invites families to come and explore the park's facilities.

The lake, which is a bit of an oasis in the high desert terrain of Southern Arizona, offers a temperature reprieve from the scorching spring and summer months in the region.

For more information on the campout, visit Patagonia Lake State Park's site.

Whiskey Row Marathon: May 1, Prescott

A yearly staple in the mountain town of Prescott returns, as the Whiskey Row Marathon takes to the rugged terrain around the area. The race, which begins at 6 a.m., starts at a mile high (5,280 feet) and ascends from there to an apex of 7,000 feet.

The 2021 event has varying distances, from two miles to 10K (6.2 miles), half-marathon (13.1 miles) and a full marathon distance (26.2 miles).

The course gains all of its elevation over the first seven miles, according to the race site, before dropping back down to 5,600 feet at the halfway point.

The race course is mostly unpaved, with only the first and last 3.5 miles on paved surfaces, according to race organizers.

To sign up for the uniquely Arizona event, go to the race's website.

Cactus Man Triathlon: May 2, Tempe Arts Park (700 W Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe)

The sport of triathlon is returning to Tempe in May, when the Cactus Man Triathlon hits town. The event, which includes distances ranging from sprint to Olympic triathlon, is organized by 4 Peaks Racing, with the swimming portions of the races taking place in Tempe Town Lake.

There's also an option to compete in a spring or Olympic duathlon or an Olympic group relay for those looking to make it a team activity.

For more information on the event, visit the race's website.

Tucson Roadrunners home hockey contests: April 9, 10, 22, 23, 25/ May 14, 16, Tucson Arena (260 S. Church Ave., Tucson)

Arizona is full of professional and college sporting events over the next few weeks. It's rare to be able to attend a sporting event and not break the bank, however. The Roadrunners have tickets that range from $25-$41, meaning you can bring your family to the rink in downtown Tucson and not break the bank.

For more information on the Roadrunners' remaining home games, against the likes of the San Diego Gulls, Colorado Eagles and the Ontario Reign, visit the team's website.