Marathon Expeditions FEST 2024
The FEST is Back!
Spring breakin’ Tucson style! The FEST is a reunion of active friends, doing the activities we love and exploring America’s southwest food, culture, and beauty.
Getaway for a fun-in-the-sun active weekend in the Sonoran Desert in Tucson, Arizona! Come for the sun, stay for the adventure! We’ll kick things off with a Mural Walk to experience Tucson’s art scene and a trail of vibrant murals. Then we’ll enjoy some of the best Mexican food in the nation!
Over the weekend, you’ll earn epic desert views in the Triple Tucson Hike Challenge, hiking in three beautiful parks in three days. You’ll hike the east and west Saguaro National Parks and Sabino Canyon with four different hike distances to choose from a casual nature hike to a beginner’s hike, a longer distance, and even a climb. There is a hike to suit everyone!
Along the long way, we’ll explore one of Tuscon’s most popular destinations – The Sonoran Desert Museum and you’ll have time on your own to check out other Tucson sights, relax and enjoy the sun on your face, and the trending food scene in the Old Pueblo (Tucson).
Itinerary
At-a-Glance
| Date | Day | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Day 1 |
Thursday |
Tucson, Arizona |
4:30pm – Mural Walk to experience Tucson’s art scene and Welcome Party at Tucson’s favorite Mexican Restaurant! |
|
Day 2 |
Friday |
Tucson, Arizona |
Morning hike #1 in the Tucson region followed by a visit to the Sonoran Desert Museum. |
|
Day 3 |
Saturday |
Tucson, Arizona |
Morning hike #2 in the Tucson region. Afternoon on your own to explore Tucson and relax and enjoy the sun. |
|
Day 4 |
Sunday |
Tucson, Arizona |
Morning hike #3 in the Tucson region followed by a Pickleball Bash! |
|
Day 5 |
Monday |
Tucson |
Depart home with fond memories of our Southwest FEST reunion. |
Welcome to the FEST Tucson!
We’ll kick things off with a Mural Walk to experience Tucson’s art scene and a trail of vibrant murals. Then we’ll enjoy some of the best Mexican food in the nation!
Dinner included. Overnight at Leo Kent Hotel.
Day trip to Saguaro National Park, famous for its giant Saguaro cacti and stunning landscapes.
Take a guided hike through the park, learning about its unique ecosystem and wildlife – Enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature and a visit to one of Tucson’s most popular destinations – The Sonoran Desert Museum. Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight at Leo Kent Hotel.
We’ll start our day with a morning hike in Sabino Canyon, one of the most beautiful spots in the area. There will be trails for all levels, including paved, gentle trails, and challenging climbs.
In the afternoon, you’ll have time to visit the historic Fourth Avenue to explore its unique shops, bars, and restaurants world heritage site for gastronomy (cooking). Breakfast included. Overnight at Leo Kent Hotel.
Rise and shine cowhands, we’re hiking the Saguaro National Park East! There will be trails for all levels, including short, gentle trails, and challenging climbs. Our final time together will be all about Pickleball and Party!
Day trip to Saguaro National Park, famous for its giant Saguaro cacti and stunning landscapes – Take a guided hike through the park, learning about its unique ecosystem and wildlife. Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight at Leo Kent Hotel.
We say our final goodbyes and head home with incredible memories of our adventure together. Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Breakfast included.
Pricing
PRICING – DOUBLE OCCUPANCY SHARING ROOM
* $1,795 per person double occupancy sharing a room.
* $2,235 per person single occupancy.
Booking
DEPOSIT
Booking Deposit – A $500 deposit is due at the time of booking. The final payment is due September 21, 2023.
Roommate Finder: If you are a single looking to share a room, please indicate this on the application and we will do our best to accommodate your request. You can also post to our private Facebook group for the already registered participants. Please note, if we are unable to arrange a roommate or if a roommate cancels, single rates will apply.
CANCELLATION SCHEDULE:
- Until July 21, 2023, $150pp cancellation fee.
- July 22 – September 20, 2023, $500pp deposit is non-refundable.
- After September 21, 2023: 100% of the event package is non-refundable.
Cancellations must be received in writing (email is fine) by the date indicated.
Trip Information
FEST Weekend Package Includes:
- 4 Nights Accommodation including taxes at the new Leo Kent Hotel
- Guided Tucson Mural Walk
- Welcome Dinner at El Charro
- Breakfast every morning
- Guided Saguaro National Park West Hike for All Levels
- Sonoran Desert Museum Entry
- Sabino Canyon Hike for all Levels
- Guided Saguaro National Park East Hike for All Levels
- Cowboy Picnic Lunch at Tanque Verde Ranch
- Transportation to all events
- Official FEST Gear: Tech Shirt, Hat, and Medal
- Private Facebook Group to get to know your new traveling friends, share training stories and tips, and support and motivation
- Jenny Hadfield and John Bingham will be your hosts for a wild and wonderful weekend in the southwest!*Extra nights are available to book in the booking form.
Bonus Sedona Adventure Option!
This year, we are adding a bonus small-batch adventure to beautiful Sedona, AZ! This will be limited to the first 16 people that book. This adventure will happen right after the FEST from Monday, March 25 to Friday, March 29th.
Included in the Sedona Adventure:
- Four nights of accommodation at the Sedona Sky Rock Hotel
- Daily breakfasts
- Two "Sedona's Best" Guided Hikes
- Backpacks, Trail Snacks or lunch, and Transportation, Permits
- Welcome Dinner
- Run Sedona Run, Walk, and Pizza Party
- Transport from Tucson to Sedona on March 25th
- Tech Shirt and Hat
$3,315 per person single rate
The cancellation schedule is the same as the FEST listed above.
