TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — It's the Saturday before Thanksgiving, which means thousands came out today for the 41st annual El Tour de Tucson.
This year’s races had about 10,000 participants; representing all 50 states and 13 countries.
“Just being part of something so big,” 102-mile rider, Matt McDonnell said. “There’s not a lot of opportunities to do something this large in our own town. It’s so cool.”
Events Included:
- 102-mile
- 5K run/walk
- 1 mile and 3 mile fun rides
- 62-mile
- 32-mile
For some participants, it’s a tradition they participate in every year.
“Going 100 miles at the speeds we’ll be going out of this platinum corral does take a significant amount of training,” Eddie Monin said. “So you do have to spend maybe three to six days a week for several months to get the fitness required for this type of event.”
However, for many, it was their first time participating. Isabella Macazani recently learned how to ride a bike and participated in the three-mile fun ride.
“I do two to three-hour bike rides normally, so me and my Tata decided why not come out to El Tour de Tucson,” Macazani said.
Since 1983, affiliate charities have raised about $121 million through El Tour de Tucson.
Crossing the finish line first in the 102-mile race with a record-breaking time of three hours and 30 minutes was Tyler Stites. The first female finisher was Chloe Dygert.
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Madison Thomas joined KGUN 9 in July of 2023 as a multimedia journalist. She graduated from Arizona State University in May of 2023 with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She has lived in Arizona her entire life and grew up in Douglas. Madison is thrilled to share the stories from the community she grew up in. Share your story ideas and important issues with Madison by emailing madison.thomas@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
