Marathon runners roll through the Valley in 2019 Rock 'N Roll Marathon

PHOENIX, Ariz. (FOX 10) - It's that time of year again, the Rock 'N Roll Marathon is in town. The races shut down streets early this morning in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe.

For the 16th year in a row, The cities of Tempe, Phoenix and Scottsdale play host to nearly 30,000 runners and walkers for the Rock 'N Roll Marathon, half marathon and 10k races.

"We decided to come out and enjoy good people and good weather and a free beer after the race," said Rachel, a runner.

When you look out in the crowd you see folks from all over not just the Valley, but the U.S...

"Yeah the energy with everybody makes you run a little bit faster, the adrenaline just kicks in," said Jessie, a runner.

Among the crowd of thousands, Senator Kyrsten Sinema was front and center of the half marathoners. She says today reminds her of a different kind of race.

"65% of all half marathoners are women and we see the same thing happening in electoral politics, as more women are rising up to help represent their communities," said Senator Krysten Sinema.

Sinema adding she loves the charitable aspect of this event.

"The Iron Man Foundation has started a program called Rock this Town and they're contributing thousands of dollars to non-profits in our area, so everyone who's racing today is racing for a bigger cause," explained Sinema.

With 40 different musical acts along the race routes and thousands of cheering fans, some would say it's impossible not to have a rocking' time.

"I was telling her on the way, I was like it's the endorphins, everybody is so friendly when they're out here like this early on a Sunday. they're like chatty and fun and I think it's the exercise," said Rachel.