As a runner from the east coast who normally trains at sea level (I live 2 blocks from the beach on weekends), this was quite the change. I enjoyed the scenic aspect of running in the desert out west. It was great to experience the Indian culture of New Mexico. All the water stops were staffed by Indian families. This is a small race with no crowd support so you need to rely on your mind and the beautiful surroundings to get you through. This being my 49th marathon, I truly enjoyed the experience and recommend it to anyone who enjoys the peace and serenity of a long run alone.

I really enjoyed this race. It takes place entirely within the Navajo Nation, and the Navajo people (both runners and spectators) were as warm and welcoming as they could be. The race was very well organized. It started right on time, there were plenty of aid stations, the first 20 miles were very scenic and closed to all non-race traffic, and the pottery awards were beautiful (if I'd have know how nice they were, I would have run faster!). On the downside, there are no hotels in Shiprock, so most participants have to take a 2-hour bus ride from Farmington to the start and another one-hour bus ride back to Farmington after the race. It makes for a very long day, but the special cultural and scenic qualities of this race make it well worth a little extra hassle.

After training at sea level, the 6,000-foot altitude was a shock. There's no air! I'm going to die! Where's the straggler bus? OK, keep breathing; just back off the pace about 30 seconds per mile and enjoy the run. Conversely, compared to Florida's humidity, there wasn't any. I was used to sweat dripping off the bill of my cap, but my running clothes didn't even get damp.

The course was not closed to traffic, but Sheriff's patrols kept it slow and thus reasonably safe. Twenty miles on a mostly straight two-lane road was a bit boring, but the gently rolling hills and incredible views helped. Besides the 'Shiprock', we could see water and relay points up to two miles ahead. During Mile 8, I watched the line of ants crawling over a hilltop almost four miles ahead. The last 10K was all downhill. Hurray!

The lack of an expo or pasta party was disappointing. I like meeting other runners in a relaxed atmosphere. Bus convoys to/from the hotels and the start/finish were good. Except for the finish, there were virtually no spectators. The only non-runners were the relay teams and other participants' supporters.

The finish was well organized with free (tips only) massage, Navajo singers/dancers, lots of food, water and Gatorade, but NO ICE. Gee, it's only 85, who would want COLD drinks? The place awards were beautiful hand-painted Navajo pottery. Nice!

In general, put this marathon on your list under 'Something different worth doing once.'

Hats off to the organizers! You all did a super job and although there were some wrinkles I'm sure you'll get them ironed out for next year. For a race in the middle of no where, you could not ask for anything more. I'm sure others will have there complaints but this race could become one of the best in New Mexico. By the way, thanks for getting rid of the out and back at the start!

This was my first marathon. The course is just right, rolling hills which aren't too steep; I was hoping and praying the weather would be calm (no wind), which was awesome, perfect. The scene may be a bit too plain, desert-like, but if you know your history about the area, it's mystical, mysterious, and very breathtaking. I'm glad I had a chance to participate. The event was well organized with plenty of roadside aid. Thank you.

My opinion of the 2003 event was that it was generally well organized and scenic.

The only reason I suggest "generally organized" is because of a few minor chnages that could make the race a bit more efficient.

I was a late registrant and despite paying the entry fee, I did not receive a t-shirt. I was told it will be mailed and I am confident it will. It's just a little disheartening to enter and not receive a shirt, although, understandably, it's hard to predict in advance how many late entrants the race would garner.

Secondly, I would suggest a few more amenities at the finish area. To my recollection only soda, water, and possibly a banana were offered. Maybe a few more sponsors could be procured to boost post-race amenities.

Lastly, long lines of late entrants could have been shortened slightly by affording entrants the opportunity to complete the pre-race entry prior to coming to the front of the line. (Race day applications were only provided at the front of the line, and thus had to be filled out while other participants waited).

As for the course....it was extremely well thought out and all stops were very well organized. Water in the early miles, Gatorade later, and banana slices, orange slices, and other sugary substance items were provided after the 17-mile mark or so. Excellent forethought on the part of the course/race organizer. Additionally, there were several well placed porta johns...a must since there are no trees to duck behind on this course!

Relays are run congruently with the marathon (at unique intervals)....and the boost of the relay transition support fans really helped. Here, the directory deserves even more credit. He saw to it that the rehydration stations were strategically placed AWAY from the marathon relay transition points, so congestion was avoided.

The course was, in my opinion, very scenic. Nothing beats the scenic area of the southwestern US desert and the great Shiprock can be seen for miles.

The course is moderately rolling and generally downhill. The early start avoids most of the hot weather, though slower runners may encounter some heat towards the end of the race. Other than the relay transitions, you will have to be a self-motivator... not many fans out there in the desert.

The shuttle that travels between the 'race' hotel and the start takes you on a two-part journey: first from the hotel in Farmington to Shiprock, and then from Shiprock to the start (in Arizona) on the Navajo Nation.

Our first marathon. We lucked out on the weather, as it was nice and cool all morning. After the hill near the beginning, downhills predominate. It was well coordinated and really friendly. The water stop volunteers were wonderful and more frequent than advertised. Thanks again. The spectators may not be numerous, but there's no shortage of roadside support when you do run by. A special thanks for the oranges and Gatorade and the two women with the megaphones at the last rest stop.

Excellent course if you can endure
pavement running. Just pray the
winds don't pick up, which they
do this time of the year. So push
for a personal best to beat the
winds as well as the heat which
could reach the 80's in May.

I ran this race in 2001. They did this real strange out and back after the first mile thing to begin -- didn't care for THAT. The altitude and hills are killer, there is NO spectator support unless you bring your own, so just be ready for those things and enjoy the nice scenery. This is not a p.r. course unless you are an altitude-trained athlete.

Ran my first marathon here in 1994. Rolling hills for the first 20 miles took a lot out of me. Nevertheless the charm and grace of this event was well worth the effort. But novices beware!