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Apr 29, 2024

Shiprock Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Shiprock Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.4

Organization 4.5

Spectators 3.3

Number of comments: 48 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]

R. M. from Colorado, USA (7/10/2007) "Loved it, recommend it, and would like to return!" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Shiprock Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I loved this race. It was much better than my first marathon and I PR'd by over 30 minutes. It's true that there was snow at the start, wind the whole time, and hail at mile 23 but the course was scenic and starkly beautiful and staffed by incredible people. Everyone was very friendly, the rest stops were well-stocked, and spectators/race personnel went out of their way to help the runners when needed. Out-of-staters should be aware that this is not a low altitude race (6,000 feet near the start and ending just under 5,000 feet) and that the weather can vary greatly in early May. This year, 2007, was cold, rainy, and windy, but return racers said 2006 was pretty hot and dry. The food at the end was basically water and fruit but the massage room was heaven-sent for cold and tired muscles. The age-group and overall awards were gorgeous pottery vases, bowls and plates, individialized for each place/group. Unfortunately, I didn't get one but the possibility of winning one is a huge draw to return.
B. K. from Ontario, Canada (5/14/2007) "Cold and windy run" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Shiprock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Shiprock 2007 was definitely not my best run. In fact, I finished in much worse than my average time. I caught a bad cold three days before the run and I did not have a chance to recover. The beginning of the run was very cold, even with a few snowflakes. However, we got hot and dynamic support from the organizers, including the uplifting drums. The wind was very strong. Fortunately, it was blowing in the right direction, pushing the runners forward, towards the distant finish line. Dedicated and friendly volunteers offered drinks, fruits, energy gels and spiritual support. I liked the scenery, especially the overwhelming presence of the majestic Shiprock. The final approach to the finish line was slightly slowed because of the dirt road. I liked the T-shirt and the medal. The event was organized very well. However, I would expect more than just water and bananas as the post-race food. Thank you, Navajo people for a very memorable event.
J. M. from San Diego, CA (5/10/2007) "Nice, scenic, small marathon" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Shiprock Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 If you are looking for something different than a major urban marathon, Shiprock can offer that. Located in the Four Corners region, it is a nice point to point race on closed streets. Spectators are minimal, but water and fruit stations are frequent and well stocked. Lots of natural beauty on the course and in the area for afterwards.
R. H. from Arizona (USA) (5/7/2007) "Ideal weather; great race." (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 4-5 Shiprock Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Cool weather; no traffic; well organized - plenty of aid (water & relief) stations, EMTs, law enforcement, etc. Toughest part of course was last 1/3 mile (dirt road). In spite of this, this marathon was a personal best (after several years).
R. H. from United States (5/9/2006) "Great race; well organized." (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Shiprock Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Course is fair. Police did excellent job regarding traffic. Spectator support was great. Aid stations did a great job. One problem though - I think registration cut-off date should be closer to race, perhaps day before. Friend of mine could not enter; I am sure there were others as well. Overall (from the few marathon races I've run), this has to be the best one in all categories.
J. B. from USA (3/9/2006) "This race used to be much better!!!!!" (about: 2005) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Shiprock Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 Having run this marathon several times in the past, this is where I am drawing my remarks and comparisons from.... I was very disappointed in the 2005 race. The old one-mile out-and-back start was much better; it is always fun to see everyone who is in the race. The mile markers were not accurate and the course itself was short. The finish-line food had a poor selection and what was left was out in the sun and hot (and there was no ice). It was lacking the personal touch that the previous race directors brought to the race. I hope they can make some corrections; it used to be a good race.
B. C. from New Jersey (6/6/2005) "Very Scenic. Well organized." (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 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.
L. E. from Bishop, California (5/8/2005) "Wonderful race!" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Shiprock Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 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.
W. W. from Melbourne, Florida (11/7/2004) "High desert marathon: No air? No sweat!" (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Shiprock Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 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.'
S. C. from Farmington, New Mexico (5/18/2004) "Great job!" (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Shiprock Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 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!

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