Apr 29, 2024
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☰
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 41 to 47]
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B. N. from Farmington, NM - USA
(5/14/2004)
 "Mystical, breathtaking scenic course" (about: 2004)
First Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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. | |
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E. H. from Honduras
(5/14/2003)
 "Well Supported and Scenic" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 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. | |
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P. D. from Kodiak, Alaska
(5/4/2003)
"first time marathon - first-class experience" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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. | |
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A. S. from Toh Den Nez She'eh Arizona
(1/12/2003)
 "Ran in 02, will be back in 03" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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. | |
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A Runner from Norton, Kansas
(12/4/2002)
"Spectators, we don't need no stinking spectators!" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 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. | |
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A Runner from El Paso, Texas
(8/21/2001)
"Grueling course; Spectacular views" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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! | |
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A Runner from Oakland, California
(5/16/2001)
 "excellent marathon, gorgeous course" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I ran this marathon in 2001, it?s in the far Northwest corner of New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation. The course is spectacular, with the 1,700-foot high actual Shiprock - the 'rock with wings' in Navajo legend - in sight most of the way. Support from volunteers was tremendous. And this is small, community-based event sponsored mainly by Dine college, the main higher educational institution run by and for the Navajo people; it doesn?t have any big sponsors or any kind of big budget. Even so, it rivals any of the dozen marathons I?ve now run, and I?ve done some gorgeous courses (Humboldt Redwoods, Clarence DeMar, Napa Valley)as well as big-city heavyweights (Boston). The race starts at 6,000 feet and has some rolling hills so I doubt many folks will achieve a PR, but the experience will be that much more inspiring for taking a little longer. |
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