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Apr 29, 2024

Valley of Fire Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Valley of Fire Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.8

Organization 4.2

Spectators 3.2

Number of comments: 52 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

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T. L. from Canyon Country, CA (11/23/2008) "Gorgeous & grueling course, well run race" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I really liked this marathon. The RD did a good job despite a sudden influx of entries in the last week, mostly runners who were signed up for Pasadena (which got canceled) and didn't want to waste all of that training. More volunteers would have helped since they were in short supply compared to the number of runners. You know you're in trouble when the RD refers to the second half as the hill from hell. The first mile was uphill, east up a road and through a slot canyon. The rock formations on each side are red sandstone, which is where the valley gets its name, sculpted by wind and water and most impressive. The 10K runners turn south here, while half-marathoners and full-marathoners keep going. We reach a crest and turn north and see the front runners disappearing in the distance. Yikes. The next few miles are up, down, up, down, until we reached the turnaround point, which is called the Domes. We'd been passing some gorgeous rock formations and got a second chance to admire them on the way back. I reached the 9 mile aid station and found out that we were doing a small out-and-back up a gravel road to an overlook, which turned out to be well worth the extra mile. The formations are almost pure silica and are quite a sight in the morning sun. The sign says that many of these are about 150,000,000 years old. Wow. When they were laid down, the dinosaurs were just starting to walk the earth. And there was no chip mat or course marshal there; you were on your honor to go around the outside of the cones. I can see why this course is not BQ certified! Back down the gravel road to the aid station and back through the slot canyon to the start, including a fast run down the road we labored up in the first mile. Halfers went to the left and the finish line, while full runners went to the right. And this is where it got tough. It was 7 miles of hard uphill slog. I got passed by a few people and passed a few more. We had a detour around Atlatl Rock, where we got to see petroglyphs! Very interesting. Then Arch Rock, which has a big natural arch sculpted by wind and which will eventually collapse, but, says the sign, not for a few thousand years yet. (One advantage to being a back-of-the-packer: you get to see and appreciate a lot more of the surroundings than the serious racers who are focusing on the few feet of pavement immediately in front of them at all times.) We finished circling the rocky outcrops and got back onto the road, still going up. I stopped at each aid station and ate some sliced oranges. They were letting cars into the park so the aid station folks warned me to stay left and watch the traffic - and they were right, some people were not driving safely. I'm used to it, but I suspect some runners are going to be intimidated by oncoming traffic. One nice thing about the second half being a big out-and-back is that you get to see the same people several times, so you know how you're doing and can greet other runners as you pass them. Up to the top of a very steep hill, and I thought the turnaround was at the top, but no, it was 3/4 of a mile farther onto the plateau. I reached the turnaround point and get ready to cross the road to the aid station and head back, and (&$(&^)$!! Here come four cars in succession, so I had to wait for them. I swear they were waiting around the corner for me! Back down, and I was wondering if I'd DFL, if everyone behind me decided to DNF the full and settle for the half, but I saw six behind me so I realized that I was not last. I knew I could hold my place if I had to. It was all downhill (well, except the last 50 yards) from here. Back down the hill we worked so hard to go up. Past the ranger station again, long slog to the rock outcrops, past formations we didn't see on the way up. One group is named the Beehives, and they do actually look like beehives. Finished and got greeted by two volunteers and one brown hairy tarantula. Gorgeous scenery, grueling course, great RD, and good organization. I might do the Valley of Fire Marathon again, and I would certainly recommend it to someone who's looking to add Nevada to their list. This is a way to see a less-known corner of a sparsely populated state that's within an hour's drive of a major metropolis.
F. N. from USA (11/23/2008) "Great course - terrible organization" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 I wanted to run the 2008 Valley of Fire Marathon after reading the reviews of previous years, and I was both amazing by the course and equally disappointed by the organization. There was no sports drink available on the first 15 miles of the course, which meant that everyone had to run a challenging course, which was warming up rapidly, drinking just water. Not only was I worried about the possibility of hyponatremia but the next 5 miles (15-20) were the harshest and steepest miles I've ever run - virtually hiking. When I finally got to drink some Heed (sports drink), my muscles were already cramping badly. The aid station volunteers were excellent, the course spectacular, and the fellow runners fantastic. The most I've ever been tested, which I enjoyed, but more than I should have been.
H. M. from Las Vegas, NV (11/23/2008) "What a joke!" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 I can go on and on about how beautiful the scenery was, how challenging the hills were and how great the weather turned out to be, but it's a shame my experience was tainted by a shotty RD and poorly managed marathon. With all the hard work for the day, I was shorted the full distance. For starters, the parking was a nightmare. There was no sound system and a general feeling of chaos. We noticed that not all mile markers were marked and some were spaced more than a mile apart. As a safety issue, runners were running on the wrong side of a road with no shoulder to get to the aid stations!!! The inexperience of this RD really showed. The volunteers and park staff were obviously not given proper instruction and misdirected a majority of the runners. And one final gripe: Donuts and water at the finish? What a joke. I will NOT do this race again if the same RD is handling it. Safety first!
D. L. from Las Vegas, NV (11/22/2008) "Disappointing 2008 race" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 This is regarding the 2008 half marathon: I entered this race based on the reviews that it had received in the past years. I ran the half and was extremely disappointed. The front-of-the-packers had no idea where to go and thus missed about a mile and a half of the race. There were no signs or volunteers directing us. The times had to be adjusted at the end of the race, which really wasn't fair to those who did complete the full race. Also, I didn't see the oranges and bananas that were promised at every aid station. The weather was a bit cool in the beginning but it ended up being a great day. The VOF scenery is beautiful but be ready for some steep inclines and declines. The medals were a little flimsy but the technical shirts were nice. Runners have great heart and passion for their sport, but this race does little to support that. I personally will not be running this one again.
Markus Lehr from Germany (6/10/2008) "2008: The most spectacular course" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Valley of Fire Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I have been running this marathon in 2005 and 2006. In November 2007, I ran the NEW 2008 (half-marathon) course myself. The weather in 2007 was as it always used to be: clear blue sky, cold in the morning then rising to the low 70s. The new course: Now starting from the Visitor Center up to the White Domes and a vista point, then back down (= half marathon). From here following the old marathon course with a loop to the Arch Rock and up the big hill. Then back to the Visitor Center. Bottom line: The most scenic landscape I ever was allowed to run in! Now extremely multi-colored, strange rock formations! (Totally different from the red rocks of the old course. This is by far more than "just a State Park.") Absolutely wonderful people! Not a fast course due to the hills, no shade or vegetation, mostly paved with a few miles gravel road now. The marathon now passes the start and the finish twice (= fans). For VOF veterans: There will be no bus trouble anymore. Just drive to the start/finish line. You can be sure: Time flies! You will always look at the changing scenery and never worry about the hills.
C. J. from Tooele, UT (5/1/2007) "Beautiful (but once or twice Brutal) Course" (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The desert and red rock scenery of this course are spectacular - and it really does make the significant climbs (for example the first mile and a good part of the the last mile) feel less arduous than they would otherwise be. I only did the half, but neither would likely be considered fast courses; however, the organizers do a good job and the race size is appropriate. Don't expect fan support - there isn't any except at the very end - but you may get even better motivation from the scenery. Don't come for the race expo or the pasta dinner, but come to be inspired by a beautiful place that makes running worthwhile.
J. M. from Saffron Walden, England (12/11/2006) "Stunning Event" (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I came over from England as I wanted an exciting and scenic place to run my 130th marathon. And did this deliver! This event exceeded my already high expectations and I cannot remember enjoying an event so much. The course has a desert beauty unknown in Europe. The first half is challenging then eases off, but there is a sting in the tail with a short, steep hill to climb near the end. You are so entranced by the surroundings that you barely feel discomfort, though. The organization is super with a nice medal in the shape of the state of Nevada on finishing. Nevada has a gem in this event.
F. H. from Salt Lake City, Utah (11/27/2006) "The greatest event each November" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Valley of Fire Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my third year running the Valley of Fire Marathon; it's worth the drive from Utah to Nevada. I like the late starting time, which allows for more sleep. One thing that really helped a lot this year was the support from other runners. Toward the end, as I was coming in, I saw several runners who were driving the course in vehicles and encouraging the rest of us coming in. The encouragement they offered was incredible. Race organization was done very well, and we started on time... well, almost. Prior years offered a shuttle from the Best Western as the host hotel; I had planned on that this year and it wasn't available. The last mile is incredible - all downhill after the nasty hill at mile 25. I hope the problems with the forest service can be overcome, as I would love to come run this one again next year.
Eddie Hahn from Rancho Cucamonga, CA (11/23/2006) "Mesmerized by the Scenery, Forget the Difficulty" (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The packet pick up at the pasta dinner went fine. The packet included a couple of flyers, some energy bars and a very nice all-weather, long-sleeve, brick red and gray race shirt with ZERO advertising! The shirt prominently notes the marathon on top of the race logo, with smaller print on the bottom denoting the accompanying half marathon and 10-kilometer events. (It would have been helpful if a set of final instructions were included in the packet, the absence of which adds a little confusion to participants such as me who don't always remember to print pages from the website.) The pasta dinner is a non-profit, low-key affair, which is available for a $7 "donation." If you prefer any variety, I recommend eating elsewhere. A tomato sauce-only variety of spaghetti was available, along with a salad (lettuce only, and dressing), and ice cold (tap) water. Although I had camped inside the park, I was directed to park near the beach (lake) five miles outside the park, and to take the bus back to the start, which was somewhat of an inconvenience. (This didn't bother me; I like getting a chance to meet other participants and socialize in such a forum.) What frustrated me was that the starting line "taking the bus to the start requirement" was not enforced, and I would estimate 30 or more cars parked there by the time the race(s) started. The race itself I would describe as extremely challenging and generally uphill all the way out to the turnaround, and downhill all the way back (except a very serious climb at mile 24). The eight-mile stretch that is actually located within the parks boundaries is so scenic that I was more focused on the beauty of my surroundings than the effort I was making to climb the hills. The marathon is expertly run and has obviously been honed over the years to a fine science. For a small marathon it is supported better than many of the big ones I have run. I told a couple of the volunteers I was being spoiled. If you choose this as your first marathon event, logistically I can't imagine you being much better off. Bananas, energy bars, Gu, Gatorade and water were available every two miles the entire route! A full size US national flag prominently marks every mile along with large, white, mile marker boards, easily observed from a distance. There was also a .2-mile stretch of flags denoting the finish, along with a digital overhead clock. At the finish, another nice added touch was the icy cold hand towel, which was handed off just before the finisher's award - a medal in the shape of Nevada suspended by a white ribbon, displaying a male and female runner silhouetted by the sun. Abundant finish line food included yogurt, bananas, juices, bottled water, energy bars and more.
R. V. from Mission Viejo, Ca (11/22/2006) "A GREAT EVENT" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Valley of Fire Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run this twice and can't say enough good things about the organizers, volunteers, and fellow runners. This is a well-run, low-key race. A beautiful and, yes, very challenging course. No complaints about the hills.... That's why we came - to be challenged, right? The race director, and helpers were extremely accommodating, something you just don't get from other races. Don't let the hills scare you off; you can always run the half. Come out and enjoy all that this event has to offer.

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