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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 31 to 41]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > ]

Craig Chilton from Provo, UT (11/21/2006) "My face hurt as badly as my legs (from smiling)." (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 First marathon, and I could not have chosen a better race to get me hooked on long-distance running. The surroundings make it worth the trip, and the organization makes it worth any price.
H. S. from Salt Lake City, UT (11/21/2006) "Great Course - Hard Course" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 It's a tough marathon, but a really pretty run through red rock and desert. It looks kind-of like Death Valley, or Lake Powell, I kind-of felt a little like Forrest Gump running through the desert. It's an out and back through the Valley of Fire State Park. There's some rollers and, and a few long uphill grades. There's a section going out from the Visitor Center to the top of a dugway about mile 6 to mile 12 that is relentless and you can see that steep dugway coming from a long way out. There is a big hill mile 24 to 25, with a pitch that is San Francisco steep at the top. That was just cruel. I remember coming down it on the way out, and thinking gosh this is steep, this could be a problem. It has a 1.2-mile downhill finish. I'd recommend this race, but definitely not as a first marathon. It was fun, kind of a low-key, small town marathon probably about 100 or so starters in the marathon. They also had a 1/2M and a 10K, maybe 300 people total, most were there for the 1/2M. The race is pretty casual, no prize money, virtually no spectators, kind-of a cool shirt & medal for finishers. Support was great. The organizers are very friendly. Park your car at Overton Beach on Lake Mead, and take a short bus ride to the start, sing the national anthem and you're off. If you like small races and don't mind a hard course with good scenery, you'd like this race.
Drake Stockert from Peoria, Illinois (11/21/2006) "Spectacular course and great organization" (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I just ran the 2006 race and had a great adventure. The course is demanding with spectacular scenery. Everything was well organized. Aid stations every two miles were well stocked and had enthusiastic and helpful volunteers. Beautiful age-group award and medal and I appreciated receiving my award promptly after finishing instead of waiting for a long period for an award ceremony. I would highly recommend this race to anyone.
C. W. from Washington State (11/20/2006) "The most glorious, well run race ever." (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I love the course, support was plentiful even for us back-packers, organization was perfect, there were friendly staff and runners, and there was a great t-shirt design and colors. Lots of hills, but they were so gorgeous that they added to the fun. Thank you! Begin at 7 or 7:30 to avoid some heat?
Joshua Hurt from Las Vegas NV (11/20/2006) "WOW I'm addicted to marathons because of this race" (about: 2006) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 You know you have a great event when you're lying on your back screaming because your calves are cramping from the hills and you're thinking about how you can't wait till next year's race. I recommend this race for anyone who is looking for a scenic and challenging run with a small family feel. When the race director's husband comes over to massage your calves (cramping) you know they think of everyone as family....I had a great time. finishing this race was one of the proudest moment of my life. coming around the bend seeing the row of flags lining the last .2 miles I almost cried.....great director, great day, great event A++++
TriChik .com from Las Vegas, NV (11/19/2006) "Back again for more" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Valley of Fire Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I enjoyed this marathon so much that I had to come back for more. I ran it my first time with Dean Karnazes as part of his Endurance 50 and had such a wonderful time I wanted to come back for more and run their live event. True to form, the race directors put on a great event that I recommend wholeheartedly as a must-do race!
T. .. from Henderson,NV (10/7/2006) "You Should Run this Race!" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran this awesome course as part of the Endurance 50 with Dean Karnazes. Having run a marathon with him the day before, I had something to compare it to, as to what to expect on a "re-created" race. The race directors were highly involved in the event and made it a very special and magical experience for all. The mile markers and finisher's chute was fantastic! What a gorgeous course. Tough - but worth every step. Please run this race and keep the course and spirit of this great race alive!
D. M. from Southern California (12/26/2005) "C and C: Challenging and Comfy Too!" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This marathon feels wonderful throughout. It starts with the email acknowledgement sent by the director and continues through the packet pick-up at the local community center to the gorgeous scenery and race-day support by the community. It's a race and locale that is one of my 'best finds' of the last several years. The course, while challenging, is quite enjoyable with some varied and fantastic red rock scenery. Nice finish line support and perfect weather throughout. I'll certainly be back in 2006!
M. M. from Las Vegas NV (11/28/2005) "Fantastic event.... Wouldn't miss it for the world" (about: 2005) 2 previous marathons \| 2 Valley of Fire Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Can't say enough good things about this race. Course is tough but fun and very scenic. I've run it for the last two years and will continue to participate. Only minor issue is the shuttle from the parking area to the race (actually that's half the fun...), but certainly don't let this very minor issue deter you. Race shirt is worth the entry fee alone! Don't think twice, enter it next year!!!
E. W. from St. George, Utah (11/21/2005) "A fantastic challange!" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I think this is a highly underrated marathon. The course, while quite challenging, is scenically staggering! Also on the course were some of the friendliest volunteers I have ever seen! Maybe this is in part due to the low number of participants, and maybe it's because they have that small-community attitude to always greet you with a smile. The Race Director did a fantastic job, and I honestly can't think of anything I would change. One thing that was different.... Awards were given out as you finish (placements and such), and I thought that was huge! Runners didn't have to wait around for the slow pokes (that's me!) and could get on with their day if they wanted to. Highly, highly recommended! Thanks to all those that put so much effort into this wonderful event!

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