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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 41 to 51]

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J. C. from Los Angeles (11/20/2005) "Beautiful course, nice people. I love it." (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Beautiful course. A little bit hilly. If you love nature, you will enjoy this wonderful state park. Since there are only a few hundred runners, you can feel the organizer and volunteer's personal touch. Try stay another day to explore the entire park, explore different trails if you still can. The scenery is definitely worth the walk.
M. D. from Texas, USA (1/9/2005) "Beautiful Course... Hills!!" (about: 2004) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was a gorgeous course which is the reason I drove from TX to run :) This was my first marathon and I loved it. I did not prepare for hills; however I will make sure I do next time I run here as they are plentiful and continuous throughout the course. The volunteers were extremely friendly and the long-sleeved shirts are awesome! The finisher medals are also great. I had a wonderful time and hope to make it back again soon. Although a tough course, this scenery is absolutely wonderful? totally worth it!!
B. K. from Ontario, Canada (12/6/2004) "Tough run through beautiful Valley of Fire" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I saw the Valley of Fire for the first time briefly in the autumn of 2003. Soon I discovered that this beautiful place hosts a marathon and I immediately entered it on my list of 'runs to do'. And this year I did it. It was a great run and I did not think much about all those long and steep hills. I enjoyed the beauty of the valley with my every step. The event was organized well and supported by a team of excellent and dedicated volunteers - including those who spontaneously contributed to the transportation of runners from the staging area to the start line. I strongly recommend Valley of Fire to marathoners who want a tough and beautiful run and who can forget about their PR. Organizers, be prepared for even more runners in the years to come.
Bart Guthrie from Connecticut, USA (12/2/2004) "Awesome Marathon and Organization!" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was the first time I ran Valley of Fire; beautiful course, great organization and perfect weather made for an enjoyable experience. This was my 17th marathon and is far one of my favorites. The course is in the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada, a 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Las Vegas and has some of the most beautiful vistas this runner has ever seen. If you're willing to add 20 to 30 minutes to your marathon PR, this race is a must do. Add this course to your calendar if you enjoy running just for the sake of running and nothing else. Don't let the 1,500-foot climb from Lake Mead to the halfway point scare you off, it really is not that bad; go out adding about 30 seconds per mile to your race pace and you will have no problems. The course is rolling both uphill and downhill so you have a chance to recover somewhat from the long uphill sections. The longest uphill section is around mile 10 and the fastest drop is around mile 18. You'll need to save something for the short hill at mile 24 (there is an aid station located around mile 23 - use it and prepare to push yourself through that last 5K of the race). For this runner, the toughest section was from mile 13 to mile 16. After a gradual climb from mile 1 to mile 10, there was a gradual decline from mile 10 to mile 13 so you get to start the second half of the race retracing your steps going up hill. But once you hit mile 16 there are no hills worth mentioning until the short one at mile 24. The course is very quiet with few people on the sides of the road, in this setting, the last thing one would want was hoards of people yelling. There were aid stations located every couple of miles. The stations were well staffed and supplied with food and drinks. The replenishment drink tasted like something other than Gatorade (although the cups had the Gatorade logo), and diluting it with two parts water worked well. The awards (medals and framed prints) are unique keepers; very well thought out. The pre- and post-race food and drinks were abundant. Clean showers, change rooms and restrooms at the staging area and additional facilities at the start area (about 4 miles away by shuttle) made for a stress free pre-race routine. The long-sleeve shirts are stay-dry running shirts with custom silk screening, not just cheap cotton giveaways. Prepare well for the weather. While this park is part of the Mojave Desert conservation area and you can almost be assured of cool, dry conditions this time of year, weather can be a factor (it poured rain the next day for about 24 hours). A singlet, shorts and racing shoes sufficed; however, a hat and sunglasses may be a good idea (it was in the 50's and sunny at the start and finish and partly sunny along the course, the temperature dropped 5 to 10 degrees as you went up to the 1/2 marathon point, then gradually increases when you go back down. Every person I met there had a great time. There was a glitch in the shuttle bus from the staging area but the organizers came through ensuring the race started with everyone present. I would definitely do this race again and suggest that anyone looking for a memorable marathon do the same!
s. s. from USA (11/23/2004) "rough, but fun" (about: 2004) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 It was a hard course, but I really enjoyed the challenge. The hill at mile 24 was really rough. The aid stations were well organized and were prepared for every runner (nice bonus)! The race was small and personable. I enjoyed the run and plan on doing it again.
J. P. from the midwest (11/22/2004) "Knock-your-socks-off natural beauty" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 If you want big and gaudy, go to Vegas for their run. If you want a really beautiful run in one of the prettiest national treasures in the United States with a mountain of small town charm, then run this race. Stayed at the host motel where they had the packet pickup which was only a few miles from the park starting area. There aren't enough adjectives to describe the beauty of the Valley of Fire Marathon which is run on a two lane paved road out and back. Pretty simple. Well, you do have some elevation changes to deal with but it sure was worth the effort. Spectacular scenery seems like such an understatement. There aren't many spectators which is why it rated a low spectator rating but you don't need a cheerleading squad anyway. People going through the park honked and waved in encouragement as they went by. Thanks to all the volunteers who worked real hard and did a great job at the aid stations staying for every last runner. It was such a fun day and you were all so nice. The medal, shirt and post-race goodies were excellent. Run this race. It's a blast.
R. V. from Mission Viejo, Ca (11/22/2004) "SPECTACULAR COURSE" (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Great event, spectacular location, & a wonderful group of people. This is a great low key marathon with magnificent scenery. The organizers and volunteers were a great group of people. The course was challenging, but don?t let that keep you away. Aid stations were well stocked, & volunteers were helpful, friendly, & encouraging. Course was well marked with mile markers every mile & aid stations every other mile.
G. J. from Chicago, Illinois (8/25/2004) "A tough, but truly fun marathon" (about: 2003) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Valley of Fire Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 The sister-in-law of the race organizer picked me up at my hotel and drove me to the start, many miles away. That was merely the beginning of an absolutely well organized race. This was my 8th or 9th marathon that year and it was one of the best organized. Ample water, sports drink and gels. Cold and windy, with a strong headwind! Those were the weather conditions. The course was somewhat hilly, but really not all that bad. In the aggregate, however, the weather and course made for a really tough marathon. I look forward to running again.
K. D. from Provo, UT (11/24/2003) "Amazing Scenery - Well Organized Race!" (about: 2003) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran the 1/2 marathon in 2003 and had a wonderful time. The course is challenging but beautiful. The aid stations are plentiful, well-stocked and had friendly volunteers. I would recommend this race to anyone wanting amazing scenery in a smaller but well organized race.
M. R. from Huntsville, Utah (11/23/2003) "Great job" (about: 2003) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I wasn't sure I wanted to run this marathon because the organization had less than one month to get it ready and the website seemed to be pleading for volunteers. Now I'm glad I went. Parking was right next to the start/finish. There was a water station competition and all the groups were very helpful, happy and supportive. The medal, shirt and goodies were better than those at many larger and more expensive marathons. The course is very scenic and beautiful... and tough. My only wish is that they can put on a pre-race dinner next year. Thanks very much to the entire organization.

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