This marathon was a superb way to finish an amazing 4 day getaway (which included a 17 mile hike in and out of the grand canyon).
I loved the desert portions of the course; the hills were noticeable but not bad. The volunteers were enthusiastic and obliging. The pasta party was ok, but the guest speaker, a local historian, was phenomenal. The host hotel was excellent, as well.
Overall, it was a flavorful, scenic, small, well organized and supported marathon that i would recommend to anyone, except those that need endless crowd support.

A new marathon was recently announced that is scheduled to be run from Phoenix to Tempe, Arizona this coming January 11, 2004. The newest entry in the 'Rock and Roll Marathon' series expects to attract some 30,000 runners seeking warm, spring-like temperatures, a flat and fast course, and prizes totaling some $100,000. But if you're looking for a wintertime escape, that promises the same peerless weather conditions, but without the urban setting, corporate presence, and crowded conditions, then just wait a week, and head only about 30 miles to the east. There in the shadows of the Superstition Mountains, you'll find a real hidden treasure of a race that I was fortunate to run this year: The Lost Dutchman Marathon.

The Lost Dutchman Marathon is named for the late 19th-century, immigrant prospector, Jacob Waltz. Upon his death, or so goes the legend, a large cache of gold ore was discovered hidden beneath his bed. For more than a hundred years since, hardy and determined (and downright crazy) men and women have ventured into the desert wilderness surrounding Superstition Mountain in search of the Lost Dutchman's secret vein.

The unique local flavor, history, and beauty of the region are fully integrated in this small marathon that features amenities one might expect from a big-time event. Some five hundred (!) volunteers of all ages from the town of Apache Junction welcome runners from around the country to this event that, in addition to the marathon, offers a half-marathon, a 10K race, an 8K trail run, and a 2K Fun Run. In this, its second year, the marathon field doubled in size to around 400 runners, with another 600 or so taking part in the other races.

The race is co-sponsored and housed at the magnificent Gold Canyon Golf Resort, and in addition to the comforts of the hotel and adjacent Spa, runners found it very convenient that the race Expo and pre-race Pasta party all took place at the same location. Once the golfers had finished their rounds, it felt as if the entire resort had turned into an Athlete's Village, which made the afternoon poolside and hot-tub conversations interesting and exciting. And speaking of the Pasta dinner, instead of the customary panel of elite runners or marathon tipsters, the evening featured a delightful slide show and presentation by a renowned, local folklorist. He shared stories of the Superstitions, the Lost Dutchman, and of the many characters who, over the decades, have gone into the desert wilderness in search of their fortune.

It is hard to find any fault with the impeccable organization of the entire event. Special busses met runners who were staying at the Gold Canyon, and drove us right to the starting area, a trailhead clearing at the base of Superstition Mountain. There we found waiting for us some fifteen or twenty small bonfires, tended by local ROTC students, around which were gathered fellow runners fending off the pre-dawn chill of the desert. While we enjoyed hot drinks, cold water, or even some last-minute nourishment around the fires, our drop bags were being organized for us to find at the finish. In addition to the fantastic ambiance of the moment, I will never forget the magnificent sight of the first rays of the rising sun hitting the mountain peak right above us, as a full moon shone brightly right alongside!

The first six miles of the course took us down hill along a freshly graded dirt road, with the occasional roller coaster effect when we came into and out of the washes and dry streambeds. Alongside was the seemingly endless expanse of saguaro cactus, palo verde and mesquite of the Sonoran desert. The next five or six miles featured flat terrain along freshly paved stretches of roadway. Local flavor was again evident as the miles were marked with pickaxe and shovels, while more ROTC kids shouted out the race time. Water and aid stations were well manned, and several along the course featured signs and flourishes as if they were in competition to be the most welcoming watering hole in the desert!

The second half of the course certainly takes back what it seemed to have given in the early downhills. The course winds through rolling hills of older trailer parks and farms, and alongside newer developments and golf courses, all the while, with the mountains looming as backdrop. A long, unpaved section of uphill running near mile 21 is only one of the challenges the runners face as the mid-morning temperatures begin to rise. In the Marathon's first year, the menacing hill near mile 23 earned the nickname 'The Dutchman's Revenge,' and it more than lives up to its reputation! As we made our way up the hill, we could see at the crest a large painting of a brick wall with an archway opening in the middle. A sign alongside the (still unpaved) road told us 'Make it over the hill, and you're clear to the finish!' And yes, from there, it was mainly flat or downhill to the finish line in Prospector Park.

Even at the finish, the local flavor and runner-friendly amenities continued. In addition to the standard finish line fare of water, bagels, fruit, chips and juices, runners were offered breakfast burritos served warm and filled with eggs, cheese, and potatoes. I passed on the salsa. A couple of dozen massage tables provided more welcomed relief, and a plethora of prizes and giveaways from the many race sponsors kept the attention of runners and their families from each of the day's events. With water in hand and muscles somewhat soothed, I was more than happy to soak up a few extra rays of a 77-degree day in January!

So if you decide to try a wintertime marathon and feel like some Southwestern sunshine, I would suggest perhaps taking a pass on the mega-event, and heading to the desert! Chances are you won't be setting a PR on this course. But if you decide to enter old Jacob Waltz's namesake Marathon, even if you aren't the one to discover the legendary treasure, you're pretty much guaranteed to strike gold!

I decided on this as my first. I didn't perform as well as I'd hoped, but will always remember it for its charm. The organization is fantastic and flawless, the campfires warming us before the start provides a unique, intimate beginning to the day, and the volunteers are the best. If you're looking for a unique experience, this is it. It is a lot hillier than the home page would suggest with a lot of small ups and downs in the first six miles, then a few sustained uphills (with the corresponding downhills, of course.) You have to be prepared for that. Spectators are sparse, but enthusiastic. Offsetting those effects is the fact that a total of about 9 miles are on nice, soft dirt roads. Great race and the very best medal - the pictures don't do it justice.

I ran the Lost Dutchman last year as well as this year. All I can say is that it just gets better. The weather is great (I left single digits behind in Chicago)and the scenery is spectacular. The host resort is great, the service, price and they are the perfect host. This marathon will be an annual pilgrimage for me. I want to be one of the few that can say I ran them all. By the way, the hills dont seem as bad this year. Maybe I just trained harder, but Dutchman's Revenge at 23 is steep but you can run it with determination. The course still has challenge to it but I recommend it to anyone wanting a great winter marathon and weekend getaway. Thanks and I'll see you in 2004. Love the medal!

All I can say is wow! This was my 19th marathon. Running coast to coast, I wanted a desert setting. I chose The Lost Dutchman and it is now my most memorable. Most comments from other runners say it all. Its not easy! But the setting, the medal, the organization and the host hotel were perfect. I brought my family. The kids learned about and saw the desert from the local parks to Sedona. The host hotel has excellent food, staff, accommodations, a spa, natural mountainous setting and special prices that were unbelievable for the race dates. Gold Canyon Resort. If they stay the host, book early, Its a fantastic place. A few minor things could improve but the director listens and improves on things. This will grow each year, I'm sure. I was impressed.

I just ran the Lost Dutchman marathon this weekend (Jan 2003) and thought it was a beautiful course- But... those hills! I would say don't do this one for a PR, but for the excellent organization and beautiful scenery. Plenty of aid stations and lots of friendly volunteers along the way. I was very impressed! The course is described as having 'rolling hills'- but It seemed as if after the 7 mile mark the whole thing was one hill after another with some lasting a mile or two with only a short downhill before another! I said to myself 'you've got to be kidding me!' several times upon seeing the next hill looming ahead. In summary: Very hilly. But a wonderful atmosphere!

I ran the half marathon this year and the 10K last year. The races are so well organized. The courses are great! The awards, shirts, food, support and courses are FANTASTIC. This race should not be missed. Great job to all those volunteers.

The lost Dutchman marathon is organized by runners for runners, and it really shows. First of all it's small enough to have a friendly feel. Going to the Expo was like visiting stores in a small town full of only friendly people. Forget about mobs elbowing each other at the starting line, in fact, there aren't any spectators there either ? only runners can go to the start located in the remote, quiet desert hugging the Superstition Mountains. This and the bonfires to keep you warm in the cool morning air lend to the feeling you're part of a club where only nice people can join.

Everything for runners was well taken care of. There were no hassles with registration, picking up your packet, finding room on the bus to go to the start, or services at the finish. Mile markers were never missing, with elapsed times always given. Except at the start, I never saw a soul waiting in line at a portable toilet.

At the beginning and at many other spots throughout, the scenery on the course is absolutely beautiful. There are breathtaking vistas of the Superstition Mountains and the pristine Sonoran desert. At starting time the moon was still visible in the western sky as the sun started to come over the mountains to the east -- an awesome sight amid the chatter of runners.

The crowd support is a little thin compared to other marathons, but satisfyingly enthusiastic. Some of the aid stations compete for runners' votes, so the variety and creativity really come through. The 'Purple Ladies' are at mile 23 -- a sight to behold and unmatched in enthusiasm.

The organizers have done a great job on this little boutique of a marathon. They?ve thought of everything a runner cares about, and it?s a pleasure to experience that.

The race is well organized. If there is anything a marathoner wants, it's orgaization.
The first 6+ miles of the course are trail and, essentially, downhill. You run out of the Superstition Mountains and onto a highway. No worries, no traffic on the highway. Once there you run on ashphalt (easy on joints) until mile 20 or so. The only significant hill is at about the 23rd mile marker. It's not a big hill, just VERY steep. I guess hills are all relative based on where you live, but I found that this one is not too bad. After that there are a few more rolling hills to the end. The course is beautiful. During the race, take a minute and look behind you to experience the scenic beauty, it's worth it.
The aid stations were fun and lively. I think I'm in love with one of the 'purple girls'. They were a gas. Did I mention that the youngest 'puple girls' is probably 65+?
The post-race party was great. There were plenty of unique foods and festivities for everyone, even kids.
There are very few spectators, but those that do come are a lively bunch.
If you're looking for winter marathon, come to Apache Junction in January.
Good Running.

It was a really well organized marathon. The course is beautiful, but more hills at the end than the information packet implies. A fast start but the hills toward the end are challenging. Thanks for all the support and good food at the end. Also the medals are really first rate. One negative was the results and award ceremony were long. Suggest arranging to mail out awards to those unable to stay.
Thanks for a good overall program.