Peralta Trail at sunrise is spectacular! An awesome beginning to this beautiful and challenging course. The organization and volunteer support for this event was outstanding. From the pre-race expo through to the post-race awards, nothing was overlooked.
When you are looking for your next winter marathon, look no further than the Lost Dutchman.

A great experience... thanks.

The course was quite challenging, but the organization was impeccable with excellent volunteer support. Best part was the first 6 miles through the desert. Would certainly recommend it for the running experience, although don't go expecting a PR.

This race was an absolute delight. It was well organized and very runner-friendly. They treated us to twig campfires and mats to lay on before the race, which encouraged a lot of pleasant conversation and made for the most relaxed pre-race experience I've ever been involved with. There was plenty of all of the necessities one needs before a race, including hot cocoa and coffee, and a great port-a-potty-to-runner ratio.

And when the sun came up the view was spectacular. A good mixture of trail road and desert coupled with some edge-of-the-city running. Fantastic support all of the way, and enough difficulty toward the end of the race to remind you of what a marathon is all about. This is one of the best I've experienced. I'll be back.

I traveled from Philadelphia for this race (and a little golf). This race is small in participation but huge with enthusiasm and organization. Spectators are few but those in attendance were full of life. Small-town flavor, full of dynamite and friendly people. A few hills, a few dirt roads and a donkey to boot. The medal alone makes it worth the entry (second best only to Disney). I strongly recommend this race to everyone. It surely added to my vacation. Long live the Lost Dutchman.

I won't bother to rehash so many excellent comments. Bev and her crew did an outstanding job! After you've done a few big-city mega-marathons, treat yourself to some 'local fare' and check this race out. Be warned!! The last third of this course will send you into a deep well of suffering if your fail to pace conservatively early-on. Also HIGHLY recommend staying at the host resort -- spectacular marathon vacation-getaway! Can?t say enough!

Course was a little more hilly than expected, but overall for my 1st 10K competition, it was great. Weather was fantastic.

This was my third LDM (27th overall) and this race continues to deliver. The volunteers are exceptionally friendly, helpful, and cheerful. Its intimate scope makes this a must-do; especially if you're looking to run a real Arizona race. The scenery is outstanding, though some of it is getting gobbled up by encroaching development. The weather is perfect. The start area had mini-bonfires, complete with large rugs to sit on (very appreciated),and loads of bananas, coffee, Gatorade, water, etc.

Transportation and drop bags were handled very efficiently. The course is well marked with splits at every mile (a few were misquoted). The first half of the course is the easiest with some good downhills for most of it. The second half gets tougher. There are longer hills (with less downhill stretches in between), some packed dirt areas, and the soon to be famous 'Dutchman's Revenge' hill at Mile 23. The hills are a bit challenging because they come later in the race and the temps begin to rise. There are rolling hills to the end.

Post-race area is complete with more food (great burritos), cookies, bananas, granola, Gatorade, cold water handed to you at the finish, and the announcer calls out your name at the finish. Medals are hung on you and chip retrieval is efficient. There's a good crowd at the finish line, too, from the other related races (8K, 10K, and half). It has a small-town feel with all of your needs completely met. The organizers have done a terrific job each and every year. The medal is also top quality. You may not get a PR or a BQ (though many have), but this is one great race to run, especially when you're looking for an alternative to the big ones.

Okay, I have only run 4 marathons, but this was the best. Great weather, great course, easy for those with family to get from point to point on course, really runner-friendly. Not my PR, but super fun!!

Mountain, moon, bonfires, and sunrise awaited us after the bus ride to the start. Cacti and natural setting were the fans for the first several miles. Fans were scattered after that but oh so friendly. Also a fun area to sight-see - Apache Trail (scenery and great burgers at Tortilla Flats), Desert Botanical Garden and Bank One Ballpark Tour were great additions to our long weekend visit. The sun of Arizona felt so good on our Chicago-winterized souls. Although I hit the wall (even before the actual wall there) I think this and Grandma's fight for my favorite course.

I've run bigger marathons and I have run smaller marathons, but I have never participated in a better marathon. This says a lot considering that I didn't achieve a PR.

The race is organized by local runners who obviously take much pride in their community. They thought of everything. If I were to state any negatives, I would sound like a real nit-picky whiner.

Race packet pick-up at the Expo was quick and efficient. The Expo was small but well attended. Lots of freebies and time to poke around. I scamed a few good deals too.

Bus ride to the start was fun. I met a lot of runners and was able to find someone who runs at my pace. Aid stations were frequent and well run. Red hats off to the purple dress ladies!

The medal is the best I have ever received and the crowd at the finish line was awesome. Spectators along the route were sparse but supportive.

Next January, you have the choice of the Rock n' Roll in Phoenix or the Lost Dutchman a week later. To me, that is the difference between eating at Mc Donalds or trying the local fare. Treat yourself to a local treasure and run for the gold in Apache Junction!