You have to take a shuttle from the parking area to the marathon start point, which takes about 45 minutes. Being the idiot I am, I missed the last shuttle. When I asked the volunteers if there was anything they could do to help me, a couple of them dropped everything to help me - in particular, a woman named Jodie. She was calling everyone she could find on her cell to get it figured out. Jodie's biggest concern was that I would miss out on the beautiful views at the beginning of the marathon. I ended up just doing the half-marathon twice, but still got a medal and an official time. The highlight of my experience was definitely the patient help these volunteers gave an irresponsible runner. Thank you so much, Jodie!

The 40-min. bus ride to the start was just a beginning of the adventure. Seven miles up into the Superstition Mountains by bus and the first seven miles running back to the highway while the sun rose were beautiful. Not an easy course, and not many spectators due to its trail-like nature. I worried about the non-chip timing but in the end the race was great. Small, quirky; a must run!

This was so much fun. The expo was small but complete. The shirt was cotton but it has one of the nicest designs, front and back. On race morning, when the shuttle bus dropped us off at the start area, it was clear and chilly and there were about 70 little campfires burning... with carpet pads next to them to stretch out on. The start is right at the base of the Superstition Mountains and it is amazing to see the sun rise and light up the mountains. The race started on time, the aid stations were well stocked, the volunteers were just super and the finisher's medal is as neat as the Rock 'n Roll medals... maybe better. If you ever need a break from winter, come to Arizona in February and run the Lost Dutchman.

I really look forward to this marathon every year. I love it!
I have noticed the people who volunteer are very friendly and dedicated.
The course for running is gorgeous.
You guys go above and beyond your call of duty. Thank you.

My wife and I heard about the Lost Dutchman through the NBMA. The Lost Dutchman was their '08 annual marathon. I am so pleased that we ran this race. The course and the scenery was incredible. The people of Apache Junction are great. Great for a first-time marathon; will go back again and again. A PR course!!! Overall downhill.

We were bussed to the start line in the dark, and watched sunrise on Superstition Mountain, while staying warm with hot chocolate and mesquite fires and mats to sit on. Plenty of porta-potties and a warming bus. Bag drop very close to start line. The first 6 miles are through the desert on a non-paved road. We jumped a few small flows of runoff water but could avoid wet feet. Sections along roads had many orange cones. Very enthusiastic aid stations. Excellent volunteers at the expo to answer questions. Good parking at rodeo grounds. Shuttles were dependable and on time. Post-race food featured egg burritos and more - dispensed by caring, smiling volunteers. Finisher's medal is unique and beautiful. T-shirt: white long-sleeved and ordinary. Fantastic volunteers every place I encountered one. Even the traffic control folks cheered us on. Definitely a positive experience that I recommend to others.

I decided to run this race because one of my friends wanted to run a marathon with me. I didn't really know anything about it when I signed up but now that I have run it, all I can say is wow!!!

The race director is one of the best I have ever encountered. He was so concerned about the runners enjoying the race on the trail that he kept going back out to make sure it was passible from all the rain they had gotten. Great call on letting us run on the path! The organization was out of this world.

When you run this race, make sure you attend the past dinner. I have never had so much fun at a dinner.

The start line was great with the fires and the warming buses. And there were more than enough water stations. The support of the volunteers was out of this world.

The only downside was that we ran on the highway too much, but I don't think that is avoidable.

Again, great job by the race organizers; you did amazingly. Thanks for everything!

The first 7 miles of the Dutchman are worth the entire 26.2 just for the scenery; pristine Sonoran Desert and dirt road. Bliss. Love the firelight starting area too.
This was my 1st ('07) and 2nd ('08) marathon and I will likely do it again. Super friendly, enthusiastic volunteers the entire way. Superb organization. Beautiful and unique medals. Challenging gentle hills the whole way. Coyote chorus in the morning. Only negative on this course is the 2 one-mile stretches along the freeway (noisy, stinky), but tolerable. Do it if you can! A nice time of year in Phoenix, plus Renaissance Fair just up the road. FUN!

Another incredibly friendly race staged by the Lost Dutchman crew. THIS is your Arizona destination marathon.

You will not find friendlier volunteers anywhere. You will see Arizona's desert splendor. You will have the chance to return to your running roots - a race devoid of broad commercialism. This race's simplicity and charm are genuine and you feel it every step of the way.

Pre-race transport is easy and well-managed. Pre-race mini-bonfires make the early chill more than bearable. Abundant porta-johns, pre-race beverages, snacks, etc. are at hand. The race starts on time.

The first six miles are on packed dirt. This year it was a bit muddy (and communicated to us through updates on the website) but doable. Then it's a mix of gravel, pavement, and some areas of just plain dirt; definitely rural in nature. Water stops are manned by THE friendliest folk you'll ever meet - they cheer you on and hand out fluids as needed. Gatorade was mixed properly throughout and gels were given out at two stops. Bananas and doughnuts were also available on the course. Mile markers are easy to read but there are no time clocks on the course. There are many hills, including one big one (only a tenth of a mile in length) at mile 23, but there are many stretches of declines all throughout. It gives your muscles a chance to rely on other muscle groups - the variety of ups and downs actually help produce great finishing times. Many BQ here.

Finish line area is wide open. Other finishers from the 1 miler, 5K, 8K, 10K, and half add to the festivities at the end. Post-race food is great: potato/egg burritos, fruit, yogurt, cookies, pretzels, chips, etc. are handed out by more friendly folks. An awards ceremony takes place nearby. Bag retrieval is a breeze. The finisher's medal is outstanding.

This race draws a lot of out-of-towners, and for good reason - it's worth running. There are many repeaters here because of its intimate feel and straight-forward organization.

Definitely put this on your winter-destination calendar. You will have a great experience in the Arizona sun.

Yeah, I was one of the runners in the half marathon that got led astray, but I can't wait to do the marathon in 2008, and bring back the burritos!