I've run more than 30 marathons -- big and small -- and this one ranks among the best. The course is pretty, mostly flat, and the weather in 2006 was ideal (cool at the start and never unpleasant even after it warmed up). It was the volunteers that made the race for me, however. They were fantastic.

What a fun event! You won't find a better marathon start than the Lost Dutchman, including pre-dawn campfires, friendly volunteers, and amazing desert scenery. For a small marathon (324 finishers), the organization was great. There weren't a huge number of spectators, but they were all very supportive and cheerful, clapping for each runner. The course was moderately challenging, and the food afterward just seemed to hit the spot for me. The awards ceremony had a nice, cozy feel to it. If you've been looking for a good small marathon, give this one a go.

The backdrop of the Superstition Mountains is beautiful but there is a price to pay for the beauty! There are many, many rolling hills along this course. The organization of this marathon is fantastic. I did not have any problems with any portion of the race but they did run out of 1/2 marathon medals. To their credit there were many new sign-ups, and I am sure the problem will be taken care of for next time. There are not many spectators but the ones that are out there are very enthusiatic and supportive. The volunteers were wonderful as well. The people make the hills bearable :-). Thanks for a great race, Lost Dutchman.

This marathon is a must-do in my opinion. It was well organized, with a great course, and a great time to go to AZ. The pre-race fires were a lot of fun and a great way to meet some of your fellow runners. The volunteers at the aid stations and elsewhere were excellent! I loved the variety that some hills and trails added to a typical road marathon. I loved the added touch of having your name announced when you finished the marathon as well. I highly recommend this course to anyone and I would do it again.

I only did the 1/2 marathon due to training purposes for the LA Marathon but I thought this race was one of the best races ever. It's true that the course is tough with a lot of rolling hills but the scenery and the people are what make this race special.

Get this: for $35 I got a very scenic course to run, an awesome long-sleeved t-shirt, water/sports drink/Carb Boom on the course, a super medal I'm actually proud to show off, and a ton of delicious food at the end of the race. All for $35. These people know what they're doing. No wonder it was voted one of the 10 best "little" marathons in Runner's World magazine.

Great job LDM!!!!

Outstanding course, first seven miles went by without even knowing it - beautiful mountains and cacti. Aid stations and staff were great. First time to Arizona, but not my last. I'm keeping this date open.

Three of us did the half marathon. The elevation course map should be more accurate to show all the hills on this course. It was challenging and would serve to put you in the best shape of your life. The course volunteers were the BEST and most FRIENDLY we have ever had on a run; they made it a great time. This event was a great, fun experience. Thanks for everything.

- Kathy, Tom and Phillip

Diverse course, with a combination of hills, flats, dirt and asphalt. Enjoyed going through the small neighborhoods. Very much a small-town feel, considering it takes places on the fringes of the Phoenix metro area.

With an initial approximately 6-mile downhill start, then flats and rolling hills, this is an excellent winter training run for Boston.

This has one of the most beautiful courses you could run on. There are rolling hills with the Superstition Mountains as a backdrop. From the start at campfires in the desert, it is a blast. The organizers are a terrific bunch of folks who work hard to give you a great race experience. Although the crowd support for the first half of the marathon is sparse, you have a lot of folks for the last half as you finish with the half marathoners. Perfect weather this year too!

Please use a time chip next year. I was less then a minute away from making Boston, and would have had I been wearing a chip.