Of 56 marathons I have run, this is only 1 of 2 that I have come back to. The others were all good, but there's a certain allure about the Lost Dutchman. Course is tough but great. Shirt is tops. Volunteers on course all super, but I still like the young marines the best ("Looking good, Sir!"), but the Purple Ladies did make me laugh at a time that wasn't very funny. Pasta dinner, great. Best of all, hands down the BEST RACE MEDAL. Expo small but very organized. Thanks for adding the poster. Stayed at Gold Canyon Resort, another one of a kind experience. Kudos to race director and staff. We like the Monday holiday, so don't change the date. Remember, bigger is not always better.

Organization is very good - from transportation to the start to a well-run finish area, all well done. Fans were great, but don't expect large crowds. Course is hilly and partially on dirt, but it is unique and fun. (Just don't expect a PR.) All in all, I very much enjoyed this race.

Having been late and lax on the whole thing surrounding LDM, registration, travel, accommodations, expo... I felt very uninformed and nervous. That was until I arrived (late) at the LDM Expo. Everyone there was extremely kind and motivated to assist anyone in need, for whatever reason, be it questions, directions, history, etc. I met most of the race administration in 10 minutes, and had all of my anxiety relieved with thorough, accurate answers. The course was challenging, and I can tell you, I thought about hanging it up more than once, but I didn't want to let down all those who had worked so hard to put it together. I had a great race, and hope to be able to fit the LDM in 2006. Thanks everyone for a great #5.

This is the second year in a row that I have run the half marathon. The Superstition Mountains as a backdrop are striking. The aid stations are well supported and a lot of fun. The Navy, Medieval people and Purple Ladies make the stations something to look forward to. Love the polka music! The post-race picnic is wonderful. Overall, whatever race you run, the Lost Dutchman people will take care of you. They are organized, full of energy and spirit. Thank you again for another well planned and managed event! See ya next year!

I've run this marathon all three years of its young existence. It's not the big 'corporate' marathons like others I've run. The expo is small, with no frills. This year, I ran the Az Rock and Roll Marathon the week before. I enjoyed that also, but very BIG. The people working, volunteering and just watching the Lost Dutchman Marathon are very friendly, helpful and seem to really be enjoying themselves. Really helped to keep my spirits high. I always enjoy the start of the race. Campfires and blankets to sit on before the start. And as the sun comes up, the scenery is absolutely beautiful. I never grow tired of the desert. The run is challenging, but worth the visit. Arizona isn't such a bad place to be in January. See you in 2005...Jim

Don't believe the marathon organizers when they describe the course as challenging. This course is very tough. The downhill for the first 7 miles starts to drain your legs and the hills from about mile 15 on nearly break you. The course is very scenic, and the campfires at the beginning are a nice touch. Crowds were small, but supportive. The aid stations were plentiful, well-stocked, and run by enthusiastic volunteers. The organizers did a great job. However, I don't recommend this race to 1st time marathoners like I was.

This was my 14th marathon and I could have gone with the biggies but was very happy with the Lost Dutchman. Organization and support were very good. Everyone went out of their way to help me. Sunrise in the Superstition Mountains was quiet and spectacular. Tried course for second time, a birthday run of 57 miles, and Grady, Wendy, and Genevieve, after a busy day, went far out of their way to help me stumble through the course. Great course and great people. I highly recommend this marathon to everyone.

Having run the giant, overpriced Rock and Roll Arizona Marathon the previous weekend in Phoenix, I decided to just check out the Lost Dutchman Marathon (LDM) expo the following Saturday. I'm so glad I did - it was intimate and well organized. I met Jeff Galloway and decided to sign up for the 10K. It was a beauthiful and well organized race in a very scenic location. The post-race activities were very friendly and well organized. This should become the marathon of choice for Phoenix-area residents, even though it competes almost head-to-head with the hyper-commercialized Rock and Roll Arizona event put on by Elite Racing.

You will not be disappointed with this courses beautiful mountainous desert landscape... you don't know you are running because this course is so beautiful! Run this race, you won't be disappointed.

Last year I called the LDM the 'best little marathon on the planet'. This year I am pleased to report that the race organizers listened to all the minor suggestions put forward by past participants to make this event even more memorable.

Scenery, weather, spectators, it was all there. Love the camp fires and shotgun start. Post-race food is abundant and delicious!

If you can make it to AZ in January, this is the race to run.

Advice:

The race is limited to 500 runners. Considering the positive reviews, this race will gain in popularity so register early.

Take the earliest shuttle possible to the start area. The camp fires and sunrise are memorable. Late arrivals missed out on half the fun.

Stick around for the awards ceremony. These folks have tons of prizes to give away. Leave early and you miss out.

See you there next year!