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Lost Dutchman Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Lost Dutchman Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.6 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.8 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.8 
 
 
Number of comments: 142 [displaying comments 101 to 111]
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Robert Metzger from Akron,Ohio (1/18/2005)
"This is a must marathon to run" (about: 2005)

4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This was my first Lost Dutchman Marathon. Anybody thinking of doing it should really do it; the area is so beautiful and the volunteers are so great. Even though it was a tough course, it was so much fun. It got a little hot for me, only because I am from back east. But I was totally surprised how well this marathon is put together. All I can say is: Wow. The people gave us water and the banana really help us. I will do it again even though my time was about 10 minutes slower than my normal marathon - it was fun.

Well, see you next year,

Robert Metzger from Akron, Ohio
Bib number #79, time 3:54
 

J. G. from Trinidad, CO (1/18/2005)
"Winter Marathoning at its Best" (about: 2005)

1 previous marathon | 1 Lost Dutchman Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


My first marathon was this past October at Mount Rushmore, and Lost Dutchman was my second. I was eager to participate in the Lost Dutchman because I could now begin to see how various marathons compare.

What better place to run a January marathon than in the AZ desert?! Nice, warm weather accompanied the runners. There was wind here and there, but the course went in various directions, so runners weren't always traveling into the gusts.

From reading all of the feedback about the course, I was bracing for frequent hills. Perhaps my coming from a somewhat hilly, and 3,500' higher altitude prepared me for the ups and downs; but I really didn't notice any of the ?after mile-six? hills. In fact, I didn?t seem aware of any hill until after mile eleven when the course had turned onto Kings Ranch Road. Even then, they were mostly gradual, except for, of course, 'The Wall' at mile 23.

The entire community of Apache Junction embraces this annual event, and I liked that. I don't think anyone could say they didn't feel welcomed. I have a lot of appreciation for everyone who helped make this happen. The aid station I liked a lot was the one with the person in the Pink Panther costume. And of course, the purple ladies had a great setup too. But every station had a bunch of really great, encouraging people. Great food and snacks after the run. My only qualm with the post-race event was there was no sport drink to be found. Although there was a lot of sport drink while we were running, it?s equally important, in my opinion, to have access to quickly hydrating fluid afterwards, not just water.

Okay, now, not every marathon has to be the same; and I really hate to mention any negatives because I don't want to sound unappreciative and overly critical. I have to say, however, there were some things about the Rushmore Marathon that could serve as a good example for Dutchman. There should be no offense taken with this observation, though, because Mount Rushmore Marathon is on its 26th year while Lost Dutchman is only on its 4th. Conversely, Mount Rushmore could benefit from some aspects of the Lost Dutchman!

At the Mount Rushmore Marathon, though, all cups given to runners were paper. At Dutchman, it varied between paper and Styrofoam. I learned it's easier (and more environmentally friendly) to drink out of paper cups when you're running. The best way to keep water from splashing out as you?re moving seven miles an hour is to pinch the cup to where there is just a little opening, and it doesn't all splash out. A stryofoam cup can't be squeezed without cracking!Secondly, Mount Rushmore?s halfway point was identified, and in fact, a timing chip counter was there so runners could know their halfway times. They were included in the overall results. That was a big plus. Thirdly, registration packets at Mount Rushmore came in a big brown bag with your name, age, bib number, etc. printed on a label that was right on the bag. You could then use the bag directly as your drop-off bag. At Lost Dutchman, a plastic bag was included to be used as a drop-off-bag, but it?s difficult to write on plastic, and I didn?t have a marker available. Lastly, at Rushmore that brown bag included a bottle of water. Very handy and courteous to have on the bus ride up to the start line!

But, really, the main point that should be taken from this review is not about what kind of cups were present and an issue of paper bags over plastic. Come on! The event could be set up the exact same way next year, and it would really be just fine! What I want to stress more than anything is that the marathon was a lot of fun. There were helpful, friendly people all along the way, and it was a splendid, beautiful, second marathon for me. Oh, and I beat the time I had at Rushmore; so you won?t hear me griping about that! I hope to make it back to AZ for another one! Next goal: First annual marathon in Fargo this May!
 

R. K. from Ohio (1/18/2005)
"Excellent Event" (about: 2005)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Lost Dutchman Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


The Lost Dutchman is a smooth running operation with fabulous scenery, great support, road marshals and a gorgeous medal. The breakfast burritos hit the spot. This marathon has SO many fine tuned perks, you'll want to do it every year, I know I do! Best Western had shuttles to and from the event and everything was just grand. Skip the hoopla of the other marathon ... PF Chang and do this one...it's a winner!
 

Bill Bonetz from Gilbertsville, PA (1/18/2005)
"Best of the Best!" (about: 2005)

50+ previous marathons | 3 Lost Dutchman Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


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.
 

S. T. from USA! (1/17/2005)
"Great race!" (about: 2005)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Lost Dutchman Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


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.
 

L. T. from Tucson, AZ (1/17/2005)
"Friendly, Organized, Supportive, Wonderful - LDM" (about: 2005)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Lost Dutchman Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


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.
 

Mid Pack Half Marathoner from In my living room (1/17/2005)
"Spectacular views, great course + much energy!" (about: 2005)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


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!
 

J. A. from Litchfield Park, Arizona (7/24/2004)
"Small, scenic, challenging, a real intimate run." (General Comments)

11-50 previous marathons | 3 Lost Dutchman Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


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
 

D. M. from Atlanta, GA (5/13/2004)
"Challenging doesn't begin to describe it!" (about: 2004)

1 previous marathon | 1 Lost Dutchman Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


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.
 

Dan Wells from Danville, KY (1/25/2004)
"So good, I had to run it twice on same day." (about: 2004)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


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.
 

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