calendar icon Apr 28, 2024

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 31 to 41]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 15 > ]

 

M. F. from Phoenix, AZ (2/25/2012)
"Best Marathon in Arizona Hands Down!!!!!!!!!!" (about: 2012)

11-50 previous marathons | 3 Lost Dutchman Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


If you're going to run a marathon in Arizona it gets no better then The Lost Dutchman Marathon!! Unlike the mega marathon that's put on by rock n roll in January, this is a TRUE Arizona marathon. It gets know better then starting at the base of the legendary Superstition Mountain at dawn with camp fires burning and runners buzzing!!

From the beautiful desert course to the volunteers it's a true western experience. I almost hate to praise it in fear that it might become harder to get in as the years and word of mouth get bigger and better!! If you are a fifty stater or just love great marathons do your self a favor and run this race!!!
 

S. C. from Westchester County, NY (2/24/2012)
"This is one to DO!!!!" (about: 2012)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Lost Dutchman Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


From the bonfires at the start to the burritos at the end, this spectacular, small race is a gem not to miss! The event planners know what they are doing to make EVERYONE feel comfortable and in-the-know...The volunteers were tremendous and the police presence kept all the roads and intersections safe. It was an awesome race...one I would do again!!!
 

M. G. from Scottsdale, AZ (2/20/2012)
"Organization should get ten stars!" (about: 2012)

50+ previous marathons | 6+ Lost Dutchman Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This is THE winter destination race for you; organization and execution are OUTSTANDING! Priced very well with over-the-top amenities. VERY friendly volunteers, pre-race mini bonfires with mats to rest on, coffee, etc., on-time start, multiple water stops (many with bananas and gels), spectacular scenery, a nice mix of downhill and uphill stretches, hefty medal, long-sleeve tech tee, a 'banquet' post-race, easy parking, busing, bag drop/retrieval, results immediately posted, updated info on website and Facebook, cool but not cold weather (nice cloud cover this year), and a camaraderie of entrants like few other races achieve: 600 in the full, 1300 in the half (separate start areas), this race has it all.

It attracted runners from 48 states and 5 countries and many, many Marathon Maniacs, this is a race you love from beginning to end. In it's 11 short years, it has already attracted a following and great word-of-mouth, deservedly so. THIS is your Arizona race to run; again and again.
 

J. V. from Philadelphia, PA (2/20/2012)
"Beautiful Scenery, Small Town Feel" (about: 2012)

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


Great race overall! Felt like a small town race, even though with all events (Full, 1/2, 10K, 8K, and a 2-miler) there were probably over 2,000 runners total. The bus out to the marathon start was really nice to separate us from the rest of the group. Amazing scenery at the start. Did a great job keeping folks comfortable while we waited by the start line. First 6 miles on dirt was awesome. Very impressed by the volunteer support along the way. Ran along the highway for a bit, which wasn't great, but that totaled maybe 3-4 miles.

Expo was solid, great food afterwards, good medal, good shirt, good aid stations. Highly recommend!
 

S. S. from Anchorage, AK (3/17/2011)
"Great, small marathon" (about: 2010)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Lost Dutchman Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


The race is set in an extremely pretty, high desert setting to start. I haven't experienced that habitat before, so it was really cool. The race starts early enough in the day that you miss most of the heat of the day.

You'll note that I gave 2 stars for spectators. The ones there were awesome. There just were not many, though I have seen worse. I actually got to the point where I recognized them. It looks like a nice race to be a spectator, however.
 

J. M. from Florida (2/21/2010)
"Outstanding race!" (about: 2010)

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


Everything about this race was wonderful. The host hotel, race organization, information and medal were all great - and the course was the highlight. I ran the first six miles without even thinking about running because the desert scenery was so incredible. Thousands of saguaro cacti, the campfires, the sun coming up over the mountains - unbelievable. I loved everything about this race. I've wanted to run it for years, and will return to run it again.
 

Jon Alexander from Minnesota (2/17/2010)
"A beautiful, sunny day for a marathon" (about: 2010)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Lost Dutchman Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


What a fun race! Most of the previous comments held true to form. The starting area was next to the mountain, with smoke rising from the Duralogs, and the sun rose as we ran through the cactus "forest." There were boring sections along Highway 60, as well as modest hills as we ran back into the neighborhoods (beware the downhills) and the final stretch back to Prospector Park. As a northern resident, the sun took its toll on me during the later miles, though I'm not complaining, as it seems like I haven't seen the sun in months.

I thought that the race directors did a good job with making sure everyone had the information they needed; the goodies were there when I finished; there were a couple of different massage areas; and there were rides to and from the local hotels. I thoroughly enjoyed my day at the race and would recommend it.
 

A. B. from Wheaton, IL (2/17/2010)
"Top-notch race" (about: 2010)

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


The course is absolutely beautiful. The first 6 miles on the Peralta Trail are amazing. Some runners were actually stopping to take pictures of the gorgeous desert landscape. The rest of the course winds through pretty subdivisions, with two stretches on Highway 60. The highway stretches are not ideal, but do offer fantastic views of the Superstition Mountains to the right. Be aware, though: yes, this course is net downhill, but there are significant, long, uphill stretches, including one from roughly miles 17 to 20 that trashed me. This is not an easy course. The race was well-organized, and the volunteers were great. There are very few spectators, but the ones that are there are quite vocal, the red-haired girl in the pink shirt in particular! I loved this race, but I have two minor issues. First, the full marathon medal is smaller and less colorful than the half marathon medal. Second, it would be nice to have split times in the race results for 10K, half marathon, and 20 miles. But I am nit-picking. This is a great race, and I highly recommend it.
 

C. M. from Minneapolis, MN (2/16/2010)
"Well organized, small marathon" (about: 2010)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Lost Dutchman Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Great winter getaway if you are from the North. If you are from a flat area, beware: this course is not as flat as the website leads you to believe. Most of the course is scenic, and the volunteers are helpful, but it is not a fast course.
 

M. G. from Arizona (2/16/2010)
"Organization/staging remain top-notch" (about: 2010)

50+ previous marathons | 6+ Lost Dutchman Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The half and 10K sold out; the full and 8K almost did too. That tells you that everyone loves this race. Course was tweaked this year - a bit more challenging, but execution remains intact. Weather was perfect, volunteers exceptionally friendly (as always), all races started on time (as usual), and post-race "buffet" and bag pick-up were flawless (as usual). Results were posted on the web in a few short hours. The course website/Facebook page were updated often. Water stops were cheerfully manned, miles were clearly marked, and there were substantial medals for half and full finishers. Parking, busing, and packet pick-up were all problem-free. All races were priced well and a great way for out-of-towners and those seeking a break from mega-races to have a great racing experience. Good job to all; thanks!
 

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