May 5, 2024
Current Year Results
Results Search
Biggest/Best Boston Qualifier
2024 Results
2023 Results
2022 Results
2021 Results
2020 Results
2019 Results
2018 Results
2017 Results
2016 Results
2015 Results
2014 Results
2013 Results
2012 Results
2011 Results
2010 Results
2009 Results
2008 Results
2007 Results
2006 Results
2005 Results
2004 Results
2003 Results
2002 Results
2001 Results
2000 Results
☰
Diamond Valley Lake Challenge Runner Comments
Back to Diamond Valley Lake Challenge Information & Reviews
Course 4.3 
Organization 3.9 
Spectators 2.1
Number of comments: 40 [displaying comments 31 to 40]
|
L. R. from Los Angeles, CA
(1/25/2007)
 "Delightful lake scenery, small, mostly unpaved." (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is a small, rural marathon. It is generally well organized, with adequate aid stations. The route is a mostly flat (though with many mostly gently rolling hills) dirt road (though with 2 paved sections over 1-2 mile dams) around a lake-reservoir near Mt. San Jacinto. No spectators to speak of (except for families and friends of runners). Small field makes this very friendly. Few amenities (only a standard cotton T-shirt with ads on back, generic finisher's medal), but the scenery and low-key friendliness made this extremely pleasant and more than worthwhile. | |
|
B. C. from Houma, Louisiana
(12/10/2004)
"The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Diamond Valley Lake Challenge
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I ran the half marathon in 2004. This was a small, well-run event. What I discovered is that I prefer larger races. I was in sixth place after about a quarter mile, and I stayed in sixth place to the end of the half marathon. No one passed me, and I didn?t pass anyone. As others have mentioned there are no fans on the course except for the volunteers at the aid stations and a small group at the finish line. Other than personal preference about race size, there are no real negatives about this race. The organization was excellent and the staff and volunteers are all friendly and enthusiastic. I hope to be back to run the 10K but will stick to larger events for longer races. | |
|
N. O. from Temecula, CA
(11/29/2004)
 "I would do it again" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 2 Diamond Valley Lake Challenges
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 A fun course, and very enjoyable for those who like a quiet run without crowds and people lining the course. Good addition of the 10K. The awards were done as soon as the results were known which allowed those who didn't want to stay to leave. Good food at the end. Problems with finding posted race results and photos on line. Overall it was a good race and very well organized. | |
|
n. d. from tucson, arizona
(11/26/2004)
 "excellent first marathon experience" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Diamond Valley Lake Challenge
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon and I finished!!!!!! I had a great experience. I was glad the course was marked every mile. The volunteers at the water stations were fantastic. They were very encouraging and full of energy. The only negative was that I wish there were more areas for spectators to cheer me on. This was disappointing, but understandable due to the location of the race. | |
|
s. A. from murrieta, ca
(11/23/2004)
 "It was toO quiet" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Diamond Valley Lake Challenge
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This was my first off-road marathon. It was beautiful. I got hurt - my foot landed in a hole. I think I will stick with road marathons. | |
|
J. F. from Hemet
(11/22/2004)
"Much improved over 2002." (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 2 Diamond Valley Lake Challenges
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Put the aid stations at least 20 yds past the mileage markers. Put a trash can at the aid station and one 50 yds past. Started on time and the weather was perfect. Thanks for having every mile marked. More spectator areas would be nice. Advertise more. Post results sooner. Good Job. Nice volunteers. | |
|
D. D. from Los Angeles CA
(11/22/2004)
"solitary, quiet, beautiful" (about: 2004)
50+ previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Well organized, good aid stations every 2 miles. No spectators except the volunteers. Course was changed this year so that the starting point is also the 21 mile mark, and it's flat/down/flat to the finish. Only 2 hills -- mile 14 and 21, both 150-200 feet. Large gravel for several miles was hard to run on, but packed dirt and asphalt made up 75% of the course. If you like solo running, this is a good one. A good small marathon with lots of heart. | |
|
H. R. from Orange County
(11/21/2004)
 "I'll Be Back" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The marathon was a local event, so the participation was well below the advertised maximum. I've run the mega events, e.g. LA, Rock n' Roll, etc., and thoroughly enjoyed this marathon. Water stops were spaced 2 miles apart, so you might be well advised to carry some of your own. Volunteers were great! Course wasn't as challenging as I thought it would be. The inclines were very slight, except for a few, and the dirt paths were actually utility roads. My only complaint is about the little rocks that made their way into my shoes (constantly). | |
|
A Runner from Hemet
(11/19/2002)
"Challenging and beautiful" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Could have had an extra water stop at the end. Put milage markers every mile. Good job for first time out. | |
|
A Runner from Los Angeles, CA
(11/17/2002)
"Great, scenic, challenging hilly course, but hot." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The Diamond Valley Lake Challenge was a lot of fun. The course was scenic, hilly, and challenging. It circumnavigates Diamond Valley Lake and the surface is mostly graded dirt roads with numerous hills. The aid stations where widely spaced, every 2 miles, with very helpful and support personnel. The stations only provided water & Gatorade, except one that had candy. Unfortuately, it was a hot day, at 88', the start is a short hilly loop that spirals around on it's self (1.5 miles) back to the start and there's one appendage at mile 15 where you run down then up the same hill (3 miles) (arrgggh!). Overall, it was a fun race, the support personnel and participants were extremely friendly. Security was extremely visible and tight. I'll probably do it again if the weather is cool. |
Quick Links
Marathon Search
Upcoming US Marathons
Upcoming International Marathons
Search Marathon Results
Latest Running News
Recent Newsletters
Race Director Tools
© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC
