A real unique and a destination place to have a race. The views and vistas along the race course are well worth the long bus trip in. The race is a must for first time canyon viewers. The race staff did an outstanding job for a 1st marathon and deserve high marks for putting on a great race. The added surprise of having Billy Mills at the awards with pictures and his taking the time to chat with the runners was first class.

This was a lifetime experience. The views were spectacular. Transportation logistics were complicated due to the uniqueness of the location, but flawlessly organized. The Hualapai Indian Nation protects these sacred grounds and does not let a bunch of people drive their cars into this beautyful place, so we all had to be bussed in and out. Definitely worth the trip, after all, one of the 7 natural wonders in the World. INCREDIBLE!

I have no doubt that the first annual Grand Canyon International Marathon will be gorgeous. But rarely have I seen a race so intent on squeezing bucks out of the participants. The early entry fee is a whopping $85, and the late fee is an astounding $100.

But that's not all you'll be paying-- no sir! The race's Web site notes that your 'entry fee does not include... transportation to and from the race site or parking fees at the shuttle bus location.' They're not letting any cars drive to the race site, so you'll have to park 35 miles away and take a bus in-- and they'll be charging you extra money for both parking and the bus ride.

Wanna bring a friend to cheer you on? Well, only 1,000 spectators will be permitted to show up, and each spectator must preregister with the race AND pay an 'admittance fee' as well. And I have to assume that the admittance fee does not cover the bus ride to the start.

This ranks right up there among the most outrageous gougings of the running community I have ever seen.