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May 19, 2024

Desert Classic Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Desert Classic Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.8

Organization 4.3

Spectators 2.6

Number of comments: 49 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]

Amy Yanni from Black Hills, South Dakota (2/21/2005) "Jewel in the Desert" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Desert Classic Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 A runner from 2004 already described this race best: a runner's race. This year was a new course, and I liked it. This is a small race, so there is not a huge amount of crowd support. I've never understood why that is such a big deal--we train for marathons on our own, for the most part, and while Boston and Grandma's are fun, I prefer a smaller race with less hoopla. Out-and-back courses such as this make up for support, as the half marathoners are coming at you early on, then the speedier (I'm a 3:30 type) marathoners, which I find gratifying. The water stops were great, people were supportive [the guy in the Yankee cap gave me grief, I'm a Sox fan, but hey, he's bitter, with good reason, y'know?] and clear as to water or Accerade. There was abundant post-race food, and the right kind--bagels, fruits, energy bars, etc. Oh, and the folks right at the finish deserve special mention. I was pretty done in--there was sun and heat!--and one supported me while another attended to my chip, a third gave me my medal, and one lovely lady explained that not only would they get my chip, but they would retie my shoe. This was a good thing, as I probably would have tripped over my laces had they not... thank you all. The sponsoring organization is incredible! You guys ROCK! They faced challenges this year, with the rains and various other problems, that would have made about 99% of other groups cancel the race. I love the spirit of this group, the let's-get-down-to-business way they put on the race (no expo, so what, go shop at the mall) and the chance to go south in February. Get this--the guy who measured the course had to do it 2x, as street sweepers came by and obliterated the markings he made the first time! The new course is one they should consider keeping--rolling hills on asphalt, very little traffic, plenty of brush for protected potty stops, and incredible views all along the way. Again, the race organizers are very special people. They kept us informed by email on a regular basis as they dealt with the problems with the course, and they made this race happen this year, despite myriad difficulties. SPECIAL THANKS to Steve F., who gave us personal messages and encouragement: you are fantastic! My finisher's medal is lovely, and my memories of this race are etched in my mind. Forget those mobs scene marathons and go to this race. You will be amply rewarded and appreciate the experience whole heartedly.
Jerry Jones from Scottsdale, Arizona (3/12/2004) "A runner's marathon" (about: 2004) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Desert Classic Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 As a member of the Arizona Road Racers and a volunteer at several ARR races, I am slightly biased. Given a choice between the inaugural Phoenix Rock-N-Roll and the 10th Desert Classic for my first marathon, I chose the Classic for these reasons: cleaner air, a LOT quieter, a LOT LESS crowding, and it's my club's race. The course is approximately 1/3 asphalt and 2/3 canal bank. It is not as fast as a flat asphalt course. My 52-year old, Clydesdale body liked the variety. For organization, the most important thing to me is water. There were plenty of stops with smiling faces and lots of water ready to go. I ran half the race with a woman who needed frequent porta-potty stops. She (not an ARR member) felt her needs were also well met. I'll take quality of spectators over quantity any day. The runners are very supportive of one another. I told my brother that my time would be 5-5.5 hours. At about the 25.5 mile mark, he and his wife DROVE OUT and asked me 'Do you want a ride?' That got a resounding 'NO!' He turned around and can be seen applauding at the finish line (a Brightroom photo) as this woman and I crossed the finish line. Something like that is not possible in the typical mega-marathon. At Chicago in October, I'll be pleased if my Midwestern relatives and I have any chance to interact during the marathon. If you want a small marathon, this one is a goodie. Yes, I am an ARR member and I am biased.
R. R. from Wisconsin (2/26/2004) "Well Run! Flat, But Not Necessarily Fast Course " (about: 2004) First Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Only 137 marathon finishers! While a small race, it was VERY nicely organized. Plenty of water stops, but I suggest packin' your own 'gator', as the desert will suck you dry. About 14 miles were along the canal -- sandy, some rocks, need to stay in the tire tracks. Tough to make it a PR race. If you train alone and like it, this is your kind of race. Then the weather... WOW! Not festive; this is a runners' race!
D. B. from Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110 (2/17/2004) "Rewarding, yet not everyone's cup of tea" (about: 2004) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This was my first full marathon so it was exciting in that regard. The course is very flat with a few minor grades between miles 13 and 16. You will cover these twice. Although this is an out-and-back course, you do not turn around at 13.2 miles. You turn around a bit beyond 16 miles. About a third of the course is on pavement with the rest being dirt/gravel/sand. You'll need to pay attention to the course because several areas are washboarded and you could twist an ankle looking at the desert mountain views. It can be beautiful yet depressing as you run along a cement lined canal. I could see large fish in the water (carp?) and I spotted a beautiful owl by the canal, but you'll also run by a sanitary landfill and poverty. If you live in a mountainous western state you may not be impressed by the views, but us Midwesterners find it beautiful. The volunteers were always happy and helpful. Runners like me couldn't do it without them. This can be a desolate course and after the half marathoners turn off you can find yourself hundreds of yards between the nearest runner (I'm slow - I finished at 5:08) and no shade in sight. Women be cautioned that port-a-potties are few and far between. Guys can sneak off into the scrub and take care of business, but on several occasions I heard frustrated women asking where was the next bathroom, only to be told it was a few miles away. I feel guilty being able to relieve myself so easily when it's not easy for women, then justify it knowing that I'm reducing the lines at legitimate potties. Runners encourage each other and the weather was fine... about 39F at the start and 62F at the finish. If you're a pasty white guy like me, remember your sunscreen. I trained outdoors in Midwest winter for a desert marathon and the course felt easy and forgiving for a first-timer, although 62F felt more like 82F after five hours (insert your dry heat joke here). I had family waiting for me at the finish and they were bummed that the announcer didn't bother to announce me as I crossed. I didn't really care, I was happy to complete the run. A smiling volunteer took the chip from my shoe another handed me my medal and away we went. I saw tables of water and massages being administered but I'm not sure if they had recovery food or not. We had to bust ass to get back to the hotel (Hampton Inn in Old Town) so I could shower before check out. If I have one real complaint, it's the fact that the hotel was not very cooperative when we requested a late checkout. We were assured when reservations were made that it wouldn't be a problem. Of course this is not the fault of marathon organizers because I don't think this was a host hotel. If you're looking for an 'Up With People Touchy Feely Love Fest', this ain't your marathon. If you just want to run outside in February without frostbite, I don't think you'll regret this event. I liked the medal and shirt but really have nothing to compare them with. Once again thanks to and God bless the volunteers and the Arizona Road Racers.
J. B. from Los Angeles (2/16/2004) "No Nonsense Marathon - Rare To Find These Days" (about: 2004) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This marathon is for those who can appreciate running a marathon without the carnival-like atmoshere of larger events. It is well organized, following a flat coarse that includes both road and trail running, set in the serene Arizona desert. Although spectators along the course are limited to volunteers and few family and friends of runners, I rate it a five star because some people like myself prefer the serenity of running without the ear-piercing distraction of screaming on the sidelines. This is a great event for those who prefer getting lost in that place where only long distance running can take you. For those who enjoy the purity of running, put this event on the list. To those expecting to be pampered and cajoled along the way, perhaps you should find another event, or take up golf where you can ride around in a cart all day.
M. R. from Huntsville, Utah (2/16/2004) "Basic race" (about: 2004) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 True the course was boring and there weren't many places for spectators to get near the runners and the water stations were well spaced. But you can always carry a bottle of sports drink and talk to the other runners - many thanks to Jack and Terry for helping me to a 3rd in my age group. There was plenty of water, cookies and chicken soup at the finish and the shirt and medal were very good. The organizers even had the results on the website the next AM. All the volunteers and organizers were very friendly and helpful. Thank you ARR.
a. s. from Mesa AZ (2/16/2004) "Beautiful " (about: 2004) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The race this morning was a cold start, but warmed up as the sun came out. My only complaint was the canal was in poor condition compared to most canals I have run on. The race was very quiet and runners were supportive of each other. Not many spectators, but I train without them so it wasn't an issue. The finish line was great with all the half marathoners in they cheered us on wonderfully through the last half mile. I was very impressed with the race. I did the Rock 'n Roll in January, and it was so overly crowded and this was a nice relaxing run. If you need spectators this is not the race for you, but the scenery is wonderful and the course is very flat and easy to run.
c. c. from Ny, NY (7/1/2003) "Flat Course - Not much Excitement" (General Comments) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Being that this was my first marathon, I was thrilled to be doing it and to have completed it with a good time. But when you break it down, what you'll find is little to no spectators during miles 7-24. In fact, no one can get on the course should they want to, there was only one porta-potty at mile 13, one handout of power gel, and little to no food when you're done. With that said, it was a flat course and the weather was ideal.
A Runner from Richmond, VA (8/15/2002) "Race is geared for Half Marathon Runners" (about: 2002) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The out and back portion of the course was on a dry gravel like dirt dusty road with no spectators. The beginning of the race weaved through a few field lined streets and the scenery was beautiful but it was downhill after that...unless you were running the half marathon in which case you could turn around and run the scenic portion back in time for the festivities. Folks at the water/food stations were wonderful, upbeat and cheery. I looked forward to these stops just for the moral support and great big smiles. End of the race was disappointing with the crowd,music and sponsors leaving before it was over. Snacks were just about gone and the massage table organizer complained that her people were TIRED of giving massages. The massage therapists themselves smiled and massaged anyone who signed up despite the objections of their leader. Bravo to the therapists. Despite my early entry application, they ran out of my size t-shirt but offered to try to get me one at the race. Overall this was a disappointing race but if I had to pick a half marathon to run, this would be ok. Arizona is beautiful and the weather was perfect in February so I would definitely come back to run a different marathon.
A Runner from Springfield, IL (6/14/2002) "not a favorite" (about: 2002) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 The marathon delivered as advertised in the sense that it was flat and forgiving, but the course was very boring when compared with other areas of Arizona. It goes along a canal and through an Indian reservation that offer little excitement. There are no spectators past the 5 or 6 mile mark, with the exception of the last mile, but even then they are scarce. Packet pickup was ok at best... they ran out of 'goodie' bags and certain sizes of t-shirts, so along with picking up your chip in the morning, there were these other issues to deal with. Overall, the race was fine, just don't expect too much.

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