Compliments to the organizers for this marathon. The course itself (out and back) is not easy to run. From mile 2 to 5 you have some inclines; then it undulates for 3 more miles, and the rest ist flat. But the desert scenery is just fantastic. Even though it's chilly at the start, it had optimal weather condition (just sunny). More than 30% of the runners quit the race, showing that it was not easy. But I will return.

Herbert

My respect to the enviro team because it takes a lot of dedication to organize this marathon. Professional! Even though there were no spectators along the course, it was at no time boring. The scenery is just too great. The course itself is not too easy; the beginning and end of this out-and-back course are undulating and demanding. But the run pays back all that you spend.

One of the best benefits about this marathon is that one can enter the day of the event; and the fee is only marginally more than pre-entry. There is no official pre-race carbo-load, but I understand the Furnace Creek Ranch Bar and Grill serves pasta.

Pre-race instructions are provided to pre-entrants via a newsletter, and can be viewed by later entrants online. I found that it provided all of the information I needed relative to the event. There are two major camp sites within 3 miles; 2 for RVs and one for tents, as well as the Furnace Creek Lodge; (cabins). Outside of that, one would have to camp or take lodging at Stovepipe Wells (another 28 miles); or Las Vegas (2 hours). (Don't worry: there is plenty to do and see in Death Valley; we stayed 3 days and ran out of time before we ran out of things to do.)

The pick-up site, also at the Furnace Creek Bar and Grill, resembled the serpent on the (cotton, gray, short-sleeve, "modern art-style") t-shirt, in that it snaked around in many different directions. (The T shirt bears the likenesses of other desert wildlife, such as lizards and coyotes; I found it to be quite original, though I prefer a different all-weather fabric.)

The day of race registration was located on the far wall of the building, and late entrants had to "break ranks" to make there way through the "snake" line of pre-entrants picking up their chips. To this end I would recommend re-situating the day-of-race entrant table. There was also a lot of confusion about which line was located where. This could be better clarified with signs or pre-race information.

The pre-race "briefing" was unique, and many accolades were awarded, such as 1st time-marathoners, and marathoners who had completed 100 or more marathons. The race director even commented how he was a long-distance runner before getting a "titanium knee." This enhanced the personality of the event; and made it feel less like big business, and more like a run hosted by a fellow marathoner for marathoners. (Beside the fact that his name is "Dave Horning" and my school cross-country coach is named David Horning!)

A lady celebrating her birthday was called to lead us in a rendition of God Bless America that turned out to be quite touching when we all harmonized with her after identifying her initial stage fright.

The course is entirely below sea level, but as correctly stated by others, is far from "flat." I would describe it as generally flat with some rolling hills. The views of the Panamint Mountain Range are beautiful. The event is quite solemn and a self motivator. The organizer was clear to point out that use of headphones would warrant disqualification.

Considering the aid stations were positioned 3 miles apart, I was shocked to meet quite a few first time-marathoners. That being said, the aid stations were well stocked and included PowerBars, trail mix, bananas, Gatorade and water (and the finish line food was essentially the same). There were no fans on the course other than the aid stations, and the road (which is open to traffic) seemed to be progressively heavier and distracting the later it got. (Bear in mind its still Death Valley - I'm not talking about convoys or traffic jams!)

The temperature was fine for running - in fact slightly unseasonably cool - although the air remained so dry a kid at the finish thought I had "toothpaste" on my face! (It was salt).

The medal states "Death Valley Marathon" on the front, and Furnace Creek Ranch on the back, and if you look closely, in small letters inscribed a second time on the Furnace Creek Ranch is "Death Valley Marathon" - just another nice little touch that makes the event special.

Considering it is below sea level and the hills aren't much, and the weather was cool and dry, it really is a fairly pleasant marathon to run. And when you tell folks you ran the Death Valley Marathon they will be impressed (if you care). This is a fun, small marathon with lots of nice quirks (the sign up and post-race "awards" are in the local saloon). You really need to carry water on the course. To save money you can stay in Las Vegas (2 1/2 hour drive) where nice rooms are a fourth the cost of the Furnace Creek Ranch, but I loved staying on the desert for the sunrises and sunsets.

If you want to read something funny, read the event description after you run the race. These guys have a great sense of humor, or they are delusional, and either way it's fun. I will say this is a unique experience.

The course:
I read the comments that Death Valley is a beautiful place and there is a lot of scenery to take in on the course. The descriptions include desert flora and fauna. I must have missed something. I will agree that it is interesting scenery, but beautiful? I did see one flower alongside the road, and that may have been a grave marker. Other than that, this is a barren wasteland in which nothing can survive. This is definitely not a flat course; there were plenty of rolling hills, with some really nice long grades at the end of the race. I love that at the end of the race. Also the slant of the road was nice on the knees and hips. However, being an out-and-back course, both the left and right side were able to experience the pain equally. Three miles between water stops is a stretch; plan to bring water along.

Spectators/ fans:
I saw one crow - although, come to think of it, it may have been a buzzard watching for his next meal. Other than that, there were a few family and friends of participants scattered along the route.

Organization: A little disorganized; they have everyone checking in, on the morning of the race rather than the night before. The organizers were a little strict about some things, but seemed to good natured about others. Dave refers to himself as Good Old Dave (aka "GOD"), if that is a clue.

The Furnace Creek Ranch is an adequate hotel, although I will say the restaurant had a great pasta dinner. Also keep in mind this place is 140 miles from anything resembling civilization (no sarcasm here - it is a long and mind-numbing drive). All in all, a memorable experience that I wouldn't mind missing for another marathon location.

I mentioned in my previous comments that I had not received my age group winners award at the time I posted my comments. About 2 months after the race, I received a nice engraved plaque with the race title/logo, and personalized with my name, and finish time. I also received a hat. It's really rare to get personalized race hardware. These were an exceptionally nice touch, and capped off what was a truly unique and great marathon experience!

The full marathon was challenging. It was very windy, very dry, and the temp got up to the mid 60s, which was a little warmer than normal. The wind sucked the water out of you. I carried water, as did many runners with the aid stations being about 3 miles apart. The out-and-back course was all below sea level, but not as flat as you might imagine. There were some hills, the highest being about 80 ft, but they were long steady climbs rather than short steep climbs.

There was one fan along the course. Yes, that's right ONE AND ONLY ONE fan (not counting the aid station volunteers). She was driving her car along the course and stopped at various points to cheer her husband along. He and I ran together a little until he had had enough and she ended up driving him back.

Sounds terrible, right? Well, glutton for punishment that I am, I enjoyed it immensely and rank it up there with my favorite marathons. Death Valley is a two-hour drive from Las Vegas. The valley is lined on either side with colorful mountains, and the course is the paved road that runs just above the floor. The desert scenery does not change much throughout the marathon, but that drives home the point that this is one desolate place, especially if you don't have a car. Mountains in the distance on either side provide a backdrop of scenic solitude. The aid stations were well stocked with water, Gatorade, PowerBars, bananas and other fruit. The finish line had plenty of water, Gatorade, homemade bread, oranges, bananas, and friendly people who kept wanting you to take more. The organizers were friendly, and did some special things that only a small marathon can do, like recognize people who have run more than 10, 50, 100, 200, marathons, etc. (There was actually one guy there who has run over 600 marathons.) The awards ceremony was held the evening of the race in a bar at the ranch where everyone could sit, drink beer and clap for the overall and age-group winners. The shirts for the race did not arrive on time, but true to their word, I did receive mine in the mail a couple of weeks later along with the finisher's medal. The round medal has a unique Death Valley logo on it. I never did receive the age group division award ribbon that was promised, however.

I didn't PR, but I was not too far off, finishing in the top 5. Really glad I carried water. It helped me stay hydrated and those I passed in the 2nd half were not carrying any.

Death Valley has a nice inn called the Furnace Creek Inn, which also has a very nice restaurant. The Valley has many historic places to visit. My wife and I spent two days there sightseeing and really enjoyed it. December is not a main tourist time (air can be cold and windy and the flowers are not in bloom), but the scenery is unique and spectacular. There's hiking in the canyons, we got the off season rates at the inn, and there was no traffic, and no lines for anything.

If you like the Southwest and want to get away from those city marathons, plan on it!

I enjoyed the half marathon and found it a good one to start with. Death Valley is a beautiful place and there is a lot of scenery to take in on the course. The course is out-and-back so you get to see the same stuff twice but from a different direction. The course is along the shoulder of a state highway but the traffic was light and only irritating once. The beginning and end of the course rolls a little but otherwise the course is just about flat. I liked the tone of the race set by the organizers.

I was told this marathon was basically flat. IT IS NOT. There are no major hills, but there are slight inclines for long periods of time...especially towards the end when you are tired. This was my third full marathon, and so far, I can say I like this course the least. For some reason, I never felt relief on the downhills... maybe being below sea level did something weird to me, but I felt pretty heavy the whole time.

I think the lodging was expensive, especially since there were no phones in my hotel room, our heater didn't work the first night, and there were boogers on my shower curtain. I thought the food was great. I guess it just depends on what you order.

The aid stations WERE far apart, but I just adjusted and drank more at each one. I think the medal was chintzy... generic. I LOVED the park, and didn't really mind the drive. The food wasn't that great at the end... a little disappointing after burning over 2000 calories. When I got back to my hotel room, I told my sister I didn't ever want to run this marathon again... but I've since changed my mind.

Not having ever run a marathon prior, perhaps my remarks can be discounted... but regardless, here goes: I read previous reviews stating this is probably not a good first marathon and was therefore concerned, but nonetheless decided to make it my first. It is a beautiful course, but don't expect fans, unless you bring them (I did). Regardless, the volunteers were great, I carried a fuel belt, which I would advise. The weather couldn't have been better, and the course is generally flat. I've run other races (half marathons/10k's) and don't think there were any significant hills on this course. I've heard others say don't look for a PR in this race. That's not true, just make sure it's your first marathon and you finish. I guarantee you a PR!!!

Now the bad... The trip is a pain in the butt, and the cost of lodging far exceeds what you get for your money. Also, the restaurant food in Death Valley sucks. How bad? Let's say stale PowerBars with warm water sound appetizing in comparison. Keep in mind, none of these items can be controlled by the event coordinators...

Overall, no complaints, especially having it be my first marathon and qualifying for Boston...