No frills, small, friendly race. Bring water, camera and Gu. Wide open, quiet spaces. Good race for runners who like to zone out and run alone.
Stay at Furnance Creek Ranch, or I suggest Death Valley Junction at the rather run down, old, Amargosa Hotel. It's not much, but a real strange experience. Get tickets to Marta Becket's Opera show there. Words can't describe it.

Was unable to run in 2000. But did run it in 1999 and since the buzzards didn't get me, I plan to do it again this year! Friendly bunch of people. Many thanks to the people who man the aid stations. Understandably not too many spectators. Seezya there!

My husband and I ran this together. The course was a perfect, Low-key, relaxing experience. We relaxed at the spring-fed pool at the Ranch after the marathon! The medal is beautiful!

I definitely recommend this marathon. My only warning is that there are fewer aid stations than average. You should carry your own water to ensure you stay hydrated. This, plus the isolation of the setting, means that it is probably not a good first marathon. The field is small and friendly. Very enjoyable.

I ran in the Half Marathon, but my comments apply equally as well to the full Marathon. The course is out and back, starting and finishing at Furnace Creek Ranch. The organizers are great, the route is spectacular. Aid stations were every 3 miles. Weather was in the 50s at the start and in the upper 60s at finish time. I recommend this event to any runner wanting to make a memorable vacation out it. I had a great time and will definitely be back next year.