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May 4, 2024

Death Valley Borax Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Death Valley Borax Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.3

Organization 4.1

Spectators 2.1

Number of comments: 65 [displaying comments 41 to 51]

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J. K. from Reno (12/13/2004) "Great Race" (about: 2004) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 What a great event. Spectacular views for the full 26.2 miles, great organization for a small race, terrific weather. Though this was my first Envirosports event, I would certainly go back for more. The race director was a class act, at a cheering station for the runners before the race and at the finish line. If you are normally used to trail running, or running alone, this is a good event to run. Of course, being in Death Valley you don't have the massive spectators and crowded streets, but to get a good, fast 26-mile run in, this event can't be beat. Even the slowly rolling terrain provides a good break from the monotony of a flat course. One other comment to the person who claims that organizers dropped the ball... Surely you are kidding. There were porta-potties (I really mean portable--the one I used was on wheels) AND a gas station not 30 yards from the start line. If you must invent something to complain about, at least be realistic.
L. E. from Santa Clara CA (12/11/2004) "A little boring" (about: 2004) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 When I drove into Death Valley the day before the race I almost decided to pass right through. This is it? It's just rocks and dirt! Decided to hang in anyway, despite the boring scenery and course. It was a peaceful run, I appreciated that, and the aid stations were great - every 3 miles and with so few runners, never crowded. The race medal was a disappointing, generic Envirosports badge with no reference to the race itself. Probably wouldn't do it again, but for peace and solitude, it's definitely the right race.
L. M. from Salt Lake City (12/7/2004) "Expected better from Envirosports" (about: 2004) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 Course was everything I expected. Fantastic scenery, great weather. However, Envirosports, the race organizer, really dropped the ball. There were no restroom facilities at the start/finish line, and although I registered months ago, I never received a t-shirt (promised they would mail within two weeks) and the finisher's medal was a generic Envirosports finisher medal that didn't even have the race name. This was my first experience with one of their races. Based upon this race it will also be my last experience.
Alan Walker from Southlake, TX (12/7/2004) "Great experience" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I went to this race expecting a slow time, but had PR and qualified for Boston again. Yes, there are a couple of hills at the end, but they're not bad. Race day was probably low 40s, not a cloud in the sky, absolutely perfect conditions. The scenery is spectacular, from the salt flats to the 11,000-ft snowcapped peaks on the west side of the valley. I can definitely recommend this race, just be sure to carry water or be able to drink a lot at the rest stops and keep running. The only spectators you will see are a few family members at the end. The 8AM start was a few hundred yards from our hotel, and we enjoyed the steakhouse at the Furnace Creek Ranch, as well as the spring-fed pool afterwards. One more thing - to me this is a 5-star race, I am happy running alone. The star rating you see on this comment is less than 5 purely due to the 'spectators' rating. Course and organization were excellent.
S. T. from USA! (2/24/2004) "Great scenery, but course a little lacking" (about: 2003) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 As others have said, the course is not flat, but generally downhill going out, and uphill coming back. Also, you are required to run with traffic, which on occasion seemed cause for concern. But, Death Valley is stunning, and is the real reason to run this race. Death Valley is also very isolated, so don't go expecting a choice of restaurants, or fans along the course. There aren't going to be either! You can expect one of the most unique places on earth though, and if that is what you want, you will enjoy this race.
L. C. from Thousand Oaks, CA (12/14/2003) "Strangely beautiful in the middle of nowhere" (about: 2003) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 As previous reviewers have mentioned, there are some rolling hills so it's not the flat PR course you might hope. And unfortunately, the hills are mostly on the way back! Still, it's worth the endless, desolate drive and inconveniences of being in the middle of nowhere, for several reasons. First, the course is truly breathtaking in its natural beauty. Having never been to DV before, I had no idea it was so spectacular. I truly felt inspired by the landscape, by being out there in the midst of a stark natural environment that is so forbidding, yet so stunning in its loveliness. Second, if, like me, you've never run a marathon without thousands of crammed runners and throngs of fans lining the course, it's a new experience to run a race with so few participants and spectators. It was nice to start out without the typical crush, without having to pick my way around 6 walkers linked arm-in-arm who started in the fast corral. It also made me dig down deep to find those inner reserves to push forward when I got to mile 18 and found myself all alone, with no one to cheer me on but the buzzards and crows (who were eyeing me hungrily... did they sense something??). Third, there was this wonderful connection with the other participants I haven't experienced before. As there were virtually no spectators beyong the start, the best support that I got along the course was from the other runners! Given what a pain it is just to get there, it seemed everyone there was a serious runner, and there was a strong sense of camaraderie from the outset. Along the way I struck up conversations with many more runners than I ever have in a mega-race like LA. And when I felt myself approaching the dreaded 'wall', some lone runner would come up beside me and encourage me. I found myself doing the same for others. Finally, if you are a pretty decent runner but nowhere near fast enough to ever actually win anything, this is a great opportunity to actually maybe WIN something! I ended up fifth in my division (W 40-44), coming within a few minutes of actually placing! I certainly have no hopes of doing that in any of the other marathons I typically run in. Okay, now for some... um... negative feedback. First, while I realize this was out of the control of the organizers, it was really bad timing that the Furnace Creek Ranch's only real restaurant, the steakhouse, was closed for renovations. That left as the sole option for sustenance the 49'er Cafe, which had a rather limited menu of not-very-good food. And given that, besides one fine-dining establishment up the road, that was the ONLY place to eat within hours (and I'm not exaggerating), with a ranch filled to the brim with runners and their families/friends, the wait for a booth could get mighty long. This was particularly troublesome after the marathon, when I absolultely HAVE to have some food. By the time I got seated and had food in front of me, I felt nauseous and ready to faint. Oh, and they take full advantage of the situation by charging exorbitant prices for their cheap food. The workers did keep reminding me that I could always drive up to the 4-star Inn a mile up the road, but their only restaurant is a fancy-dancy affair at which you need reservations, and cannot wear jeans! Had I known this, perhaps I would have brought something other than jeans and my running clothes. But even so, who wants to go fine-dining after running 26.2 miles? All I wanted was a BLT! The food thing was also a problem for the many people who didn't get up there until late. This should have been anticipated, given that the race was on a Sat. morning, and it's so many hours from civilization, so naturally many people are going to leave after work and get up there late on Friday. I might suggest that next year the organizers give some thought to the food issue -- perhaps have a carbo-load buffet in the saloon that goes late into the evening? A post-race lunch set up in a tent on the grounds? I would happily pay extra for these services, as when I'm running a marathon, the last thing I want to have to worry about is getting food, either before or after. On a more pleasant note, I truly enjoyed the enthusiasm of the organizers, and the little awards ceremony in the saloon that night was lots of fun. I do hope that this event continues... if it does, I will run it again. And next year, maybe I'll win my division. It could happen! -LeeAnne from Thousand Oaks
T. E. from Los Angeles, California (12/8/2003) "Pretty decent marathon, but FAR from L.A." (about: 2003) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The desert scenery was great, the small crowd was great, but the drive from L.A. took 6 hours, and the place is so isolated that if you arrive after 9 p.m. there is NOTHING to eat, etc. So get there early! Also, the runners in and runners out were in the exact same space, which isn't desirable, but the small number of runners alleviates the issue. And the medal is blah. Great weather, etc, for a marathon this time of year, thumbs up!
A Runner from New York City (12/16/2002) "First Timer" (about: 2002) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I would like to thank the organizers of the races for all of their hard work. It was a truly enjoyable experience. One I hope to repeat next year. The only problem that I noticed was poor traffic control. I realize that the road cannot be closed off, but reducing the speed limit would be a good idea. Running next to speeding cars reminded me of all the taxis I dodged during my training runs back in NY.
A Runner from Los Angeles, California (12/13/2002) "tranquil and laidback" (about: 2002) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Just ran for the first time this year (2002) and would definitely consider doing it again. I must admit that I was surprised the course was not flatter. Don't let the low elevation of Death Valley fool you into believing there are no hills! In fact, I thought there were quite a few slow, steady up and down grades. If I remember, some that occurred in the later miles took at least 5 minutes to summit. Also be prepared for a very long 25th mile. There is a nice downhill just before it begins, but the rest of the way is a tame upgrade that doesn't feel so simple that late in a race. Overall, though, a great experience and fantastic weather. Well organized and very laidback. Bring your own fans if that is a concern to you. It's pretty easy to be a spectator on the course. Oh, one more thing. I definitely recommend carrying your own water! Good luck! DO IT!
A Runner from Los Angeles (12/13/2002) "The most enojyable course I have run thus far" (about: 2002) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The scenery on this course is unmatched. The abundance of space in all directions creates the sense of a spiritual experience throughout the race. The weather was perfect, the organizers and volenteers friendly and helpful. Also the participants were friendly and encouraging. Although this was not exactly a flat course, I was able to set a new Marathon PR. I think all of the have helped in achieving this. The only thing I would change about the race is to have more aid stations; maybe, one every 2 miles (instead of 3) would have been perfect. The lack of spectators did not bother me at all as I am really more of a solitude runner. Taha

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