This was my first marathon. I enjoyed the natural environment; for those who don't prefer asphalt, there is plenty of space to run on the shoulder (natural terrain) throughout most of the course. My finishing time was 4:08:05. Lots of support, not to mention the two days off upon completion! (Enlisted soldier.)

The world?s finest army runs the world?s finest marathon. This small marathon has all the best the big guys offer without the crowds. There is no compromising quality here. This low-key marathon offers all the enthusiasm & support without the mega hype, mega crowds, and mega egos that are so prevalent at the mega marathons. The course & support staff were second to none. Meeting and running with members of the worlds finest army was the best running experience I?ve had. This is a great marathon for anyone and everyone. I am looking forward to doing this one again next year. Thanks to the 11th ACR for a great experience!

I have run marathons all over the world and this is one of the few that I tell people about (another unique one is north of Zagreb, in Slejme, Croatia).
The course has panoramic desert views mixed with some really cool military equipment and NASA gear.

The start is 1/4 mile from the hotel which is VERY convenient. I think the BEST part of the race was the great music blasting from mobile speakers along the course. Hearing Steppenwolf and then Foghat at mile 21 is quite a boost! Water was plentiful along the route as well as any aid you might need.

I hope they keep the April date too. I'll be back next year and bring some other running friends.

This has to be one of my favorite marathons that I have run. It is small, yet very well organized. As you run the marathon, you pass tanks, helicopters and other military vehicles. It is truly different than any marathon I have ever run. The staff is great. They have created a great marathon. Highly recommended.

Say good bye to the over priced and over hyped mega marathons and run the Blackhorse! This was the best experience I ever had. As the dead last runner throughout the marathon, running a 6-hour pace, I was treated like I was the lead runner. Every water stations fully staffed and stocked with cold water and Powerade, fresh fruit and energy bars. All stations were kept open until the last man ran by.

Motivation was kept up by the ultimate spectators: the staff! From the roving tactical vehicles blasting music such as Chariots of Fire to the personnel staffing the water stations and any change of direction. This was one of the safest marathons I have ever run. Not only was I followed by my own ambulance, every water station and change of direction was staffed with a team member with a radio and as I passed by I could hear my race number being passed to race headquarters. The medical staff was great, and the combat medics have great skill in IV technique, as I found out after the race.

The temperature was approximately 61 at the start and approximately 84 - winds @ 5kts - at the end. Don't let the location and the heat scare you. I spent the last month running in Europe on flat ground in the snow, and I made it - so can you. Run the Blackhorse. You won't regret it.

Ran both 2001 and 2002. 2001 was delayed to mid-November, due to 9/11. This year, race was run (as usual) in September. November is far better date; the temp at this year's finish was 103'..a 'whilting' experience...but set a new PR for slowest, and warmest, marathon run !

Very well organized, with very enthusiastic volunteers. Steady uphill miles 5-9, then downhill/flat. Great desert scenery. Military base location adds to the experience. Would highly recommend this marathon to anyone. Marathon was postponed from Sept to Nov (due to Sept 11th tragedy). Would recommend keeping the date in Nov (the Sunday before Thanksgiving was great date).

Very well supported and organized by the local army unit at Fort Irwin. Some long gradual climbs among desert views. Main problem is lack of place to stay overnight unless you camp on base (allowed). Otherwise its about an hour drive from Barstow.

For such a small marathon (80 entrants), this marathon was suprisingly very well run. The course provided some nice desert scenery. Plenty of water (at every mile) and aid stations, enthusiastically run by Army personel. Only the 35 mph winds were a problem.