My spouse and I ran the companion 8km trail run in 2013. From packet pickup to wonderful food at the finish, there was really nothing lacking at this event. I have done both the half and the full at RnR AZ and will never again when I can race at the LDM. We both won our age group and the bonus gold medal was a fun touch. I'll be signing up for 2014.

I pretty much enjoyed everything about the race except the course. the first six miles were among the most beautiful anywhere. the last 20 were on trafficked roads. the enthusiasm of all the volunteers was unbeatable.

All of our west coast friends said that Dutchman was THE choice for an Arizona marathon, so this one was on the calendar for a while. All in all, a very good race- very professionally organized given the size of the sponsoring town. What I liked:
1. Great weather for February. I'm coming from DC, so I appreciated the ability to run in (relatively) cool morning temps. That said, from the high 40's at the start, the course does heat up quickly as the sun rises over the desert. Still, it was only 70 or so by finish, so good running temps.
2. Loved the start and the first 1/4 of the race on unpaved roads through desert pastures. The first 6-7 miles was a joy. Great hard-packed unpaved road (not a single-track trail) through the cacti with the sun rising over the mountains. Beautiful.
3. Lots of volunteers, official and otherwise. Very well-staffed aid stations, with enthusiastic volunteers. When the locals come out with snacks, you've got a good race.
4. Gravel shoulders along the paved roads. Many (not all) of the paved roads had nice, firm gravel shoulders. That gave me the option to step off the asphalt and onto a reasonably well-groomed 'trail'- a great relief on my knees.
5. Good post-race support. I generally finish in plenty of time to grab a bite, but my 5+ hour friends had plenty of snacks and supporters when they crossed the line too.

I do wish the race were a bit easier to get to for the out of towner. We really needed the rental car, which really raised the cost of the trip. I'm hoping that the RD will look into shuttles from several of the larger hotels closer to Mesa. But that's a minor complaint. Overall, this one's a recommend.

This is only my 2nd full marathon, but I've also done 8 half marathons, so I've had my share of experiences. Do NOT run the Rock and Roll in January if you are thinking of a winter marathon in AZ. The Lost Dutchman has them beat hands down. From the ease of packet pick up, to the camp fires at the start, warming bus, tons of porta-potties, it was clear this event would be different. They had aid stations every 2 miles, girls handing out Girl Scout Cookies, spectators handing out donuts, Vaseline, oranges, etc. The best part was being able to sign up for text alerts based on chip times over various check points. The texts would alert others of your projected finish time so they weren't wasting time at the finish. The overall amount of spectators is small, with several stretches of no one for several miles , so if that is your thing, you might be disappointed (I don't care - I ran my training runs alone, I can run a marathon alone). Just a great event all around.

The course was scenic for the beginning, but not so much the end, except for ever-present view of the Superstition Mountains. Fire pits and warming bus at beginning were high points for me. Day of race was warm and sunny. ALL workers/volunteers were great. Great organization and workers helped 'make' a very favorable impression. Also, one could fly into Phoenix and take third-party shuttle to hotels in Apache Junction (not super cheap, but still not bad). The actual run organizers offered buses to the packet pick-up, and race start and finish. It's a great race, all in all.

These guys and gals have it figured out from start to finish. Their volunteers are the best in the business....by far. This is exactly what a race event is supposed to look like. The things I'm listing here may make you scratch your head--'well yea, they should offer this...' but that's the point; many races, corporate or otherwise promise all these things but fall down in execution or simply don't or under deliverLDM promises and delivers--EXACTLY as they say they will.

Packet pick up is a breeze.
Your name is part of your bid, as is your chip timing.
Pre-race parking is flawless and easy--including signs, folks to direct you, buses waiting and ready, and volunteers hopping on board to welcome you, pass around pins, markers, extra bags, etc. and to wish you well.

Pre-race staging is full of warm fires, large carpet mats to sit, abundant portalets, breakfast breads, water, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, fruit, etc.
The race starts on time.

Mile markers are clearly visible.
Water stops are manned by VERY friendly volunteers--mostly seniors--and they're all smiling ear-to-ear.
There are portalets on the course.
Streets are efficiently coned. It is impossible to make a wrong turn.

There is a variety of terrain to traverse--the rollers are rewarded with some good downhill stretches. Still, this course is somewhat challenging.
There are NUMEROUS gel stops and banana stops.
Most of the race faces away from the Arizona sun.
There are separate mile markers for the half, full, and 10K.

Your name is called out at the finish.
The post-race buffet includes breakfast burritos, chips, cookies, granola, fruit, and beveragestons of it-AND plenty for late stragglers.
Results are posted immediately.
The medal is substantial.
The race shirt is a L/S tech tee.
The website and Facebook are updated daily if not hourly as needed.
Race entry fees are way less than the mega races yet so much more is delivered.
There are great photo opps throughout the course.
Bag retrieval is very close by and easy.
Shuttle buses back to your vehicles are also close by and easy.
The race director and volunteer committee make themselves available for anything and everything. And they do it with a smile.
Spectators that live in the rural area of this race are warm and friendly.
This race has many repeaters as well as 50-staters, first-time marathoners, and Marathon Maniacsit attracts and welcomes all skill levels.
This race has sold out in the past--this year it didn't probably because there is a new one in the area being held in two weeks time.

You can see this race delivers at all levels and does so year after year. They listen to feedback and tweak as necessary. Don't hesitate to put this race on your calendar--you won't regret it!

It is a great event, but sadly the aftermath Of the race is too much litter. The packets of gel are discarded into yards, the brush, on the road, essentially everywhere. The staff does their best to clean up, but it isn't a comprehensive effort.

If you're going to run a marathon in Arizona it gets no better then The Lost Dutchman Marathon!! Unlike the mega marathon that's put on by rock n roll in January, this is a TRUE Arizona marathon. It gets know better then starting at the base of the legendary Superstition Mountain at dawn with camp fires burning and runners buzzing!!

From the beautiful desert course to the volunteers it's a true western experience. I almost hate to praise it in fear that it might become harder to get in as the years and word of mouth get bigger and better!! If you are a fifty stater or just love great marathons do your self a favor and run this race!!!

From the bonfires at the start to the burritos at the end, this spectacular, small race is a gem not to miss! The event planners know what they are doing to make EVERYONE feel comfortable and in-the-know...The volunteers were tremendous and the police presence kept all the roads and intersections safe. It was an awesome race...one I would do again!!!

This is THE winter destination race for you; organization and execution are OUTSTANDING! Priced very well with over-the-top amenities. VERY friendly volunteers, pre-race mini bonfires with mats to rest on, coffee, etc., on-time start, multiple water stops (many with bananas and gels), spectacular scenery, a nice mix of downhill and uphill stretches, hefty medal, long-sleeve tech tee, a 'banquet' post-race, easy parking, busing, bag drop/retrieval, results immediately posted, updated info on website and Facebook, cool but not cold weather (nice cloud cover this year), and a camaraderie of entrants like few other races achieve: 600 in the full, 1300 in the half (separate start areas), this race has it all.

It attracted runners from 48 states and 5 countries and many, many Marathon Maniacs, this is a race you love from beginning to end. In it's 11 short years, it has already attracted a following and great word-of-mouth, deservedly so. THIS is your Arizona race to run; again and again.