I got lost on the course but didn't care. I've never done a race with the smell of bacon in the air and it was amazing. It was a small crowd that year because of the fires but that made it even more enjoyable. Does anyone know if it is still being organized?

A perfect venue for a race, deep in the woods. Very well organized with plenty of markings. The half is very difficult because after climbing the steepest mountain you have ever seen, you go part-way down the back side and then turn right around and climb back up it. I was in second for most of the race until the altitude (7,000-10,000 feet) got the better of me and I struggled in. Even so, the aid stations were the best stocked and most friendly of any race I have done and made me feel wonderful even when I felt like dying. Treat this like an ultra and carry a Camelbak or bottles because it is quite a distance between aid stations. I'll be back for the full marathon in 2005!

This was my first trail run and I opted for the 1/2 on the advice of Vicki. WOW! There is no doubt that it was one of the toughest runs I have ever done, but I have never felt so good when i finished a race. The scenery was spectacular, even if I had to climb with my hands to see it. :) I can't say enough about the organization. The trail was clearly marked, I had no trouble staying on the trail. The support stations were overwhelming - with plenty of food and encouragement! The post-race spread was out of this world. You were made to feel like this race was put on just for you. I would definitely recommend it for those wanting to experience a trail run. I would go back and do the marathon now that I realize what to expect. Overall just a well put on event.

I ran the half marathon since I didn't have the time for the full version. I, too, fell, but was not seriously injured. I, too, got lost and it cost me a top three finish. Very tough course. The organizers are great people and the participants were the type who would not only expect a difficult course, but would also enjoy it. There are not too many races in AZ that feature so much shade. Next year I hope to be able to run the full length version. Can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday.

- Martin

I stand alone:

8/31/02 WHITE MOUNTAIN TRAIL MARATHON: 6:32 Marathon # 47.

This was by far the hardest run?no, the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.
I got lost four times and had two smack downs (right on my face). Why was this run harder and longer than even my other three ultra marathons to include the Pacific Coast Trail Ultra?
This was not a trail!
This was not a marathon!
This was not for a pansy a**, city boy like myself!
This was an ultra adventure race?period!
Difference?
-multiple terrains
-harsh environment (even used hands to climb)
-navigate
-plan/strategize (first aid stations were further than five miles apart)
-deadly obstacles (Elk, coyote, Bear, spiders, snakes, etc.)
I stand alone:
The first time I got lost (early morning), I ran with a herd of Elk and a pack of wolves (coyotes):-) I think they were just waiting for me to drop.
The Elk were so big that their backs stood my height (around six foot) and the antlers had to be three foot long.
I even had to clap my hands to keep the animals away.
The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.
On the way back from being lost, a herd of approx. 20 elk ran crossing my path. I obviously stopped running and watched in amazement. The last, a huge buck stopped right in front of me and turned starring at me. It felt as though we were looking into each others souls. The unpredictability of this animal made me nervous. My heart was pounding and I thought of grabbing sticks and rocks. So I started clapping and yelling. He then startled away.
-I stand alone
The second time I got lost, I continued down a trail without watching markers after approximately ½ mile. Did I learn my lesson? I immediately turned around and ran back to the previous markers.
The third time I got lost, I was following advice from hikers who mentioned a cattle guard and to hang a right. Unfortunately there were two cattle guards and I was to hang a left?oops. Thank God I ran into another hiker who put me back in the right direction.
The fourth time I got lost, I just continued running straight on this path that turned into a dirt road. I realized again, no markers. I immediately turned around ? frustrated, desperate, tired, hungry, thirsty, and laughing. I threw my hands in the air and ran back.
-I stand alone.
I fell twice:
The first time I fell, it hurt. The rocks were stone lava. I landed on my right side. I received multiple scrapes, scratches, bruises, lacerations, punctures, etc.
The second time I fell, it hurt too. This time I avoided the right side of my body and slid head first just like diving for a base in baseball except throw in a whole bunch of rocks and sticks. I received multiple scrapes, scratches, bruises, lacerations, punctures, etc.
After finally completing the race, I came to the conclusion that this was the best, most personally challenging experiences of my life.
This run made me remember the story of the challenge in which Christ journeyed while carrying the cross. Can you imagine the weight of the cross per each step he took?
I have to mention the race directors Randy and Vicki. They are awesome people.
My late check out at the hotel was for 2 PM and I arrived back at the hotel at 3 PM. The Motel 6 staff let me shower. I was rushing obviously because the towel I was drying off with was completely muddy by time I was done.
I then hopped in the car and drove 4 hours to Albuquerque. Another Motel 6 kinda night. I sure am glad Dave left the light on for me. Off to run the Duke City Marathon the next day. My time was faster at Duke too.

-Billy Lese