I enjoyed this race and would do it again. There was good course support. My only complaint is that it sure seems like the course is uphill both ways. I just looked at the courese map and i did not see the down hill at the end. Oh well.

I have to agree with KT. I feel bad speaking ill of this marathon because, for the money, I should have known what I was getting into. Straight out-and-back running on the shoulder of a highway. Flat as a pancake. Somebody mentioned something about there being a slight uphill or downhill here but I didn't notice a thing. Only 3 aid stations, and only 1 port-a-potty. I was just trying to check off AZ and chose the wrong race. I think there are plenty of others. I think you just have to know what you are signing up for. The organizers were great and I think they did a good job give the low entry fee. No spectators to speak of. This might be a fun marathon if you had a group of friends running with you and could enjoy their conversation or if you were just using it as a training run for another marathon a few weeks away (which is probably all I would recommend to use it for). The tech t-shirt is cool and you get a medal. Just know what you are getting into when you sign up.

I normally don't post anything negative, but this time I felt the need to. Terrible road conditions - pavement was completely covered in small pebbles that are excruciating on your feet. Out-and-back course is VERY boring. No water for 8 miles for the 6 a.m. starters. Weak medal for the finishers. The results announcer made offensive remarks. I posted a great time even with the never-ending climbing, but overall, I'm very unhappy with this marathon. I would not recommend this race. Sorry.

This marathon is what I love about running. It is simple. The people do exactly what a runner needs. This is not a musical, a party, or a banquet; it is marathoning at its simple best. The people are friendly and helpful, and there when we needed them. The aid stations were great. And the course may be a little boring, but simple to run. I know that some don't prefer marathons such as this, but I applaud your efforts. I'll be back in a few years, even from Mississippi.

I was the last person to finish - even with my early start. I was not in distress, but it was comforting to have race officials check on me from time to time as I plodded along. Also, there was water/energy drink for me at the aid stations. When I got to the finish line, they had lots of food and drink available. They handed me the medal and removed my chip for me with a hearty congratulations. This was long after everyone else had finished and gone home. Thanks for waiting around and being so encouraging. Five stars. Much appreciated. Thank you.

Overall a well organized race. If you need lots of spectators, this isn't the race for you.

My only complaint is about the plastic cups... really?! This is a marathon put on by a running club and they had plastic cups at the aid stations! Shouldn't they know better?

Sodas at the finish were nice and cold, and the food was great; nice tech shirt; nice medal; friendly, helpful volunteers.

This race is a great value and is one of the faster Arizona marathons. It is rare nowadays to pay less than $2 per mile, but that is what you pay for this race and it is every bit worth it, especially if you are looking to qualify for Boston without breaking the bank.

The race is run very well. There is enough activity on the course to make it interesting (relay events as well as other distance events being run at the same time).

I cannot tell you that the actual course is that great, but you do not have to worry about traffic and the out-and-back course keeps you from wasting time around corners. Also, there is no worry about getting lost. Finally, the final 6 or 7 miles that are downhill are so welcome in the last few miles! In past years, the wind coming back has been a problem, but 2010, was great.

Two years ago this race featured a fantastic t-shirt, but this year it was one that I'll probably give away, but hey, we are doing these for the shirts, are we?

Great race, great people and most of all organization!! Do this race.

Just another fun race. Ok medal, but well put-on for a smaller race. I'd probably do it again. I did PR, which surprised me. First 7 are on a slight uphill grade, but you get to come back down it. Even now it never seemed like it.

I really enjoyed participating in the 2009 Desert Classic Marathon. I was in the early start group, and did the race as a walker. I do most of my training solo, and that is why I gave the spectator rating 5 stars. I am not out there for the cheering spectators, but for the challenge. This was a real challenge, as I was also participating in a race-walking clinic in Mesa that same weekend. I was well trained and knew what I would be facing, and it turned out to be my best marathon walking finish to date.

The Arizona Road Racers get kudos from me. The tech shirt is really great. I have used it numerous times for training walks!

One more note: I did my first marathon in Austin, Texas in 2006; however, if I could have done the Desert Classic in 2006, it would have been my first. It was definitely worth the wait!

This was my first race ever. I ended up missing the PF Chang's Half Marathon because I was fortunate enough to get tickets to the NFC Championship and had to miss the race. I signed up for the next race I could and it was the Desert Classic Half Marathon. Start time was at 7, so it was 42 degrees at the time of the start, but when the sun came up and it started to heat up it was the perfect temperature. The run is scenic with cacti and mountains on your left and right. The way towards the turn around was slightly uphill and the opposite on the way back. I definitely picked up my speed at the turn-around because of the slight downhill. The race eventually spreads out where you are running by yourself and can see someone a bit ahead and hope that you'll catch up to them eventually. In total, 123 people finished the half marathon. There is no one on the course to cheer for you, and even when you cross the finish line, there is no one cheering. I'm very happy with the time I got and think it is a pretty fast course. The shirts they handed out were nice tech t's, but unfortunately they messed up the sizing and every shirt was two sizes smaller. Instead of getting a large, I ended up with a small.

Overall, I have nothing to compare this half to, but it was a nice scenic race. Very low entry fee and a cool race.