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Marathon Details - Whiskey Row Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > AZ > Prescott > Whiskey Row Marathon

Whiskey Row Marathon

Prescott YMCA Whiskey Row Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

Prescott, AZ USA

October 12, 2024

http://whiskeyrowmarathon.com

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Race Details

Out & back considered one of the most difficult in the U.S. Starting at 5250 ft elevation encreases at 7000 fir first 7 miles, then down to 5600 at the 13 miles turn around. Paved road for first and last 3.5 miles, rest is on Forest Service dirt road in cool pines.

Contact Information

Name:	Jessica Leary
Address:	Prescott YMCA 750 Whipple Street Prescott, AZ 86301
Phone Number:	928-445-7221 x33
Fax Number:	(928) 445-5135
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (19)

Course 4.4

Organization 4.2

Spectators 2.9

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Number of comments: 19 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

Tiffany Reed from Missouri (5/7/2018) "Best, gut-busting marathon ever!" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Whiskey Row Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 If you're looking for fanfare and amenities, this race isn't for you. If you want to test your mettle and catch some beautiful views in the process, this is your race. I am a flatlander and the altitude was noticeable but not a huge factor. Course is relentlessly hilly but not technical. I was able to fly downhill and hiked the steeper climbs. A very small race, there were many parts where I ran by myself. Expo is very small and not many could answer my questions about the course ahead of time except that it was hard. They were right about that. Things I was glad I did: carried a 20 oz. hand-held bottle, wore a hydration vest for gel storage, wore gaiters. Aid stations are adequately placed but the dry air would have dehydrated me had I not carried a water bottle. My finish time was 4:31 and I am 54 years old from Missouri so I was very pleased with my results but very drained at the end.
D. Z. from North Carolina (10/22/2015) "hilly" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Whiskey Row Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This was my 24th marathon, but easily the hardest. If you're going to run this make sure you train on hills 100% of your training runs. I ran my worst time by over an hour. Was fun though if you're a glutton for punishment. Also the money goes to a good cause rather than Rock N Roll which goes to corporate pockets.
G. W. from Lake Havasu City, AZ (5/21/2015) "Great race!!! More like a trail ultra." (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Whiskey Row Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This marathon was a lot of fun. I've ran quite a few hilly/trail marathons in the past (Big Sur, Catalina, Death Valley, Pikes Peak), as well as a few trail 50k's, and Whiskey Row brought back some memories and reminded me of the type of running I truly enjoy. A runner next to me commented on doing the 'ultra shuffle', and I couldn't agree more. This race has more in common with a trail ultra than a road marathon. Course Breakdown: The first 5 miles are on pavement through town and it seems you are constantly going up or down. A lot of climbing once you hit the dirt road. It is not so steep you can't run, but expect your mile splits to be slower here. Good views when you reach the high point at mile 9, then it drops to the turn-around at 13.1. Coming back, many runners resort to power walking for brief stretches (myself included), as the steepest uphill is in this section. The longest walking section is right before reaching the high point again, mile 17. From there, it drops back into town, but be aware - it isn't all downhill. The ups and downs at the beginning are now at the end. Inclines that test your will when you are feeling tired, and have had enough of uphill running for the day. On a personal note, my hill training paid off as I was pleasantly surprised to still have my legs at mile 22. Except for the fast people in the front, most runners carried fluids, as the aid stations can be far apart (another ultra similarity). A lot of runners had Camelback-type reservoirs. Something to consider when planning your hydration strategy. I heard it can get warm at the end of the race when it drops back into town. Parking at the start was easy. The half-marathon and 10K start later, so the majority of the runners show up later, after the full has already started. Never stood in line for the bathroom. A local restaurant provides pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, and salad at the finish. How could you ask for more? Overall a great race!!! Excellent organization and a challenging course. I hope I can make it back next year.
Claudia Roedl from Scottsdale (5/8/2012) "Love it!" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Whiskey Row Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Love this marathon and everyone involved in its organization. A snafu at the 'Y' intersection after the turnaround of the full sent me and another runner 1 mile out of our way...who's the jokester that turned the arrow around? I give everything about this race 5 stars as it deserves nothing less nor do the people that provide their time and energy.
C. R. from Scottsdale, AZ (2/12/2010) "ALWAYS DONE TO PERFECTION!" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Whiskey Row Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Laura does an A-1 job with this event and I love the new shirts that say, "I'm Tough Enough," as that says it all! You will definitely be proud of yourself when you cross the finish line.
J. D. from Scottsdale, AZ (9/29/2009) "Something Different In a Good Way" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Whiskey Row Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 What a cool race. After about four modestly interesting miles, the fun begins with a several-mile, non-stop climb on a dirt road up a mountain. Then you go down the other side, turn around and come back. It may not sound so great, but it was unusually fun, both because of the the great challenge and pure pleasure of running through the beautiful Arizona pine forest. For a while you run along a creek; in some spots you get grand sweeping views. It took a huge effort to run every step of the way, but I did it; for a lot of folks, walking was a necessity on the two massive uphills. The long downhill finish was invigorating, and the town of Prescott is just a cool, charming little place. Not the typical marathon, and I say that fondly. This is one of my favorites.
M. K. from Tucson, Arizona (5/3/2009) "Awesome Marathon" (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Whiskey Row Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great marathon! This was only my second marathon and it was not as hard as I thought it was going be! The people who run this marathon are runners for the pure joy of the sport! The competitiveness of most races is checked at the door and most people are just there to finish. Because the marathon takes place on 8 miles of paved street and 18 miles of dirt road, I would say no to trail shoes. There is no single track, and the road is graded, so trail shoes would just slow you down. The town of Prescott is beautiful, but it was apparent that very few of the townsfolk knew the race was taking place, which is sad because I think this could be a great destination marathon. Overall, awesome, and I would do it again for sure!
C. B. from Tucson, AZ (5/4/2008) "Tough, Beautiful, Rugged Course" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Whiskey Row Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I had done my homework, so knew exactly what to expect from this course. It did not disappoint! It is a wonderful, small-town, somewhat primitive race. Internet-listed hotels filled up 2 weeks prior to the event, but when I got into town at 4:00 p.m. the night before, all the cheap hotels right in town still had Vacancy signs. I ended up paying $55 for a no-frills but totally adequate room within walking distance of the start line. Packet pick-up was simple, volunteers were friendly and helpful. Prescott is a beautiful small town. No expo, so buy your GU before you come to town. The race offers a 5 a.m. start in addition to the official 6 a.m. start. I did this, and it gave me a great psychological boost to be passing so many people on the return trip. STILL no Porta-potties on the course, except for one at Mile 3 or so that I think was actually there for road workers. Or perhaps there were more and I just didn't see them. There were adequate aid stations, well-manned and well-stocked, not as many as I'm used to seeing in a race. (9 instead of the usual 13 or so.) I carried my own Gatorade bottle and stashed it halfway, then picked it up on the return. The course was very challenging, but, to me at least, the downhills made up for those brutal uphills. I flew down them and was feeling no pain in the last 9 miles, VERY unusual for me in a marathon. The beauty of the course was enough to distract me, maybe. Also, we were blessed with perfect weather 40 or so at the start line, high 60's at the finish. Finish line festivities were awesome, food was fantastic. I can't say enough good things about Prescott what a nice little town! If you've done your hill training, go for it. I got a time of 4:37, my slowest ever, but I am proud of it that's a heck of a course.
M. G. from Scottsdale, AZ (5/3/2008) "A place to test your marathoning mettle" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Whiskey Row Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 An event that is staged and promised as advertised. This is not your ordinary marathon and deservedly lives up to the title as one of America's top-5 toughest marathons. Elevation and hills from start to finish. Beautiful scenery and blue skies. Very peaceful and miles away from all the trappings of urban races. Packet pick-up is easy. The race starts on time. Friendly and simple water/Gatorade stops, no clocks but requisite mile markers, and a home-town festival atmosphere at the end. Close-by hotels are scarce; book early. Race is priced very low. Most everyone had to walk in a few of the steepest areas; it's that tough, especially with the high 7000 feet-plus in elevation. No matter - a friendly, "We're all in this together" sort of vibe. It's a challenge, but it is doable, and you'll live to tell about it - and probably will make other marathons seem a lot less challenging from now on.
M. G. from Scottsdale, AZ (5/5/2007) "Tough course; great personal challenge" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Whiskey Row Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Commenting on the half. Respect this course and adjust your mindset when entering this race. It's a challenge almost from the beginning, but you are rewarded for perseverance if you can get to the turnaround in good shape. It's almost completely up, up, up with a few downslopes along the way. You'll see a lot of walking up the inclines, but you can make up for that on the return trip - you'll scream down those hills and end up with a fairly good time. There is a half, full, 5K and 10K - enough participants to make for camaraderie during and after the race. Friendly water/Gatorade stops, mile markers (but no race clocks), and the road is opened to light traffic. Weather can be an issue; this year, cool and some wind gusts - this race has had rain, snow, high temps - it's May in northern AZ, so anything is possible. Packet pick-up is easy, friendly, and simple. Race morning has free Starbucks, bananas, easy bag-drop, restrooms close by, and the race(s) start on time. Post-race, there are several food giveaways, awards ceremony is nearby, and loads of people hanging out at Town Square. A great way to see a more peaceful AZ from years gone by. Many hotels nearby and down the road about 6-8 miles out; book early. Overall, a great experience without huge mobs. Don't expect a PR - elevation starts at 5200+ and goes to 7000 - but it's a great personal challenge when you're looking for something simple that still has all the amenities that a race requires.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]



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Tiffany Reed from Missouri (5/7/2018) "Best, gut-busting marathon ever!" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Whiskey Row Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 If you're looking for fanfare and amenities, this race isn't for you. If you want to test your mettle and catch some beautiful views in the process, this is your race. I am a flatlander and the altitude was noticeable but not a huge factor. Course is relentlessly hilly but not technical. I was able to fly downhill and hiked the steeper climbs. A very small race, there were many parts where I ran by myself. Expo is very small and not many could answer my questions about the course ahead of time except that it was hard. They were right about that. Things I was glad I did: carried a 20 oz. hand-held bottle, wore a hydration vest for gel storage, wore gaiters. Aid stations are adequately placed but the dry air would have dehydrated me had I not carried a water bottle. My finish time was 4:31 and I am 54 years old from Missouri so I was very pleased with my results but very drained at the end.
D. Z. from North Carolina (10/22/2015) "hilly" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Whiskey Row Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This was my 24th marathon, but easily the hardest. If you're going to run this make sure you train on hills 100% of your training runs. I ran my worst time by over an hour. Was fun though if you're a glutton for punishment. Also the money goes to a good cause rather than Rock N Roll which goes to corporate pockets.
G. W. from Lake Havasu City, AZ (5/21/2015) "Great race!!! More like a trail ultra." (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Whiskey Row Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This marathon was a lot of fun. I've ran quite a few hilly/trail marathons in the past (Big Sur, Catalina, Death Valley, Pikes Peak), as well as a few trail 50k's, and Whiskey Row brought back some memories and reminded me of the type of running I truly enjoy. A runner next to me commented on doing the 'ultra shuffle', and I couldn't agree more. This race has more in common with a trail ultra than a road marathon. Course Breakdown: The first 5 miles are on pavement through town and it seems you are constantly going up or down. A lot of climbing once you hit the dirt road. It is not so steep you can't run, but expect your mile splits to be slower here. Good views when you reach the high point at mile 9, then it drops to the turn-around at 13.1. Coming back, many runners resort to power walking for brief stretches (myself included), as the steepest uphill is in this section. The longest walking section is right before reaching the high point again, mile 17. From there, it drops back into town, but be aware - it isn't all downhill. The ups and downs at the beginning are now at the end. Inclines that test your will when you are feeling tired, and have had enough of uphill running for the day. On a personal note, my hill training paid off as I was pleasantly surprised to still have my legs at mile 22. Except for the fast people in the front, most runners carried fluids, as the aid stations can be far apart (another ultra similarity). A lot of runners had Camelback-type reservoirs. Something to consider when planning your hydration strategy. I heard it can get warm at the end of the race when it drops back into town. Parking at the start was easy. The half-marathon and 10K start later, so the majority of the runners show up later, after the full has already started. Never stood in line for the bathroom. A local restaurant provides pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, and salad at the finish. How could you ask for more? Overall a great race!!! Excellent organization and a challenging course. I hope I can make it back next year.
Claudia Roedl from Scottsdale (5/8/2012) "Love it!" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Whiskey Row Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Love this marathon and everyone involved in its organization. A snafu at the 'Y' intersection after the turnaround of the full sent me and another runner 1 mile out of our way...who's the jokester that turned the arrow around? I give everything about this race 5 stars as it deserves nothing less nor do the people that provide their time and energy.
C. R. from Scottsdale, AZ (2/12/2010) "ALWAYS DONE TO PERFECTION!" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Whiskey Row Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Laura does an A-1 job with this event and I love the new shirts that say, "I'm Tough Enough," as that says it all! You will definitely be proud of yourself when you cross the finish line.
J. D. from Scottsdale, AZ (9/29/2009) "Something Different In a Good Way" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Whiskey Row Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 What a cool race. After about four modestly interesting miles, the fun begins with a several-mile, non-stop climb on a dirt road up a mountain. Then you go down the other side, turn around and come back. It may not sound so great, but it was unusually fun, both because of the the great challenge and pure pleasure of running through the beautiful Arizona pine forest. For a while you run along a creek; in some spots you get grand sweeping views. It took a huge effort to run every step of the way, but I did it; for a lot of folks, walking was a necessity on the two massive uphills. The long downhill finish was invigorating, and the town of Prescott is just a cool, charming little place. Not the typical marathon, and I say that fondly. This is one of my favorites.
M. K. from Tucson, Arizona (5/3/2009) "Awesome Marathon" (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Whiskey Row Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great marathon! This was only my second marathon and it was not as hard as I thought it was going be! The people who run this marathon are runners for the pure joy of the sport! The competitiveness of most races is checked at the door and most people are just there to finish. Because the marathon takes place on 8 miles of paved street and 18 miles of dirt road, I would say no to trail shoes. There is no single track, and the road is graded, so trail shoes would just slow you down. The town of Prescott is beautiful, but it was apparent that very few of the townsfolk knew the race was taking place, which is sad because I think this could be a great destination marathon. Overall, awesome, and I would do it again for sure!
C. B. from Tucson, AZ (5/4/2008) "Tough, Beautiful, Rugged Course" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Whiskey Row Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I had done my homework, so knew exactly what to expect from this course. It did not disappoint! It is a wonderful, small-town, somewhat primitive race. Internet-listed hotels filled up 2 weeks prior to the event, but when I got into town at 4:00 p.m. the night before, all the cheap hotels right in town still had Vacancy signs. I ended up paying $55 for a no-frills but totally adequate room within walking distance of the start line. Packet pick-up was simple, volunteers were friendly and helpful. Prescott is a beautiful small town. No expo, so buy your GU before you come to town. The race offers a 5 a.m. start in addition to the official 6 a.m. start. I did this, and it gave me a great psychological boost to be passing so many people on the return trip. STILL no Porta-potties on the course, except for one at Mile 3 or so that I think was actually there for road workers. Or perhaps there were more and I just didn't see them. There were adequate aid stations, well-manned and well-stocked, not as many as I'm used to seeing in a race. (9 instead of the usual 13 or so.) I carried my own Gatorade bottle and stashed it halfway, then picked it up on the return. The course was very challenging, but, to me at least, the downhills made up for those brutal uphills. I flew down them and was feeling no pain in the last 9 miles, VERY unusual for me in a marathon. The beauty of the course was enough to distract me, maybe. Also, we were blessed with perfect weather 40 or so at the start line, high 60's at the finish. Finish line festivities were awesome, food was fantastic. I can't say enough good things about Prescott what a nice little town! If you've done your hill training, go for it. I got a time of 4:37, my slowest ever, but I am proud of it that's a heck of a course.
M. G. from Scottsdale, AZ (5/3/2008) "A place to test your marathoning mettle" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Whiskey Row Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 An event that is staged and promised as advertised. This is not your ordinary marathon and deservedly lives up to the title as one of America's top-5 toughest marathons. Elevation and hills from start to finish. Beautiful scenery and blue skies. Very peaceful and miles away from all the trappings of urban races. Packet pick-up is easy. The race starts on time. Friendly and simple water/Gatorade stops, no clocks but requisite mile markers, and a home-town festival atmosphere at the end. Close-by hotels are scarce; book early. Race is priced very low. Most everyone had to walk in a few of the steepest areas; it's that tough, especially with the high 7000 feet-plus in elevation. No matter - a friendly, "We're all in this together" sort of vibe. It's a challenge, but it is doable, and you'll live to tell about it - and probably will make other marathons seem a lot less challenging from now on.
M. G. from Scottsdale, AZ (5/5/2007) "Tough course; great personal challenge" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Whiskey Row Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Commenting on the half. Respect this course and adjust your mindset when entering this race. It's a challenge almost from the beginning, but you are rewarded for perseverance if you can get to the turnaround in good shape. It's almost completely up, up, up with a few downslopes along the way. You'll see a lot of walking up the inclines, but you can make up for that on the return trip - you'll scream down those hills and end up with a fairly good time. There is a half, full, 5K and 10K - enough participants to make for camaraderie during and after the race. Friendly water/Gatorade stops, mile markers (but no race clocks), and the road is opened to light traffic. Weather can be an issue; this year, cool and some wind gusts - this race has had rain, snow, high temps - it's May in northern AZ, so anything is possible. Packet pick-up is easy, friendly, and simple. Race morning has free Starbucks, bananas, easy bag-drop, restrooms close by, and the race(s) start on time. Post-race, there are several food giveaways, awards ceremony is nearby, and loads of people hanging out at Town Square. A great way to see a more peaceful AZ from years gone by. Many hotels nearby and down the road about 6-8 miles out; book early. Overall, a great experience without huge mobs. Don't expect a PR - elevation starts at 5200+ and goes to 7000 - but it's a great personal challenge when you're looking for something simple that still has all the amenities that a race requires.

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Marathon Details - Whiskey Row Marathon