Lost Dutchman Marathon - Race Reviews

This course and race definitely lived up to the reviews. Absolutely gorgeous start and worth it, in spite of earlier-than-crack-of-dawn arrival logistics. The shuttle that takes you out to the race start takes around 45min? over curvy dirt roads. You have to start out early, but they get you out there on time and there are little log fires and hot cocoa at the wait with lots of port-a-potties. I had a lovely time meeting and talking to fellow runners just before the start. There are three long ascents and one around mile 22/23. It got pretty warm at the end, about 77deg since I'm a middle of the packer. I wish I'd carried my hydration vest. I did bonk a bit due to heat and hills but still felt this course, running through the Arizona desert, was worth it. Really organized, friendly volunteers and RD.

Meticulously planned and executed, this is a great event, staged by local people for the benefit of their community. It is a small marathon featuring some truly spectacular scenery with great support on the course. Watching the light change as the sun rose over the mountains while running in the desert is a memory I will cherish.

Here's yet another reason to praise the organizers. Because my time was so incredibly slow, I didn't hang around for the awards ceremony. Heck, the ceremony was probably over before I trudged across the finish line. But when I got home, I saw I somehow came in third in my age group. I sent organizers a note and some $$ to handle shipping, and a couple of weeks later, a beautiful plaque landed in my mailbox. I've won a few age group things over the years (hint: get old and enter a race with not too many old folks in it), but this was by far the nicest.

If it were an option, I'd give 6 (or more) stars to the organizers of this event. From the easy packet pickup to the short wait for buses to the start to the warming fires once you got there and most importantly, to the enthusiastic volunteers who manned the much-needed water stops with gusto, this was one of the best-organized marathons I've done. And to top it off, this was the first of my 47 marathons where I got my photo taken with a donkey afterward! The course offered a beautiful tour of the desert at the base of the Superstition Mountains. Much of it was on unshaded roads that included traffic, something I might've had issues with were it not for the spectacular scenery. The high sun -- and lack of shade for much of the second half -- was problematic for this midwesterner who did a shakedown run three days prior to the event in single-digit temperatures. But it didn't take away from the event, which I highly recommend.

We were dropped off in the middle of the Sonoran Desert before dawn and ran six miles along a winding dirt road immersed in some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable as the sun slowly rose over the Saguaras. The next 20 miles was along paved roads with the Superstition Mountains in the backdrop. Breathtaking! The weather was perfect, as was the staff of friendly volunteers and traffic personnel. Copious aid stations and energetic people passing out water, gatorade, bananas and oranges. The Lost Dutchman Marathon was well organized and well marked- a great marathon experience! Plus, for 50 Staters, it was easy to get to from the Phoenix airport. Go for it!

I had never been to Arizona before and this race made it worth coming! The organization was absolutely top notch. From the small expo (appropriately sized) to the transport of runners from the rodeo area to the start, to the start area with the warming fires, warming buses, portolets, the course with great and varied scenery and well done aid stations, and the finish area, it was all so very well executed. I have been a marathon director so I have a great deal of appreciation and respect for all of the work that goes into this. The medal was really nice, having the prospector with his donkey there was awesome... just everyone. The only adjustment I would make is getting ladie's shirts instead of generic (men's) shirts for everyone. I'm a small female and the XS is not a good fit - too big. Notes on the course: The first 6 miles is downhill with a few short up hill rolls...this is on dirt road so it's fine as far as impact goes (not bad at all). The rest is rolling hills but nothing horribly steep. If you are looking for a wonderful, well organized race with fantastic scenery, this is for you!!

I had tried to run this race the year prior, but was unable to make my flight. Ran this year (2017) with constant rain during the whole 26.2 mile event. The first nine miles were magical on a hard packed dirt road with thousands of mighty saguaro cacti saluting the runners. The rest of the marathon was on asphalt and was generally pleasant. Volunteers ranged from youth to elderly and they ALL had smiles and pleasant comments! Out of 29 marathons in 29 states, it is the only one that i want to repeat...this is an event worth running!

Non Phoenix style weather tried its best to disrupt the race. Despite cold temps and two days of relentless rain that cruelly didn't stop til shortly after the race ended, the runners were treated to a well managed event. Kudos to the volunteers who manned their stations, with smiles and cheers of encouragement. Nice long sleeve tech shirt. There were plenty of buses to shuttle folks before and after the race, lots of aid stations, endless offerings of gels, fruit and porta-potties at every aid station. Yes all runners looked like cold, drowned rats but blame it on the weather gods. The race starts on the Peralta Trail and delivers 6 plus miles of gentle elevation drop through gorgeous views of cactus and foothills. This was a top-notch, small race that didn't miss a beat.

You can tell a lot about a race organization when the weather is bad. The good races, adapt, the bad race directors blame everyone else. The Lost Dutchman, fortunately falls under the good race banner. Instead of the usual dry sunny day for this race, it was wet and cold. So, since they could not have mats and fires to wait for the start, they left the buses at the start for people to stay in. The volunteers were amazing. The course is very scenic. The bacon and donut stop was well received. In fact, the only thing anyone could say is a negative about this race is a lack of spectators ... which does not really bother me since I love running with my fellow runners. Loved the 'wall' at mile 24. Highly recommend the race.

As a race director you are always in the mercy of the weather. Kudos to the racers, their support crew, the organizers and volun-cheers for their tenacity. My only wish is that the Unknowns be recognized from what country they are from :) in the results.

A fast course with great volunteers and easy logistics equals a great event. Do this race!

Pros: Expo had a lot of vendors and running supplies were available. The first 21 miles of the course varied from nice to beautiful. Medal was fantastic. Volunteers were GREAT! I loved how they had fires at the ready area for us to stay warm while waiting for the race. Cons: Last 5 miles weren't terribly scenic, not very many spectators. Overall, I loved this race. Very well executed and you could feel the love that went into it. I'd run it again.

The only improvements I could suggest for such a nice event: Running out of water at the start area when it might get into the 80's is a no-no. Otherwise the pre-start with individual camp-fires and pads laid out was the best although there were not enough forcing many to sit in the sand or stand. The sun-rise was spectacular but the direction of the run put it behind us. If the route could go towards it for the first few miles it would be better. Volunteers great with gaterade/water on the course in good quantity. The few spectators were very enthusiastic. Medal was really nice and depicted the State in style/coloring. Some long moderate hills but not too bad, just the sun/heat towards the end sucks the energy from you. Logistics were handled better than races that don't have the busing to contend with. Hotels in the area are available very close to where you need to be which was stated on the website and very helpful. A number of great tourist activities in the immediate vicinity so might consider staying an extra day.

I really loved this race and am very glad I chose it as my Arizona race. The expo was very nice and bigger than I expected. Even though the marathon is fairly small (336 finishers) there are almost 3,000 participants in all of the races. I got my packet quickly and bought a souvenir too. Apache Junction is a smallish town about 45 minutes from Phoenix. I camped at the local KOA but the town is big enough that there's plenty of hotel options. The race is a point to point race where runners can park at the finish and get bused to the start. If you are running the full marathon the start is the best you will ever experience. We are bused out to a clearing under the foothills of the Superstition Mtns. Here the race organizers have a few hundred mats laid out around these small fire pits. runners can relax and stretch in an absolutely magical atmosphere. Go to the website and see the photos. there are plenty of port-a-johns (barely any lines even 10 minutes prior to race start) and there's also food, coffee and water for the runners to enjoy. We then get to enjoy the sun rising over the mountains as we await the starting gun. Yes I am gushing but trust me it is the best pre-racer set-up I've ever seen!! If you do the full get there early to fully enjoy this experience! The first six miles of the race are on a hard packed dirt road threw the desert. The views are great and these miles are actually a slight downhill. After mile 7 we are running on roads but we are still treated to views of the mountains. Most of these roads are completely closed to traffic. Even on a short stretch along a 4 lane highway they completely close a full lane (eventho there is a very wide shoulder) so runners will always feel safe. There are very few obvious hills on this course but there are a few long gradual climbs and descents. I'd advise runners to check out the elevation guide so you can gauge your effort. In 2014 we had hot weather. It is Arizona so I suspect most years it's a little warm. The week leading up to the race the Race director sent out many e-mails telling runners they could switch to the half if they were worried about the excess heat. I've never seen a race do that before. There were plenty of aid stations even with the hot weather and 2 gave out ice cold towels which really helped. My finish line photo has me with this wash cloth over my head. Post race there's plenty of food, water and room. We are in a park so you can really spread out and relax. The medal is excellent and different for each distance. So many races cut corners here. The shirt is a long sleeve tech shirt.

This was my first LDM and it was a great race from the day before to the finish line and beyond. Race packet pick-up and the expo were very well organized and the selection of running goods was well above average. The race day was really unforgettable. The area of the start line was like a dream: runners relaxing on mates next to many bonfires at the foot of vertical walls of a mountain with the full moon on the clear sky. About half an hour after the start we could admire simultaneous, colorful moon-set and sun-rise. Most of the course was within pure desert landscape with two portions in nice residential areas. However, there were more gentle hills than I expected. Volunteers did a great job, thank you very much. (In the futures please consider ICE COLD drinks as runners approach final miles before the finish line). At the finish line we received lavish medals and wide selection of food and drinks. Thank you for a great race!

This was my first marathon and I think they set the bar pretty high. This race had great organization and great volunteers. Even a few neighborhood people who offered out water to us as we ran by. The beginning is very scenic. Great race.

The area is beautiful. There is so much to do and see. The race was organized, the expo was just the right size, and EVERYONE was friendly. The volunteers along the course were wonderful. I liked the mix of dirt roads and paved streets. Loved the fires at the start. It was very cool to look around at sunrise and realize you were right next to a mountain. What I noticed that was different from any marathon I have participated in was the cleanliness of the port-o-pots! It may not be a big deal to you but I stop at just about every one and ALL of the seats were clean and dry! When is the last time you can say that? And not only were the seats put back down but most of the lids too! What a courtious group of runners. My husband and I enjoyed the Dolly Steamboat and ghost town. The Best Western in Gold Canyon was very nice.

Top notch organization with great pre-race communication and seemless logistics before, during, and after the race. The race director encouraged wary runners to switch from the full to the half based on weather forecasts that turned out to be true: it was unusually hot without a cloud in the sky. It was difficult for a northeasterner, but the race director was prepared and the residents helped with unoffical aid stations as well. The course was fair with a beautiful early morning start in the desert, and enough undulation to keep it interesting. No shade unfortunately. Medal and shirt are both first rate. A great destination marathon, and the weather that made the race so challenging made the vacation after the race so nice. A great Arizona choice.

Just a great marathon, with virtually no flaws. Excellent organization, course and perks. - Registration and packet pickup was easy. You didn't have to fight crowds or parking. - The expo, while small, had the perfect mix of vendors. Decent prices. - 4 different races and each medal was nice. Marathon one is awesome. - Great shuttles, for both the runners and the spectators. - Very nice course. Fast. Beautiful scenery: desert, cactus, mountains! Some complain about the highway running, but have you noticed Arizona - it's got alot of open highways. They were well separated from traffic, gave us one whole lane for stretches. - Plenty of course photographers and photo ops after race (got one with the pack mule!) Only drawback, no iced gatorade, or tea or soda at finish. Coulda used that. And about that sun...could you arrange for some clouds next time?!

Just finished the 2014 LDM. Was a very well organized fun run. Lots of rolling hills and quite hot this year. Could have been better trained for the hills but not the heat. No real spectators but volunteers were great with their support. Most of the course was fairly scenic but last half dozen miles were not so much. Medals were impressive, shirt is nice but quite large for size. Got a really nice plaque for placing in my age group! Only real complaint was everyone rec'd the same shirt, my husband ran the 8 k and got the same shirt as I did for the marathon so he will not wear it as he didn't do the marathon. Suggest different shirts for the different distances. Oh and the campfires were an excellent way to start the day!

Pros: 1) Very well organized and race organizer was very responsive to email. My flight into town was delayed (by a day) and I was concerned about packet pickup day before marathon, they made pickup available before race (there were many with travel problems from the east due to weather). I was very impressed with the race director's responsiveness. 2) Very nice race shirt and medal. 3) Very easy packet pickup. 4) Plenty of hotels available with race rates. I stayed at the Marriott Courtyard in Mesa and the staff at this hotel could not have been more helpful! 5) Plenty of places to sit, portable toilets, sunscreen, tea, coffee, water at the start. 6) Fires to keep you warm at start (though this year it was almost 60 at the start). 7) Friendly and helpful volunteers before, during and after the race. 8) Convenient transportation to race start and back to parking area after the race. 9) Burritos, chips, fruit, yogurt, water, gatorade at the finish. 10) Well marked course. 11) Course patrol was well manned. Cons: Note: Without these two problems the course would have gotten a '5'. The first 6 miles are beautiful...the rest is very pretty also. 1) There were sections of the course where runners were given very little space to run. 2) Sometimes the traffic speed (from behind us) was daunting. Overall a great event that I recommend!

Highly recommend this race! My favorite part was everything about the start (the campfires, the moon, the looming mountain, the sunrise, and a beautiful first six miles of desert trail). It was truly magical! Spectators were scarce but all very encouraging, welcoming, and the volunteers were super enthusiastic and helpful. LOVED that they had cold towels at two points in the race since it was unseasonably warm. Also did a great job supplying sports drink, water, and bananas etc. I found the portapotties to be plentiful. The course was definitely challenging for me with rolling hills but I was also already sore from some weight training the previous week (bad idea!) so it may not have been as much of an issue for others. Post-race food was great and the organization of parking/shuttles etc. was excellent. Also loved that the race director/officials had frequent updates so we knew what to expect. Overall-a very unique experience and a race I will not soon forget!

This is the race other race directors should model themselves after. This race is PREPARED for everything, is pro-active in execution, and delivers way more than it promises. And they do it with a smile and staff of very friendly volunteers. Packet pick up is a breeze. The race is value-priced. Tech tee and medal are beautiful. The race starts on time. Bus transportation and parking management is flawless. It's impossible to get lost on the course. They're easy-to-spot mile markers. Pre-race portalets are plentiful. Bag drop is easy. Small fires with mats to sit on greet all runners at the bus drop-off. A canteen of water, hot tea, hot coffee, breakfast rolls, and last-minutes essentials are provided. We were treated to a moonset/sunrise this year as a bonus. The desert scenery is legendary. This year's weather was exceptionally warmdidn't phase themthey added two cold towel stops and had AN ARMY of medical volunteers, ham radio operators, firemen, patrol cars, and personnel on bikes going up and down on the course to make sure no one was having issues with the heat. Aid stations were stocked and many water stops had Gu, bananas, and loads of water and Gatorade. The finish line had their 'banquet' waiting once again: breakfast burritos, bagels, cookies, yogurt, chips, salsa, pretzels, and more fluids. They didn't run out of anything. The website and Facebook page were updated often. They not only staged the marathon, but also an 8K, 10K, and half. None conflicted with each other. Results were posted on site and online before I got home. You may think that 'well of course, these things should all be provided' but sadly they're not and/or promised but not delivered at other races. This race director and team have it dialed in and the runners know itthis race continues to grow and receive their very well-deserved accolades. When thinking about an AZ marathon, look no further than this desert gem. It has downhill stretches, some challenging but doable uphill spells, and a beautiful, wide open sky to enjoy it all. The sun is mostly to your back. Can't wait to do it all over again 2015!

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.

Great race overall! Felt like a small town race, even though with all events (Full, 1/2, 10K, 8K, and a 2-miler) there were probably over 2,000 runners total. The bus out to the marathon start was really nice to separate us from the rest of the group. Amazing scenery at the start. Did a great job keeping folks comfortable while we waited by the start line. First 6 miles on dirt was awesome. Very impressed by the volunteer support along the way. Ran along the highway for a bit, which wasn't great, but that totaled maybe 3-4 miles. Expo was solid, great food afterwards, good medal, good shirt, good aid stations. Highly recommend!

The race is set in an extremely pretty, high desert setting to start. I haven't experienced that habitat before, so it was really cool. The race starts early enough in the day that you miss most of the heat of the day. You'll note that I gave 2 stars for spectators. The ones there were awesome. There just were not many, though I have seen worse. I actually got to the point where I recognized them. It looks like a nice race to be a spectator, however.

Everything about this race was wonderful. The host hotel, race organization, information and medal were all great - and the course was the highlight. I ran the first six miles without even thinking about running because the desert scenery was so incredible. Thousands of saguaro cacti, the campfires, the sun coming up over the mountains - unbelievable. I loved everything about this race. I've wanted to run it for years, and will return to run it again.

What a fun race! Most of the previous comments held true to form. The starting area was next to the mountain, with smoke rising from the Duralogs, and the sun rose as we ran through the cactus "forest." There were boring sections along Highway 60, as well as modest hills as we ran back into the neighborhoods (beware the downhills) and the final stretch back to Prospector Park. As a northern resident, the sun took its toll on me during the later miles, though I'm not complaining, as it seems like I haven't seen the sun in months. I thought that the race directors did a good job with making sure everyone had the information they needed; the goodies were there when I finished; there were a couple of different massage areas; and there were rides to and from the local hotels. I thoroughly enjoyed my day at the race and would recommend it.