Flagstaff Marathon - Race Reviews

If you are a novice runner and do not live at 8000 feet, this is NOT the marathon for you. I choose flagstaff despite the clear information about it because it was on my 30th birthday (thought it was a great way to start my 30s!). I should have taken the reviews and marathon instructions very seriously. I can tell you - I couldn't breath. The 9,000ft elevation killed me more than anything. I had a sore throat afterwards from breathing so hard and I had lung pains the entire second half. The hills, sweet Jesus the hills. We ran up hills for the majority of our training, but it wasn't enough. It's a total of 3600 ft of climbing. And it's a trail run, so you're about to trip to your death the majority of the race. I only fell 1 time, which I consider a blessing. I like the intimate atmosphere of the race (only 52 marathoners), the people supporting were great, even when they were still out there for 6 hours! A previous commenter said they ran out of water, so I contacted the race director before and he assured me there would be plenty this year and there was! I brought a hand held water bottle, and easily filled up at the stations. I still brought my own snacks (habit) but there was plenty of food, even at the end (trust me, I was at the end...only 4 people were after me). We were in the middle of nowhere, in solitude which was nifty. The ascetics were memorable. So if you are used to marathons, vicious hills and can handle 9,000 feet this is a great choice (just watch your footing!). To those of you who represent past me, those of you who know deep down you cannot handle a race at 9,000 ft, or doing it at the same time as 3600 ft in climbing, don't do it. I'm glad I'm done, but it was brutal. I couldn't even run uphill anymore, and we just hiked as fast as we could. I love distance running, but this wasn't it. If you already signed up or you end up doing it anyway - if I could do it again (which I never ever will) I would have taken things slower at the beginning and not hurt myself so much. There is a hill that my boyfriend and I will forever remember as the soul crushing hill between miles 9-11, stop running. Save your energy for the downhill. I think if I had not tried to run so much the first half I wouldn't be so exhausted the second half where I quickly gave up hope in between trying to breath again. I didn't even feel prepared to do the half marathon...after training for 9 months for the marathon. Glad I'm done with it, it was my first marathon and I know my times are only going to get better from here! This course is not for everyone, and when they say it's one of the hardest courses in the country - they mean it!

I really enjoyed the 10k! Nature at its finest and I saw a tarantula (almost stepped on it)! I was glad to read that others fell on this course....and since I am not too savvy in the area of trail running I had myself a pretty good fall but honestly it was the best part! I will do this again next year and aim for the half marathon. My only complaint (as others have stated) was the water running out and no cups when I REALLY needed it. Next time I will bring my own.

The course is very challenging, exactly as advertised. There were some beautiful spots such as an Aspen grove near mile 9 and again at 18. The race boasted about being well supported and thus I didn't pack water nor snacks. Imagine my surprise at mile 14 when they were out of cups, gatoraid, and most of the food. What the heck! After about mile 17 there was NO water at all! This isn't what I call well supported!

This was a very challenging course for those not experienced in trail running. I am a seasoned road runner and marathoner. If you're looking for a trail race with very few people around you, then this is it! I appreciated all the support for those who did staff the race, however too few for my comfort level on such a rigorous course. The scenery was beautiful but got a little too close to an elk around mile 21. If you like nature and seclusion, this is your race. However I will not be pursuing another trail marathon anytime soon.

I am a 50 state-er and chose the Flagstaff marathon for my Arizona marathon. With altitude and elevation profile I knew it would be a tough one. I was prepared for the challenge and had a lot of fun. I took some nasty falls and consider myself lucky I didn't seriously hurt myself. You are mostly alone but I could always see someone ahead of me. In the second half there was always someone in the distance to try to catch or someone catching me. The course was very well marked, something I appreciate. Plenty of aid stations and the volunteers were awesome. Obviously no spectators on the trail, but the course comes through the start/finish area 4 times so you get to pass some energetic fans a few times. I gave the organization 3 stars for two reasons - (1) The website, such as it is, could be much better (2) The 'after party' is really for the 10k and half marathon finishers. I finished 13th overall and the food and drink was already packed up. It would have been nice to to have something celebrating the marathon finishers, especially since I spoke to no less than 3 first time marathon finishers. Overall it was fantastic and Flagstaff is a great place to visit. I would highly recommend it for someone interested in a trail marathon.

This marathon is extremely challenging. Altitude combined with all off road running makes for a fun and rugged run. I've done a run called 'The Tough Mudder,' 29 obstacles and 12.5 mile run. This course is every bit as tough, the obstacles being all the things you can trip over and fall on. I have some nice scrapes on my knees elbow and shoulder from taking a tumble. Just part of the fun. The staff and aid station volunteers in the Flagstaff race are wonderful. I'll be back. One of the best marathons I've done yet.

I ran the very first Flagstaff Marathon before moving to AZ from WI..I wsa intimidated by it; had no idea what to expect. Some guy calling himself 'Noric Tim' just kept telling me right up until the packet pickup that it was 'super awesome' and that I'd love it. I did; but it's also super challenging. If I recall, there were 7 women and 4 of us finished it. I think there were only 15 men and only the marathon was offered. The turnout is much greater now as people are seeing how well organized, supported and beautiful this course is. I am 'super proud' to be one of the first marathoners on this course!

My second marathon. If you're a trail runner, this is it. The marathon starts with the 10K and half, so you'll have company when you're fresh and talkative to pass the time. By the time you need to start focusing, you'll be alone with your thoughts, except for the deer. They gave real cool finisher medals this year, along with a tech running shirt, in lieu of cotton. My first shirt of this caliber, and I love it. Sure, this run will take a little longer than you're used to, but there is always P-town for the easy runs. This one is a mountain adventure run to love. I'm game next year, for sure.

This was my first trail marathon, so why not try it at 8,000-8,600 feet? The combination of the high elevation and continuously changing topography added an hour to my time - but it was well worth it! This is a beautiful run through the Ponderosa Pines and Aspen trees, and the organization is well done. If you are planning to run this one, be sure to plan a couple of extra days in Flagstaff. What a great city.

This was my first half-marathon, and I really enjoyed it. Because I live in Tempe, I did my training runs in the city and got sick of smelling the exhaust from buses and cars, running on concrete, and dealing with stop lights and traffic. This race was wonderful because the views were breathtaking, I could hear pine needles crunching under my feet, the air was fresh, and there were times when no one else was around me and I could hear the wind in the trees. Granted, there was one really long uphill section that was a challenge, but I did the race because I was looking for a challenge. One section of the trail was surrounded by baby aspen - so beautiful.... I plan on doing this race again next year and I recommend it to others.

There are two sides to this race. One is how we expect a marathon to be: You know, super runnable, where you know you can cover the distance without worrying about flipping an ankle or tripping over rocks spud like they are out to hurt you. You may have a time goal and would like the effort to get you into Boston. The other side is a race that is run through a cross-country ski area, where trails feel different when there is not two-feet of snow covering all of those jagged rocks jetting up from the mountain. And, speaking of mountains, they increases the ascents five fold over the usual marathon. Add in an elevation of 8000' to 8600', and you have one tough marathon that is too hard and unpredictable to tame. Sure we read the race website and all of the reviews on MarathonGuide.com, the home to its race stats. But when the site said there is 2200' of climbing for the marathon and the reviewers used words like "VERY HARD" - yes, in all caps - we knew we had to up our game. So we trained hard and knew that we could run 3500' with ease. That's why I'm writing this review. We were very surprised to have hit our limit at the 10-mile mark. How could it get so tough so fast? Was it all because of the elevation? We train at a meager 400' above sea level. In review it seems to be a combination off all these factors. High elevation made our internal system to work very very hard (by that I mean a heart rate that was a good 10-15 beats above norm), and hopping from one safe footing spot to the next is a very taxing way to run during a marathon. So with that in mind, here is our simple review. This race is a tough marathon adventure that is more about being out there on the mountain with like minded-adventurers than it is a race at which to pursue a pre-conceived time goal. It is one of the most beautiful races out there, and is a race we want to do again. Next time we will run it like it's a 50-miler. That should put things into perspective. By the way, the 2200' of climbing came up as 9341' on the old GPS. Yeah, that's a tough marathon.

This is not a PR course. It's a magnificant run at altitude through nature. The people were very friendly, helpful. Great attitude. The aid stations were like the ones in ultras. M&Ms, fruit, gels, donuts, etc. It is tough, but if you're in decent shape you won't have a problem. This is not an R 'n' R marathon; the spectators are few but supportive. I have run 200 marathons and I was inspired by this event.

VERY expensive and VERY tough. It's something you may try once, but not twice. It's really not enjoyable as a run, though it would be beautiful as a hike with no time limit. You will be alone A LOT, and this is all trails and grass, so tape those ankles and make sure you've done your cardio!

..and it was a great time. It was my first marathon of any type (we ran the half together to help us get ready for the Marine Corp. Marathon in D.C. in October). My wife is a pretty experienced marathon runner and I am an amateur cage fighter here in Phoenix (both are hobbies; we have real jobs :)). I wanted to join my wife in what she really enjoys, and being a former high school cross country guy myself, I have to admit I like a good run too. We decided to do this marathon a few weeks ago because we wanted to build on our cardio.... Wow... be careful what you ask for! :) Lol. It wasn't really what we had expected, but we both loved the experience. The scenery and the atmosphere were beautiful. I am originally from Michigan and, having lived in Phoenix the last 5 years, it was nice to finally see some deer! We had about 15 does and a huge buck run in front of us at about mile 10, and right before that I found a nice spike antler on the course! (I didn't feel so bad about not getting a medal... I had an antler! :)) At any rate, it was well run, and even though it was not what we expected, we want to do it again. The next time we are going to make sure we tape our ankles!

This is not a marathon for roadrunners. It is a beautiful, well organized, EXTREMELY challenging trail marathon. The challenge comes from the altitude (8000+ feet) and the hills. The footing, as far as most trail runs go, is excellent, and it is 100% off-road. The course consists of something you could loosely call a "figure 8" run twice. This makes for plentiful aid stations, and little chance to get lost (course markings were obvious and plentiful). Marathoners must ignore the 10K and 1/2 marathoners all around them or else they will run too fast. Marathoners should also expect to be a little lonely after the 1/2 marathoners finish. I agree it could be a little too tough for a first marathon, but I hope to be back, and I saw at least 1 first-timer have a great race, accomplishing his 4-hour goal.

An extremely challenging event. Few entrants; and I dare to say a few won't be back due to the level of difficulty. An expensive marathon with few perks and no finisher medals - and believe me, this course merits a finisher medal!

There were 3 things that totally took my breath away in this race. 1. You are running at above 8000 feet. 2. The start temp was around 20 degrees last year. 3. You run through some amazingly beautiful forests, aspen groves, and mountainsides. I did run my worst time but totally enjoyed the tranquility of the forest and do plan on coming back.