Flagstaff Marathon

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!