Lost Dutchman Marathon

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.