Back to Wild Wild West Marathon Information & Reviews
Linda Emerson from Bishop, California
(5/14/2005)
"This is THE most scenic marathon course in the US" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 Wild Wild West Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I have run lots of marathons all over the country, but nothing compares to the spectacular scenery of this one. If you run for the enjoyment of being outdoors, seeing beautiful places and having a real adventure (as opposed to pounding the pavement on a flat, fast course), this is the race for you. I've run this marathon 5-6 times and done the 10-miler at least 10 times. It's the only race I keep coming back to year after year. The small-town atmosphere is wonderful, and it's the closest thing to an ultra that you'll ever experience without having to run an ultra distance. In response to LL below, there was no half marathon, so you must have run the 10-mile event. There were three aid stations on that course, which seems pretty generous for such a short distance. If you're a slow runner (like I am), then you should always carry at least one (preferably two) water bottle(s) on a mountainous course like this one. This is hands-down my favorite running event in the country, so I hope folks won't let LL's comments discourage them from participating. This is a challenging course, whether you choose the 10-mile, marathon or 50k, so you definitely need to come prepared, but the incredible scenery and satisfaction you'll get from completing this race make the effort well worth it. | |
L. L. from Southern California
(5/12/2005)
"Great course, HORRIBLE organization" (about: 2005)
3 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 Did the half marathon and only saw one water stop. Found out everything was closed WELL BEFORE THEIR 4PM DEADLINE because and no one knew we were on the course (finished it at 10am). Really wanted to support the small town but will not do this one again. Not the best route to get stuck without water. The course itself was great... just wish the volunteers talked to each other and knew who was still out there. | |
j. s. from Oak Forest, IL
(5/2/2004)
"Rough Tough Course" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Wild Wild West Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Beautiful trail course that will challenge even the fittest runners. Small town charm where everyone was willing to help, and the organizers wanted the runners' feedback. I orginally signed up for the 50K; however, due to the course, and lack of training on hills (I live outside Chicago), I opted for the marathon at mile 20 where the courses spilt. The course is on jeep trails, sandy, and single track taking you in the foothills of the Sierra-Nevada moutains and Mt. Whitney. The aid stations were well stocked, however could use more gel packs. Overall if you want to break up the same old, same old of road marathons, this is a race for you. However, be ready to work for it - add about an hour to your normal marathon time. | |
m. n. from Palos Verdes CA
(9/6/2003)
"A guide dog would have helped" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 This race is outstanding if you like small fields and spectacular scenery. However, and it is a BIG however, it is easy to get lost on the back 13, even carrying a map with me as I did. Also, the rattlesnakes; did I mention therattlesnakes? Add about 35% to your typical finish time. An unforgettable run, even for those who like trail running. | |
L. M. from Las Vegas
(6/3/2003)
"Loved this race" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Try it; you'll like it, I'll be back. I ran the 50K. Can we get a 60K next year??? | |
F. R. from La Mirada, CA
(5/28/2003)
"If you're not in a hurry, carry a camera." (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This was not a course to set records on, but I enjoyed it tremendously. The scenery and the weather were unparalleled. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 is that it was easy to get lost towards the end among the myriad of dirt roads branching in all directions; and some runners did. The aid stations were well stocked and in the most unexpected places. I'm trying the 50K next year. | |
R. H. from Mammoth Lake, Ca
(5/2/2003)
"Worth the drive" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Lone Pine has fresh mountain air, increadible senery, no crowds, plenty of parking, friendly people....and the race mimics the town. Be prepared though, this race isn't a walk through the park. | |
S. S. from Alta Loma, ca
(2/6/2003)
"Challenging/Quad Burner" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 One of the most scenic runs you will ever do, it has it all, uphill, long long downhill (mile 6 through 13) then rolling roads(be prepared for Mother Hill, mile 16) till you finally climb the last 2 miles up hill again. Aid stations are okay, better than your average marathon, but not as good as your better ultraruns. You won't get spectators, but, trail runs never do, thats why you do them to get away from the 25,000 people at LA Marathon. I have run this one 10 times, the most than any of my 145 Marathons. | |
A Runner from AZ
(1/20/2002)
"Beautiful Scenic Challenging" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I have ran this Trail Marathon 5 times and it continues to be my favorite year after year. | |
A Runner from San Fernando Valley
(3/2/2001)
"WOW!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 And when there's snow... double WOW! I've run this marathon 2 or 3 (?) times and consider it to be one of the most beautiful marathons around. It's also one of the most difficult! I would not recommend this for a beginning marathoner. (There's a 10-mile event for 'newbies'). Many seasoned ultrarunners use this marathon as training for 50-mile events. The long uphill start can get you in trouble. Don't get greedy, there's plenty of downhill to come. You will experience it all in this marathon, beautiful mountain trails complete with stream crossings, the unforgettable Alabama Hills with winding sandy trails, and if you're really lucky, there will be a blanket of snow covering the mountains below Mt. Whitney. The race support is good (carry a bottle) and the R.D. provides nicely with pre and post race festivities. |
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