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☰
Lost Dutchman Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Lost Dutchman Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.6 
Organization 4.8 
Spectators 3.8
Number of comments: 142 [displaying comments 131 to 141]
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M. M. from Scottsdale, Arizona
(1/20/2003)
"Well organized, beautifully scenic marathon" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The lost Dutchman marathon is organized by runners for runners, and it really shows. First of all it's small enough to have a friendly feel. Going to the Expo was like visiting stores in a small town full of only friendly people. Forget about mobs elbowing each other at the starting line, in fact, there aren't any spectators there either ? only runners can go to the start located in the remote, quiet desert hugging the Superstition Mountains. This and the bonfires to keep you warm in the cool morning air lend to the feeling you're part of a club where only nice people can join. Everything for runners was well taken care of. There were no hassles with registration, picking up your packet, finding room on the bus to go to the start, or services at the finish. Mile markers were never missing, with elapsed times always given. Except at the start, I never saw a soul waiting in line at a portable toilet. At the beginning and at many other spots throughout, the scenery on the course is absolutely beautiful. There are breathtaking vistas of the Superstition Mountains and the pristine Sonoran desert. At starting time the moon was still visible in the western sky as the sun started to come over the mountains to the east -- an awesome sight amid the chatter of runners. The crowd support is a little thin compared to other marathons, but satisfyingly enthusiastic. Some of the aid stations compete for runners' votes, so the variety and creativity really come through. The 'Purple Ladies' are at mile 23 -- a sight to behold and unmatched in enthusiasm. The organizers have done a great job on this little boutique of a marathon. They?ve thought of everything a runner cares about, and it?s a pleasure to experience that. | |
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J. F. from Forida
(1/20/2003)
"As long as they put this race on, I'll be there!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The race is well organized. If there is anything a marathoner wants, it's orgaization. The first 6+ miles of the course are trail and, essentially, downhill. You run out of the Superstition Mountains and onto a highway. No worries, no traffic on the highway. Once there you run on ashphalt (easy on joints) until mile 20 or so. The only significant hill is at about the 23rd mile marker. It's not a big hill, just VERY steep. I guess hills are all relative based on where you live, but I found that this one is not too bad. After that there are a few more rolling hills to the end. The course is beautiful. During the race, take a minute and look behind you to experience the scenic beauty, it's worth it. The aid stations were fun and lively. I think I'm in love with one of the 'purple girls'. They were a gas. Did I mention that the youngest 'puple girls' is probably 65+? The post-race party was great. There were plenty of unique foods and festivities for everyone, even kids. There are very few spectators, but those that do come are a lively bunch. If you're looking for winter marathon, come to Apache Junction in January. Good Running. | |
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Irene and Randy Taylor from Anchorage, Alaska/Gold Canyon, AZ
(1/20/2003)
"Good organization, great volunteers." (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 It was a really well organized marathon. The course is beautiful, but more hills at the end than the information packet implies. A fast start but the hills toward the end are challenging. Thanks for all the support and good food at the end. Also the medals are really first rate. One negative was the results and award ceremony were long. Suggest arranging to mail out awards to those unable to stay. Thanks for a good overall program. | |
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M. R. from Phoenix, AZ
(1/20/2003)
"A Sequel Almost as Good as the Original" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I returned for the second installment of the Lost Dutchman Marathon, and the race came across almost as well as last year's. Of course, knowing how well run the event was last year in its inaugural running, it is mostly difficult to imagine tht the second edition would be able to increasingly improve from last year's events. Improvements: A new half-mile stretch in a new neighborhood off of King's Ranch Road, shortening the old course's loop through prospector's park. Better food selection for post-race festivities. A better Marathon Expo, at the Gold Canyon Resort, with more sponsors and exhibits. Worse: Lack of split time readers at several marathon stations. No person handing out water to runners as they cross the line, and having to walk 150 feet to find any. The massage therapists setting up at 7:30 before any of the races had finished, and leaving at 12:30, before less than half the marathoners had crossed the finish line. Overall, it was still a great experience, but the race director needs to critique the individual who arranged the massage therapy time schedule, and the post-race water distribution system. Check this marathon out if the big crowds at RnR AZ are not your style. | |
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A Runner from San Diego, CA
(1/30/2002)
"Apache Junction did marathons proud!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Thank you Apache Junction for a top notch event! Obvious pride and thought was evident in every aspect of and throughout the entire event. Gorgeous scenery, fabulous volunteers - from bus drivers to water stations, terrific finish line - from spectators to commentator, and a generous and nice awards ceremony. Oh - and the medallion, awesome! If one was to dig deep for a suggestion for improvement -- it might be to move the awards ceremony closer to the finish line. THAT's how great this inaugural race was -- very impressive. I'm so glad I chose Apache Junction Marathon for my AZ marathon. | |
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A Runner from Portland, Oregon USA
(1/27/2002)
"Fantastic Views! Great Scenery!!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I wished I would have taken my camera!! The Sunrise on the Superstition Mountains was very spectacular! What a great marathon and the honor of running the very first one is also special. The medal is heavy and very colorful. I echo the comments on 'best/prettiest' medal. It rivals the Portland, OR Marathon medal. The only complaint would be the water before the power drink at the aid stations. But that will be fixed for next year. It was amazing to see runners from all over including Japan and England for the inaugural running. Lots of enthusiastic runners. Good transportation to the start line. Enjoyed the first 6 miles of 'dirt' road. The race director told us at the start, that the locals were very happy with us, because the county graded the road and it was in it's best condition ever! Very smooth bus ride up to the start. The Superstitions were 'within sight' for most of the race. The finish line was set up so that the finisher pictures would have the Superstition Mountains behind the runner. That should make a great finishers picture. Missed having my name announced at the finish. I would highly recommend this marathon to every one. This was my Arizona Marathon for the 50 States and 50 States + DC checkoff list. | |
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Deb H. from Tempe, Arizona
(1/27/2002)
"Arizona's Best Marathon!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Now that Arizona is starting to offer choices to runners for a Marathon, I would rank this Marathon as #1. It is hard to believe this was the first year, since the organization was fantastic. I enjoyed the scenery of the Superstition Mountains, the rolling hill terrain, and the variety of the course with both dirt and paved roads. I will be there for next year. | |
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Julie Branden from Illinois
(1/26/2002)
"This one is a must do winter marathon!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have been running for less than 2 years but the inaugural Lost Dutchman Marathon was my 5th. This was my first trip to Arizona. I drove the course the day before the race. The course is very scenic and running through a cactus forest was just beautiful in the early morning hours. All dirt roads were graded and sprinkled and cones were laid out throughout the course, runners were well protected from traffic. The course was well marked, aid stations were plentiful and the moral support was top notch from all volunteers and spectators along the way. Yes there are some hills between miles 20 and 24, including the 'unnamed hill' at mile 23, but this type of challenge is what marathoning is all about. I encourage anyone looking for a great winter getaway to put this one on their calendar for next year. The finisher medal is the most beautiful and unique one in my collection. I have read everyone else comments and they sum it all up. I will be back next year. | |
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Mark Gershman from Scottsdale, Arizona
(1/22/2002)
"Well run, well staffed, and scenery galore!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This brand new marathon has got their act together... It is well organized and there are tons of little touches that make up for the very few spectators you'll run by. The water stations are plentiful, and staffed by extremely supportive and enthusiastic volunteers. The scenery rarely quits; the Superstition Mountains and surrounding desertscapes boast incredible beauty. The brilliant sunshine takes away the chills but provides enough warmth on your back to keep you going. The transportation to and from are efficient and easy..there are guides and volunteers everywhere to help you out with anything. If they don't have the answers, they get on their walkie-talkies immediately to find out exactly the right one. There are several elevation changes and you'll run on graded dirt roads, pavement, gravel, and even grass at the end. While there are a few uphills, it's nothing that's overwhelming...you are rewarded with a lot of downhill stretches, again nothing that will kill your quads, but will keep you moving at a nice clip. Even the emcee at the finish line takes time to announce every single finisher. There were prerace mini-bonfires set up and the announcer also took time to announce the storied runners from all over the country citing # of marathons run, older runners, those that have run all 50 states, things like that. Do yourself a favor and start looking at races like this one...they're more intimate in scope, but are very well run and organized. Anyone can put a flat-course race together, but these folks put together scenery, variety, and warm personality all into one very fine race. Put this new race on your calendar when you're looking to put some freshness into your running schedule. | |
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A Runner from Illinois
(1/21/2002)
"Great small Marathon, Highly recommended" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Gorgeous desert scenery throughout the course. Course partly on gravel and partly on asphalt roads with some rolling hills, mostly in the second half. Flawless organization by people who obviously love what they do. Pavement markings and volunteers provided clear directions throughout the course. Plenty of water and Ultima stations were available along the course and plenty of food was there at the finish. Buses from the parking area to the start and from the finish back to the parking operated very efficiently with minimal waiting. The finishers medal is one of the most beautiful I have seen in my 30 events. Champion Chip timing which is unusual for a marathon of that small size was provided and the full event results were on line the evening of the marathon. Lack of crowd support was not missed at all in the middle of the desert. You go to such a place to see the wonders of nature and not for the big crowds. It was an exhilerating experience. Glad I went. |
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