Lost Dutchman Marathon Reviews

  Gorgeous Scenery, NOT mostly downhill

By CS about 2023

Review

Very well organized race, awesome volunteers!

However, I picked this thinking it was . mostly downhill. That is not the case. The first 6-7 miles are on dirt path with short, steep uphills followed by long downhills. Next several miles were mostly flat. Starting around mile 10 or 11, the course became primarily long uphills with a few brief downward periods.

Race Tips

Be prepared for primarily long, gradual hills for second half of the race!

  Small Event with Great Organization

By GC about 2019

Review

The marathon is one of several races (full, half, 10K, 8K trail, fun run) held on the same day. The marathon field is small (limited to 400) but the event as a whole is well organized and staffed by enthusiastic volunteers. The desert scenery in the distance, including the mountains, is beautiful. But if you are hyper focused on the road directly ahead, you might not really notice.

Race Tips

Don't expect a lot of support from spectators along the way, and plan to self-pace. The marathon course starts on a rolling paved dirt road with a nice downhill, before it hits the highway around mile six. By this time, the runners will have spread out so you may be running alone. In 2019, there were zero clocks on the course except at the finish line (there are several timing mats but no clocks next to them). The hills late are not steep but grindingly long. The latter part of the course is shared with the half marathon course, but unless you are extremely fast, by the time you reach this point, many of the half marathoners would have finished.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

You have no choice but to take a shuttle to the starting line camp, which is for runners only. Family/friends won't be able to watch you start. We stayed in Gilbert, AZ which was close enough to the race, but also to other attractions in the Phoenix area.

  Lots of perks

By CP about 2019

Review

Campfires

Sunrise in remote desert canyon.

First 6 miles was like heaven.

The rest was through newly built neighborhoods with great views of mountains.

Bag check, close to start/finish

Cones every 20 steps on roads to keep cars far away and unable to swerve into you. I felt safe. They had thousands of them.

Never waited for abundant porta jons on course and start.

Medal has nice western logo.

Free massage at finish.

Great support on course.

  

By EMR about 2014

Review

Super organized smaller (300 plus in full) race. The best pre-race I've ever seen. Tons of port-a-potties, water, coffee, food but the thing that distinguishes the pre-race are the fire pits and mats. Look at the photos on the website and make sure you arrive early to enjoy this. The course is very scenic especially the first 6 miles. On course support is excellent. Great medal, nice t-shirt and a much bigger expo than I expected from a smaller race like this.

Race Tips

There are very few obvious hills on this course but quite a few long gradual up and down hills. Make sure you look at the elevation guide. We had hot temps in 2014 and there's almost no shade. Most of the roads are closed to traffic and the stretches that aren't closed completely shut down a full lane so runners will always feel safe.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I camped at the local KOA which was super convenient. The race is point to point. I parked at the finish (in the local rodeo grounds) and took the shuttle to the start. Worked great! As I've said arrive early to really enjoy the pre-race set-up.