The point-to-point Lost Dutchman Marathon course runs from Gold Canyon to Apache Junction.
Although the marathon course is net downhill, there are some long uphill sections. The course drops from approximately 2,350 feet to just below 1,800 feet at mile 8.5.
The three significant uphills start at miles 8.5, 17, and 22. Each are followed by long downhill stretches.
The Lost Dutchman Marathon was the 183rd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 181st largest in 2022.
This year 5.6% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 5.2% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Lost Dutchman Marathon the 336th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 252nd highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.79 ranks it as the 46th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest course in Arizona.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Lost Dutchman Marathon a PR Score of 99.79. This PR Score ranks it as the 37th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 4th fastest in Arizona.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Lost Dutchman Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 2297 feet (700m) Min Elevation: 1702 feet (518m)
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!
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.
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.
EMR's review of 2014 Lost Dutchman Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
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.
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.
