Lost Dutchman Marathon
Apache Junction, AZ
- Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 8K, 2 Miler
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
Run at the base of Superstition Mountain near the rumored site of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine, the Lost Dutchman Marathon and its associated races are a favorite of serious marathoners and casual runners alike. The marathon follows a USATF-certified course and can be used as a qualifier for the … MORE
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Beautiful
This is a great early season February race that attracts Arizona locals and out-of-state visitors alike. It's a small race-- limited to 400-- and sells out quickly. Participants are bussed … MORE
This is a great early season February race that attracts Arizona locals and out-of-state visitors alike. It’s a small race– limited to 400– and sells out quickly. Participants are bussed to the start line at the base of Superstition Mountains very early in the morning (4:30-6am) and the race starts at 7am. There are little fire pits set up and a warming bus so you can keep somewhat warm before the race begins. Gear bags will be bussed back to the finish line. This is a SCENIC COURSE with the first 6 miles taking place during sunrise on a compact dirt road amongst saguaro cactus! The next 20 miles are on road through Apache Junction. You’ll head down a main highway, and through residential areas. Don’t get caught speeding too much in the downhill sections, as that mistake might kick you in the butt later like it did me! Plenty of water stations. Also be prepared for the beating sun to bring down some warmth by 9am. Overall a great race and would definitely recommend!
The views!
Picture this: Under a pitch black desert sky, you’re gathered in the dark early morning with 400 other runners at the foot of towering dacite cliffs in the Superstition Mountains. … MORE
Picture this: Under a pitch black desert sky, you’re gathered in the dark early morning with 400 other runners at the foot of towering dacite cliffs in the Superstition Mountains. Campfires cast your fellow marathoners in silhouette as you await the sunrise and the start of your race. Soon, the Eastern sky will warm to a golden hue and paint the cliffs in light. The diffuse light reveals a landscape dotted with aaguaro cacti and prickly pears, agave and yuccas. This is the mural that awaits you when you take the field in the Lost Dutchman Marathon.
For nearly six miles, you descend into the Peralta Canyon down a dusty dirt road. The ground is soft beneath your feet as the you level out and the desert spreads out before you. Enjoy these downhill miles; the gentle descent and cool morning temps offer a tranquil moment to reflect on the beauty around you.
After transitioning to asphalt around mile 6, you shortly turn for a brief westward stretch down Highway 60.l with the sun at your back. Traffic control is well taken care of, but don’t worry: You’ll soon turn back north for a 6-ish mile horseshoe loop through Gold Canyon. Here the Superstition Mountains rise up before you, offering a beautiful backdrop as you stride through resort communities and luxury homes. You’ll face your biggest climb of the race from mile 11 to mile 13. It’s not a brutal hill, but certainly the most challenging ascent you’ll face all day. Snag a donut and a slice of bacon after you complete your climb, then savor the gentle downhill as you work back south, completing your Gold Canyon loop with a return to Highway 60.
After another brief run down the desert highway (a mile and change), you’ll head north again for the homebound stretch. By now, the sun is well overhead and temps may be warming. For my race, temps were mid-40s to start (glorious!) and remained comfortable right up to the end (and this from a guy who hates hear!).
Around mile 18.5, you’ll tackle your second (and final) noteworthy hill…again, nothing heartbreaking, just a quick up-and-back segment that takes you past the half-marathon turn-around point. You’ll climb a gentle slope for less than a mile, then reward yourself by cruising back downhill as you pass mile 20. From here you’ve got six miles of mostly flat/lightly rolling terrain as you head west again, passing the Rodeo Grounds before making the final turn for the last mile jog to the finish at Prospector Park.
If it wasn’t obvious by now, the scenery is what makes this race. Everything else from an event perspective is a “meets expectations” — nothing will blow you away, but nothing falls way short either.
Porta potties on the course seemed sufficient. Aid stations were every two miles and seemed well prepared. Volunteers were supportive. Crowd was modest, but enthusiastic. Post-race was a little lackluster — food was hard to find and bare minimum, and a beer tent would have been nice. Still, after running in such beautiful country, I was in great spirits after the run.
My pro tip: Have your support crew drop you at Peralta Trail Elementary to catch a shuttle instead of the Rodeo Grounds if you want a few minutes of extra sleep. How we, be aware the campfire spots will be taken by the time your shuttle arrives atop the mountain. Honestly, I didn’t care: They had a warming bus…and I was happy to stroll among the fires and just enjoy the night.
If you need an Arizona race and don’t need the big city hype and pampering, the Lost Dutchman Marathon is a picture-perfect choice.
Great marathon for a trail runner
Start with a campfire, can you imagine that? The start line is in a trail. You will see the sunrise. Excellent view with the cactus, mountain, and sunrise. The course … MORE
Start with a campfire, can you imagine that? The start line is in a trail. You will see the sunrise. Excellent view with the cactus, mountain, and sunrise. The course is not easy for the full marathon. Up and down, so don’t expect to get your PB in here. The race is well organized. Great volunteers. Water station at every 2 mils.
Beautiful Race
This race had a few rolling hills, but was not too difficult. It was a beautiful course with breathtaking views. It’s a little difficult to get to and park, but … MORE
This race had a few rolling hills, but was not too difficult. It was a beautiful course with breathtaking views. It’s a little difficult to get to and park, but it was not too crowded but had enough people for a fun atmosphere. They had enough port-o-potties for runners, never had to wait more than a minute or two.
Great Race in Arizona!
This was a fantastic race in Arizona. 1st- Really the only negative. Race Pickup and Swag was not the best. The shirt they gave us was really nice. However, their … MORE
This was a fantastic race in Arizona.
1st- Really the only negative. Race Pickup and Swag was not the best. The shirt they gave us was really nice. However, their was nothing outside the bib and shirt. No vendors. Nothing extra. No extra clothing to buy. For example I always buy a hat at each race I run. Nothing to buy here. So even though the shirt was good. Very disappointed in the swag.
2nd) Start: The race starts Peralta Trailhead near Lost Dutchman start park. All marathon runners require a shuttle to get to start. So you have to get into a bus between 4:15 to 5:45 (depending if you have someone drooping you off or not). Near the start line while you wait for the race to start at 7am. You have a bunch of fires to stay around that will warm you up. Plenty of Toilets, and food and drinks. It was a very unique and cool atmosphere to start the race.
3) Course description. First 6 miles of the race are the best. You running on a dirt road. (its kept in pretty good shape) through the desert at sunrise. I had to stop a lot to take pictures. It was beautiful to see the sunrise on the mountains and the dessert vistas. All the cacti and saguaro were beautiful at this time of day (especially if your not from the southwest like myself). The next two miles or so your on a busy highway. Then from about 8 to 15 you do this big loop around some nice houses with the mountains in the background that is very pretty. Then 15-17 is back on the busy highway. Then 17 you will merge with the half marathoners though most of them will probably be done by the time you get their. Even if your fast. 17-23 back in the neighborhoods with great views of the mountains this does include the only loop of the marathon as well. Then 23-26.2 your back on main roads to you finish in a big sports park. Overall i enjoyed the course. The first 6 miles are absolutely amazing and outside the 4-6 miles on the highway you running through some nicer neighborhood with great views of the mountains and desert foliage.
3) Aid stations: They were great. Volunteers were amazing. Aid station every 2 miles or so. All had toilets’. All had water. Half had Gatorade. And a couple had bananas or gels.
4) Difficulty: A couple hills on this course but overall pretty flat. Nothing to difficult on that end. Weather will be cool in the mourning but warm up. It was 50 when i started and upper 60s when i finished. Don’t believe their should be to much variance. Only thing that would suck would be if it rained (witch could happen, but not likely). The rain would defiantly impact the first 6 miles witch could get very muddy. Luckily for myself it was dry.
5) Finish line was nice. Medal was good. Had the Lost Dutchman state park logo in a gold color and on the back saying “run for the gold”, but like the racepick up very little post race stuff. Some water and Gatorade only in cups. With just chips, fruit, and bagels.
Overall I enjoyed the race greatly and would recommend it to anyone wanting to cross off Arizona. The scenery and start seem to make it better then some of the other Phoenix area marathons. It was a decently easy course with great volunteers. The medal and T-shirt were both nice. Just be aware that their is little Swag outside of that as of 2024.
NIce run but to flat
The organizers did a good job, lots of police, everyone had a good attitude. Aid stations is just water and Gatorade. Finish had no cold drinks, we finished at 77%. … MORE
The organizers did a good job, lots of police, everyone had a good attitude. Aid stations is just water and Gatorade. Finish had no cold drinks, we finished at 77%. The mountains are very nice, but the flat land was boring. Your results are instant. All results posted in less than one hour of finish.
Beautiful Course
Expo was small but was sufficient. Parking and buses were great! Very well organized! It was such an awesome race start with camp fires and sunrise, gravel/dirt roads for the … MORE
Expo was small but was sufficient. Parking and buses were great! Very well organized! It was such an awesome race start with camp fires and sunrise, gravel/dirt roads for the first six miles. Many rolling hills throughout the course, but no major inclines. Volunteers did a great job! Long sleeve wicking shirts and medal was perfect! I think they were even very informative with the information that they supplied on their website.
Enjoyable experience, small-town feel
I went for the scenery and because I love Arizona. The course was fairly flat, overall downhill but some minor ups and downs to stretch the legs. Well-organized start, shuttles … MORE
I went for the scenery and because I love Arizona. The course was fairly flat, overall downhill but some minor ups and downs to stretch the legs. Well-organized start, shuttles were very convenient with no waiting. Fun campfires in the staging area! Plenty of port-a-potties with little to no waiting. Great scenery running down gravel road for first 6 miles. Did not enjoy parts of the course that were on busy roads with lots of traffic, but that was fairly short-lived. The weather warmed up quickly into the 70s which took a toll on this New England runner! Struggled through the last six miles, but the cold towel around mile 22 saved me! Great swag and photo op with the Lost Dutchman and his mule Mary!
my overall race expeirence
The medal is super cool and amazing. The on course support and crowd support was so amazing. I will definitely be making a return trip for the full marathon. Got … MORE
The medal is super cool and amazing. The on course support and crowd support was so amazing. I will definitely be making a return trip for the full marathon. Got to see some spectaular views during the race
Run for the Gold
The course was fairly flat throughout. There were a few small hills, but not too difficult. Good organization with many vendors at the race site. The course was well marked … MORE
The course was fairly flat throughout. There were a few small hills, but not too difficult. Good organization with many vendors at the race site. The course was well marked and the support from the aid tables was excellent. Having the packet pick up spread over multiple days, with one closer in town made it a breeze to complete. I was very impressed by the shuttle – I highly recommend parking in the lot and taking the shuttle. The driver got us there and back quickly. I ran this race years ago once time as an 8K. This was the first time I ran the half. Nice photo op with the miner and donkey after the race. Good views of the superstition mountains
Well run race & great volunteers!
Did someone say bacon!? Yes! One of the aid stations actually gave out bacon & avocados! This is a very well organized race with plenty of scenery and just the … MORE
Did someone say bacon!? Yes! One of the aid stations actually gave out bacon & avocados! This is a very well organized race with plenty of scenery and just the right amount of difficulty.
Get Lost in this Scenic Run
The first time I ran the Lost Dutchman, I knew I would be back for another. Seeing the firing glow of the sun peaking behind the mountains that early in … MORE
The first time I ran the Lost Dutchman, I knew I would be back for another. Seeing the firing glow of the sun peaking behind the mountains that early in the morning was enough reason. Despite the running crowd, you can feel “lost” from just the great view alone. It’s one of those races that have found a permanent place on my running list year after year. It’s made up of all the best race ingredients: great weather, flat course, fun-filled and well-managed.
Should do it once!
Very, very small expo--but easy to get to and pick up bibs! Shuttles were great and parking was easy. Amazing morning scenery of the Superstition Mountains. Course was flat, mostly … MORE
Very, very small expo–but easy to get to and pick up bibs! Shuttles were great and parking was easy. Amazing morning scenery of the Superstition Mountains. Course was flat, mostly with some gentle rollers. Great aid stations/volunteers. Looong stretch of road to the turn around that had my mind wondering–so I just focused on the amazing cacti and coyotes running amok. Overall, Id say everyone should do this race once–then after you relax for a bit—go visit the Hole in the Rock and maybe hike the trail not far from the turnaround! Its beautiful!!
Beautiful course w/ nice weather
Lost Dutchman offers beautiful course with great running conditions from start to finish. Race starts near to Superstition Mountain with camp fires going on before the start to keep the … MORE
Lost Dutchman offers beautiful course with great running conditions from start to finish. Race starts near to Superstition Mountain with camp fires going on before the start to keep the runners warm and cozy. It looks amazing in the dark. They also provided a bus for runners to stay warm inside instead of being outside in cold. I chose the option to stay inside the bus as didn’t wanted to inhale the smoke due to my allergies. There were some snacks, coffee, hot water and enough porta potties.
Race started on time as soon as sunrise started happening and initial 6 miles are on the dirt road with beautiful views. After that the remaining 20 Miles course is on the road going through residential areas and freeways. One of the aid station around Mile 14 (if I remember correctly) had bacon and donuts. Aid station at Mile 16.5 had the best volunteer cheers giving high fives to all the runners! Loved crossing the Wall at Mile 24!
Overall it’s a small size race event and managed very efficiently with lot of great volunteers. If one is looking for scenic course and don’t care about spectators cheering for them then it’s a must do race. This race comes 2nd best in Race Raves for state AZ and the 1st one is Rock n Roll. I did Rock n Roll Half Marathon in 2017 but if I compare my personal experiences then Lost Dutchman would be my 1st in AZ!
Unique race
This race is run in a combination of dirt roads, country roads and city streets. Each has its own unique scenery. It is cool in the early morning but warms … MORE
This race is run in a combination of dirt roads, country roads and city streets. Each has its own unique scenery. It is cool in the early morning but warms up quickly.
Put this on your marathon bucket list.
You can tell a lot about a race organization when the weather is bad. The good races, adapt, the bad race directors blame everyone else. The Lost Dutchman, fortunately falls … MORE
You can tell a lot about a race organization when the weather is bad. The good races, adapt, the bad race directors blame everyone else. The Lost Dutchman, fortunately falls under the good race banner. Instead of the usual dry sunny day for this race, it was wet and cold. So, since they could not have mats and fires to wait for the start, they left the buses at the start for people to stay in. The volunteers were amazing. The course is very scenic. The bacon and donut stop was well received. In fact, the only thing anyone could say is a negative about this race is a lack of spectators … which does not really bother me since I love running with my fellow runners. Loved the “wall” at mile 24. Highly recommend the race.
Solid Race Overall
I completed the marathon in 2017. Here are what I consider to be the strengths: Packet pickup was easy and staffed by many friendly, helpful people. The race shirt is … MORE
I completed the marathon in 2017. Here are what I consider to be the strengths: Packet pickup was easy and staffed by many friendly, helpful people. The race shirt is solid. I will actually use it instead of donate it. The volunteers were amazing. The 2017 race was in rain the ENTIRE time but the volunteers were still out in force cheering and keeping us hydrated. The aid stations were great. They were frequent enough that I never got thirsty. There were also a good amount of food at some of them. I had bananas on multiple occasions. One station had oranges. Another station had bacon and donuts (AMAZING!). I brought nutrition for my run, but could have done it entirely with what the race provides. The first 6ish miles are gorgeous. You run on a trail through the desert. It’s mostly downhill so harness that race energy so you don’t trash your quads early in the race. The course is well marked with large mile signs at every mile. The busses to the start and from the finish back to your car is easy. I walked right on a bus each time and waited a few minutes at the most. I also appreciated that we don’t meet up with the other races until much later so crowding was never an issue.
The less than awesome parts: 2017 was run entirely in the rain. This is obviously not the fault of the race in any way. It was a bummer to miss the bonfire and star gazing at the start of the race. I would have loved to watch a sunrise over the mountains. The views could have been amazing but the low clouds and rain prevented all of that from happening. While I loved the first 6 miles of the race, many of the last 20 were a little bland. Some of it is running through suburban neighborhoods. There were also stretches of running along a highway with traffic close to you.
Overall the positives absolutely outweighed the negatives. I was looking for an authentic Arizona running experience and I got it. If you are like me and want to run a marathon in every state, the Lost Dutchman is a solid choice for the Grand Canyon state.
Fire and sun rise from the mountain top!
You get bussed to the top of the mountain, where you get off the bus and see small groups of people huddled around the fire, sharing stories. Shortly thereafter the … MORE
You get bussed to the top of the mountain, where you get off the bus and see small groups of people huddled around the fire, sharing stories. Shortly thereafter the sun rises and the view in the dessert is breathtaking. Truly a spiritual experience you will never forget. You run down the mountain along trails, which is amazing too. Not a fan of running in the hot sun on the highway, but hey, it was worth it for the one of a kind race start! Would love to do this one again!
If you HAVE to run in AZ...
I'm trying to run all 50 states, or else you couldn't compel to me run a distance race in Arizona. I don't care for hot weather, and I really don't … MORE
I’m trying to run all 50 states, or else you couldn’t compel to me run a distance race in Arizona. I don’t care for hot weather, and I really don’t care for RUNNING in hot weather! That said, I picked what I thought would be the lesser of all the Arizona marathon evils, and I’m actually glad I did!
This is one of those races that’s been around for a while, so they know what they’re doing and it shows. My experience, from start to finish, was positive. I arrived in Phoenix, rented a car, and stayed at a hotel in Mesa. It was an easy stop along the way to pick up my bib and shirt at a local running store and get that errand done (I never linger at expos long so this was great). There are many restaurants in the area and I had a nice relaxing Friday afternoon and Saturday in town. I drove out to the start Saturday morning to get a feel for where I’d need to park and check out the finish area, which was helpful.
Sunday morning I drove in the very early hours before even eating breakfast (I saved it for the bus ride so I didn’t eat TOO far ahead of the start). Parking at the rodeo grounds was simple and there were volunteers directing cars to spots so it wasn’t chaotic, even in the pitch black. After parking, I strolled right onto a marathon bus which drove us out to the start. It was chilly but nice, and the ride is long enough that I was able to enjoy my bagel, PB, and banana.
The starting area, in my opinion, is really the coolest part of this race. There are lot of volunteers around with breakfast foods, hot coffee, water, etc. There are lots of portajohns (amazingly, I never had to wait in line), and the absolute best thing is the array of campfires set up neatly by all of this. It’s a great place to warm up, talk with friends, and make new friends. Definitely enjoyed this part the most.
The start was organized well with a few last minute announcements. We went on the gun, and the first several miles were quite pleasant on grated dirt roads in the hills. The sun was rising behind us and it was very pleasant. I carried my hydration pack since I knew I’d get hot, and was able to take pictures with my phone periodically as well.
The course itself is nice. Pretty flat but with a few hills that you definitely feel. You run through some neighborhoods, there are nice mountain views in the background, etc. but there are some flat, dull highway portions as well. Of course, it’s hard to find a race without some boring bit somewhere in the 26.2 miles, so it was fine. The only downside to this race, in my opinion, is the temperature, which if I’m being totally honest, wasn’t so bad. I just don’t like heat so it makes me grumpy! But it was a beautiful day and the volunteers and folks cheering helped take my mind off of it.
The aid stations were good and had plenty of water and gatorade, and a few of them had Gu’s and cold towels too, which was awesome. Towards the end they also had a “wall” that you ran through which was a nice symbolic gesture!
I usually don’t walk during marathons, but I did end up walking towards the end of this one, finishing in 4:12, about 20-30 min slower than average. I blame the sun and temperature, nothing the race officials could control! The finish was good and I lingered in Prospector Park for a while listening to awards. The medal was GREAT, very solid with a unique image and coloring.
Overall, definitely recommend this race if for no other reason than its outstanding organization and unique race start area.
Scenic Arizona, Great Temps
The course is an out and back with beautiful views of Arizona at sunrise. The course had no shade but fortunately with it being in February, the temperature is comfortable. … MORE
The course is an out and back with beautiful views of Arizona at sunrise. The course had no shade but fortunately with it being in February, the temperature is comfortable. The half marathon is the second half the full marathon. Great medal and great course support. Altitude was not an issue.