Sameer Khurana's Staging Area

This small race, with around 325 runners, offers a beautifully scenic course that runs mostly downhill with some rolling hills alongside the Green River. The support crew was fantastic, making the experience even more enjoyable. Since I was traveling from California, I couldn’t attend the expo, but I appreciated the smooth and efficient bib pickup on race morning.

For gear check, you’re allowed to bring your own bags, and they provide labels and markers to write your bib number. Post-race, runners are treated to free beer, snacks, ice cream, and a high-quality cotton t-shirt, which I found well-designed and comfortable. There were also plenty of chairs available for runners to relax after the race.

One of the unique aspects of this race is that it starts in Vermont and ends in Massachusetts, making it a great option for 50 Staters who need to check off either state. Overall, I loved this race and highly recommend it, whether you’re a local or traveling to run this scenic marathon!

Some highlights from my personal experiences after running this marathon:

~ Starts from Volcano National Park on top of the mountain near the Volcano golf course.
~ Small race with maximum 150 runners.
~ Mostly downhill with last 2-3 miles flat.
~ Greenery all around and so scenic. 
~ It’s mostly running solo as there are less number of runners.
~ This year approx. 112 runners ran this marathon.
~ Smallest medal in the form of pendant which is made of sterling silver.

Overall, I loved this race in beautiful and scenic Hawaii with downhill course. Allen the race director along with the volunteers did an amazing job in making this low key race a great success. Would love to be back and run this race again in the future. 

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!

This race happens at Quarry Lakes Regional Park in Fremont, CA which is in my backyard with around 5 mins drive. The race starts inside the park on the gravel path and later the converts into the paved for most of the part and ends at the gravel again to the finish line (same as starting line). Overall the course is pretty flat with some minor total elevation of around 200 feet as per my Garmin watch. I like this course as it starts around the Quarry Lake and later the paved course runs next to the Alameda creek. During this time of the year vegetation is usually green. Brazen Racing does overall a great job and provide good aid station support every 3 to 4 miles, creative medal and some good food at the finish line (love the It’s It ice-cream). If one is doing the next race which will happen on New Year’s Day then one will receive a connector medal as well. This year New Year’s Eve happened on Dec 30th and the New Year’s Day was on Jan 1st with a day break in between. I did both the races and had a great time!
Got my NEW PR and 1st in my Age Group Award!! Woohoo!!

Excellent support from the staff and very well marked course. There were plenty aid stations and loved the perfect running weather conditions with the mist! Can’t expect more which helped me PR!! YAY!! Great medal and a free bottle of wine!! Will repeat and come back each and every year!! Very Happy SRM Runner!! 🙂