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Half Marathon runners at Lost Dutchman

RACE EVENT

Half Marathon

13.1 Miles | 7:15 AM Start

View Course Map
Half Marathon runners at Lost Dutchman

About the Race

Held annually over MLK Day weekend in Apache Junction, Arizona, the half marathon features a fast, flat out-and-back course certified by USA Track & Field (AZ23002JOE). Starting and finishing at Prospector Park, runners enjoy stunning views of the Superstition Mountains throughout the race.

Registration is limited to 900 runners with a start time of 7:15 a.m. The minimum age is 10, and there is no official time cutoff. The course is paved with significant stretches of freshly graded shoulder if you prefer to run on dirt. Designated lanes separate outbound and returning runners. Registration includes chip timing via Race Roster, and athletes receive a commemorative medal at the finish.

Race day registration is available at Prospector Park, space permitting.

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QUICK INFO

DISTANCE:
13.1 Miles
START ELEVATION:
1,840 ft
FINISH ELEVATION:
1,740 ft
NET DESCENT
~100 ft
COURSE TYPE:
Out-and-Back
SURFACE:
Paved Roads

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Registration
Course
Transit
Packet Pickup
Aid Stations
Awards & Medals

Registration

Registration for the Lost Dutchman Half Marathon is available online through Race Roster or in person on race day at Prospector Park.

Limited to 900 Runners!

Popular event — register early to secure your spot.

Early
$95
Through May 17, 2026
BEST VALUE
Tier 2
$105
May 18 – July 19, 2026
Tier 3
$110
July 20 – September 20, 2026
Tier 4
$115
September 21 – November 22, 2026
Tier 5
$125
November 23 – December 27, 2026
Tier 6
$135
December 28, 2026 – January 17, 2027

What's Included

  • Race Roster chip timing
  • Commemorative finisher medal
  • Long sleeve tech tee shirt
  • Race pacers available
  • Aid stations every mile
  • Live runner tracking

Requirements & Policies

  • Minimum age: 10 years old
  • Time limit: 6 hrs
  • Race day registration available at Prospector Park
  • No refunds or deferrals
USATF Certified Course
USATF Certified Course: AZ23002JOE
Certified through 2032

Half Marathon Course

A fast, flat out-and-back course starting and finishing at Prospector Park with stunning views of the Superstition Mountains.

13.1
MILES
1,840'
START ELEV
~100'
ELEVATION CHANGE
FLAT COURSE
7:15
AM START
1

Start: Prospector Park

APACHE JUNCTION

The race begins at Prospector Park near downtown Apache Junction. Runners head eastward toward the Superstition Mountains that tower over the city.

2

Miles 1–6: Outbound

SLIGHT DECLINE

The course is paved with significant stretches of freshly graded shoulder if you prefer to run on dirt. Enjoy approximately 100' of gradual elevation decline as you head toward the turnaround.

3

Mile 6.55: Turnaround

HALFWAY POINT

Designated lanes separate outbound and returning runners to avoid conflict. The turnaround is slightly higher in elevation than the start/finish line.

Miles 7–13.1: Return & Finish

FINISH LINE

The return is bowl-shaped with no significant hills. At about 12.5 miles, an apparent incline is actually an optical illusion — only a few feet of elevation gain. Finish back at Prospector Park!

Course Features

Mile markers throughout
Paved with dirt shoulder option
Separated outbound/return lanes
Scenic mountain views

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Drop Bags Organized for Retrieval

Parking & Transportation

The half marathon begins and ends at Prospector Park. Parking is available at or near the park, or use the free shuttle from the Rodeo Grounds.

Prospector Park

Arrive VERY early — parking fills up fast!

Directions: From US 60, exit at Ironwood, north 4.5 miles, right on McKellips, 1 mile, right on Idaho, ~1/2 mile to parking.

Overflow: If lots are full, park along Idaho Road north of the south access to the park.

Rodeo Grounds + Shuttle (Recommended)

Use the Tomahawk Road access and take the free shuttle to Prospector Park.

Address: 1590 E. Lost Dutchman Blvd, Apache Junction, AZ

Shuttle: Rodeo Grounds ↔ Prospector Park

5:00
AM
First Shuttle
All Day
Continuous Service
2:00
PM
Last Shuttle
Idaho Road Warning: Do NOT attempt to reach Prospector Park or the Rodeo Grounds by traveling north from U.S. 60 on Idaho Road — your access will be blocked by police and you may experience long delays!
Clear Plastic Bags Only: For security, only clear plastic bags are allowed on buses and in the drop-bag area. Use the clear plastic "goodie bag" from packet pickup. Non-clear bags will be turned away; spare clear bags are available at bus loading.
10-Minute Start Rule: You must cross the timing mat within 10 minutes of the gun or you will not receive a result and will not be eligible for an award.

Packet Pick Up Schedule

Pick up your race packet at one of the following locations and times.

Race Day Pickup Available!

Half marathon runners can pick up packets on race day at Prospector Park.

Thursday
JAN 14
2027

Road Runner Sports – Tempe

43 S McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281

3:00 PM – 7:00 PM View Map
Friday
JAN 15
2027

Road Runner Sports – Tempe

43 S McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281

11:00 AM – 6:30 PM View Map
Saturday
JAN 16
EXPO DAY

Multi-Generational Center

1035 N. Idaho Rd., Apache Junction, AZ

8:00 AM – 3:00 PM View Map
2-Mile Fun Run/Walk starts 9:30 AM from this location
Sunday
FEB 15
RACE DAY

Prospector Park

3015 N. Idaho Rd., Apache Junction, AZ

Starting at 5:45 AM View Map
Race day registration also available!

What's In Your Packet

  • Race bib with Race Roster timing chip
  • Safety pins
  • Long sleeve tech tee shirt
  • Race information sheet

Pickup Requirements

  • Photo ID required
  • Someone else may pick up for you
  • Race packets will NOT be mailed

Aid Stations & Course Support

Well-stocked aid stations throughout the entire race, staffed by tremendous volunteers.

Aid Station Locations

ENTIRE COURSE
Every Mile
Miles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
HYDRATION
Water + Sports Drink
Water at every station, sports drink at alternating stations
Water
All stations
Sports Drink
Alternating stations
Restrooms
Near every station
Volunteers
At every station

Medical & Facilities

  • Port-a-johns near every aid station
  • Medical support on course
  • Course marshals available

Race Pacers

  • Experienced pace group leaders
  • Help achieve your goal time
  • Multiple pace groups available

Live Runner Tracking

Real-time Updates: Multiple timing locations on course for accurate tracking.
Text Notifications: Friends and family can track your progress live via text message.

Drop Bags

Your goodie bag IS your race drop bag. Mark it clearly with your bib number. Drop area is at the basketball courts near Prospector Park. The half marathon starts and finishes at Prospector Park, so your bag will be nearby after you finish. Do not leave valuables in your drop bag.

Awards & Medals

Every finisher receives a commemorative medal, with awards for top performers in all age groups.

Finisher Medal

All half marathon finishers receive a beautiful 2½" commemorative medal. Custom-designed with the iconic Superstition Mountains theme — unique design each year!

Age Group Awards

Awards will be presented to the top 3 male and female finishers in each age group.

10 & under 11-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80+

Awards Ceremony

  • Held as soon as results are available
  • Location: Prospector Park finish area
  • Pick up award before leaving if possible

Unclaimed Awards

  • Pick up Mon Feb 16: 8 AM – 2 PM
  • Or any time through Fri Mar 6
  • Location: Multi-Generational Center
  • After Mar 6: donated to charity

Supporting Local Youth

Lost Dutchman Marathon, Inc. is a public charity — since 2002, over $980,000 has been donated to local youth organizations!