Lost Dutchman Marathon 2004
We think Lost Dutchman Marathon is a terrific event, but don't just take our word for it. Every year we get lots of positive feedback. See what runners from around the country have had to say about our race.
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2004 Feedback
I
would like to make some comments about the Third Annual LDM...first
of all you have again exceeded expectations as this race matures
into one of the most beautiful and well respected run events in the
valley and state. Your presence after the race is sincerely
infectious and it is very obvious that all of you have a personal
stake in this awesome venue. I am glad to have struggled through
the marathon after running rock n roll last week...the reason I
decided to run LDM is because there is no comparison to LDM and the
"big" events...LDM outclasses the masses...your niche in keeping
the marathon to less than 500 runners is intelligent and you will
be rewarded for this! Thanks again for an outstanding event!
--Steve Rink (3:03, 2002), (3:01, 2003), (3:12, 2004)
I wanted
to drop you a quick note to thank you for an excellent marathon
experience. Being from the Midwest, my friends and I chose your race
as a "destination" race and we were very happy with our selection! I
especially enjoyed the warming fires at the marathon starting line
and the beautiful scenery along the course. Thanks for everything,
hope to see you again next year!
--Heather Gilbertson - winner of the women's marathon
I just
got back to arctic Iowa from our marathon/vacation in Arizona.
What can I say about the Third Annual Lost Dutchman Marathon? You
took a great race, made a few minor tweaks, and produced a
phenomenally successful and well organized event. After
participating in the last two Lost Dutchman's, I can honestly say
that this is my favorite marathon, bar none! God willing, I'll make
this an annual event. Everything from registration, transportation
and post race festivities was flawless. I was pleased to see that so
many people stayed around for the awards ceremony. I suppose good
food and perfect weather had something to do with it, but nobody
seemed to be in a hurry to leave. Some people thought the Rock N Roll
marathon would kill the Lost Dutchman. These people obviously did
not realize that many runners prefer beautiful mountains and desert
scenery over city streets and urban sprawl. Clean air, friendly
volunteers and a great group of runners is what I'll always remember
about the Lost Dutchman. Thank you for putting on such a memorable
event! Best Wishes,
--Bill Diesslin Ames, Iowa
Thank you for organizing such a memorable marathon. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the race. My wife and sons especially liked the ease with which they could go from place to place to cheer and give everyone high fives, which is often difficult at larger races in cities. We also enjoyed the pre-race pasta party very much and after the race were able to do some of our own lost Dutchman exploring. we haven't found the gold yet, but there's always next year... the finish and awards were handled very well, although it would have been best to have had water closer to the line, or at least a big sign directing you to it. I trained for the race conservatively to get back into shape after an injury and did as well as I expected. Next year I hope to return and do better. I'll definitely train harder, though, the hills were more formidable than I expected. If I have to choose among all the great aid station volunteers, I think I'd vote for the Marine Corps kids. The marching songs they were playing really picked me up. Thanks again for a great event.
--Carl Helstrom, Cranbury, NJ
This race was the most well organized race I've run. The water stops, start and finish, and the after race food and prizes were great. I especially liked the medal given to the first 100 finishers of which I was one. I will do it again.
--Neal Brown Buffalo, NY
A fantastic event! Thank you for a great
running experience. Organizers and volunteers of the Lost Dutchman
marathon have an event to be proud of. Well done everyone!
Best Regards,
--Bob Cater, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
I loved your event. You did a wonderful job, and the feel of the community was warm and very special. I would love to come back next year, now that I can describe the event when I give my talks. You did a fantastic job. Your attention to detail, follow-thru, and genuine concern for people and the event was superb.
--Jeff Galloway
Just a short note to thank you for a great
marathon. Everything was fantastic; course, water stops, expo, weather
and post race party. In New Orleans we have red beans and rice and draft
beer after a race, maybe y'all could try that some time? Thanks again for
the offer of the shower after the race. I hope my picture with the mule
comes out! Thanks Again,
--Will Hohenschutz
Thank you and all of the wonderful volunteers
for hosting a great marathon! Everything was very well organized. I
enjoyed the historian speaking at the carbo load dinner. The volunteers
on Sunday made everything go well. You can tell you worked hard to plan
this. The people at the water stops were very spirited and very
encouraging (the volunteers at mile 13 were my favorite). I appreciated
the campfires at the start, the efficiency and friendly spirit of the
people who helped with the clothing drop bags, took the timing chip off
at the end, handed out the finisher's medal, and handed out the cold
water at the end. Also, it was great to have the massage. The medal is
terrific! It was nice to hear my name and hometown being called out as I
crossed the finish line. This is a special touch that you were able to
add to make this an even more memorable experience. You thought of
everything to make this a great experience.
Thank you.
--Gary Fulton
Kudos! Wow, what a weekend. I love the
desert! I will start with a suggestion for next year, although it sounds
like a small thing, I would recommend paper cups at the aid stations,
rather than Styrofoam or plastic. Paper cups fold more easily and are
easier to drink from on the run. That's all the criticism I have. (Jeff
Galloway is a nice guy. Nice touch getting him.) The pasta dinner and
local historian and pix were great. Gold Canyon folks were very
hospitable and friendly. You've got a good thing going partnering with
them. Hope you can continue that relationship. What a course. What a cool
time. Starting area at Don's camp was perfect. You guys did a great job
hosting the races and making runners feel at home and welcome. I hope to
make it back next year. I was tickled with my 2nd place age group finish
and the cool plaque. The food was great at finish area as was the whole
finish area setup. (I love breakfast burritos). Bus shuttles were fine,
with very friendly drivers. Another nice touch is having pickup at the
host hotel. An interesting part of my weekend was a little tumble I took
just after coming off Peralta Trail onto Highway 60. I tripped at about
the 8 mile mark. I had a few cuts and bruises and ribs hurt, but I didn't
think much about that, when I fell. I was more concerned with my lip
bleeding. It stopped bleeding after a few minutes. That night, though,
they (ribs) hurt like hell. I suspected maybe I had cracked them. I was
right. I went to my doctor today who diagnosed me with having two broken
ribs. So, I had run 18 miles with a couple broken ribs. Who said runners
aren't tough?
Well done. I hope you are proud of the job you and your team did. One of
the best marathons out of the 42 that I have done. Best wishes,
--Charlie Ross Lansing, MI
I'd like to thank you and the rest of the race organization team for a wonderful marathon experience. This was my first trip to the desert southwest - the landscape is beautiful; and the marathon here was an experience of a lifetime. Thank you again,
--John Dudas Lander, Wyoming marathon runner #131
Hi! This is coming from BEST WESTERN GOLD
CANYON. One of our marathon guests checked out this morning and relayed
that he's been in 45 marathons, and
the Lost Dutchman Marathon is one of the best run in the country.
Everything was covered; water and refreshment stations were
well-handled. People were super friendly. He said his marathons have
taken him all across the USA. "Just thought you should know"
--Pinki Front Desk
Wendy & Grady,
Thank you Wendy and Grady so very much for your kind help during my
birthday run at the Lost Dutchman Marathon. After you spent most of the
day with all the runners in the Lost Dutchman Marathon, you went far out
of your way to help me with my second run of the course. Grady calmed me
down by walking with me for several miles into the darkness along
Superstition Mountain Drive. That was after two hungry coyotes passed in
front of us. Wendy helped with needed food and water. About mile 18,
most of my energy was gone and it was well into the night. At mile 23,
my cardiovascular system was running in overload mode. My heart was
beating fast and my breath was shallow. I really appreciate you staying
with me and bringing me back to my hotel. I could not have done it
without your help! Genevieve was also a big help by bringing me back to
the start for my second run and checking on me. I made it back to
Kentucky alright but did miss my flight out of Atlanta and waited only a
few extra hours. I have a little more soreness than after the Mobile
marathon three weeks ago and that is surprising. Take care and hope to
see you sometime in the future. If you ever get to Kentucky, let me know
and I will show you around. I'll write up the marathon in a local
newsletter and get other people interested in the Lost Dutchman Marathon.
Sincerely yours,
--Dan Wells Double marathoner
Just a short note to say your race was
outstanding. The water stop people did a fantastic job. They each
deserve very large medals. Hope to return next year.
--Vern Lange, Indianapolis, IN
I just returned from Apache Junction, an 800
mile drive, and immediately went online to thank you for working so hard
to produce such a wonderful marathon. I've run over 70 marathons and
would rank your event at the very top. The volunteers were marvelously
involved and supportive; not just going through the motions as is often
the case. I was very impressed with all the aid stations but would have
to rank the purple ladies first, followed closely by the young marines
and the renaissance group with the wonderful costumes. Actually all the
volunteers and spectators were extremely supportive especially when one
considers how the event must have impacted the whole community. If I can
talk the family into another long drive, I'll be back next year. Thanks
again for producing such a first class event.
--Mark Friedman (Aptos, CA)
You'll definitely see some race comments on the Wyvern site. I'll send you a link when I get it done. That was an amazingly well organized race. I heard the starting gun, looked at my watch, and was not a bit surprised to see 8:30 on the nose! (Although I wouldn't have called it flat, I think that part is all relative). It was a lovely course. The scenery was stunning; the people on the course taking care of us were fantastic! There was PLENTY of aid, right down to the port-a-jons. I have to hand it to you, that was an amazing job and you couldn't have done it any better! We're hoping to try the trail race next year; I'm thinking it must be incredible scenery! I had left my camera in Oregon, so I had to depend on a disposable. When I get the pictures back, the whole shebang will on the Wyvern site.
--Christina Adams
I Just wanted to say "thanks" for putting on
a genuinely fun running event. My wife had a good time volunteering at
race on Sunday. She was lucky enough to hand-out medals to the ½
Marathon Runners, including me! I especially liked the water station
groups including the Purple Ladies group at the bottom of the hill of
Mile 3 (1/2 Marathon) and the Renaissance group Mile 1 of the Half. Both
my brother and I ran the ½ Marathon. I'm glad I forewent the Rock n'
Roll AZ Marathon for the LDM Half. It was well worth the wait. I
recently moved down from Portland, OR and plan on making this an annual
winter race event!
--Anthony Gloria
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to
all of your team, and especially the volunteer's for their hard work and
smiles, to make the marathon (my 463rd marathon/ultra since Sep '93)
truly an" Arizonan Experience.” It delivers what it promises; smiles of
volunteers, Magnificent views of Superstition Mountains, and Sonoran
Desert, unlike the Zip codes of AZ course views from last week. Sure, I
did run that too, but this will be one of favorite marathons to recommend
to other runners everywhere in the coming year, especially for the first
timers.
--Paul Piplani
Just wanted to let you know I
did the marathon with very little training and only finished 1 minute
slower than last year. Once again, of the 49 different marathons I have
run, Lost Dutchman is the best. I have already made my Gold Canyon
reservation for next year. All the water stops were great but if I have to
vote I liked the respect of the Marine youngsters. I looked forward to the
music at the top of Dutchman's Revenge and was not disappointed. The shirt
is great, but I ran the 26.2 for the medal. The next nicest medal isn't
even close. Transportation to the start is painless. I did hear someone on
the bus say you were disappointed with the marathon turnout. Don't be. What
makes a race great is not the number of runners. The volunteers, the
amenities, and a little help from the Arizona scenery and weather, mixed
with the legend of the Lost Dutchman make this a great race. Thanks again,
and see you next year. -
-Bill Bonetz
I had a fantastic day! You put on a great marathon. It was so much fun. I'll always remember the sight of the warming fires, mountains, moon and empty port-a-potty lines in the morning! I met so many nice marathoners from all over: Vermont, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, and Toronto! I enjoyed every step - even the painful ones that last few miles. My sister was actually able to fly out from LA to join me. Thank you for putting on such a well-run marathon!
--Ronnel Curry
The Lost Dutchman Marathon is a great event. The
course is tough, the scenery is beautiful, the volunteers are great and the
event runs smoothly. I've done the half-marathon twice, and it seems your
staff is getting it better each time. I also like the smaller size next to
certain other huge events on the other side of the Valley. Thanks for the
great event, and I'll see you next year. Best Regards,
--Justin Schmid
I just wanted
to personally thank you for an incredible marathon. The course is
spectacular, the organization some of the best I have ever seen and the
volunteers were incredible. It is always a pleasure to run such a great race.
Hopefully it will stay small which is certainly one of its charms. I will be
back next year. Thanks again and please convey my thanks and gratitude to all
that worked on putting together a very memorable race. Sincerely,
--Randy Gimblett
I just wanted
you to know that I had a great time at the Lost Dutchman Race.
It was very well organized and a great course. Thanks for putting on such
a good race. I entered the 10K but hope to do the 1/2 marathon next year.
I am the Health and Fitness Director at the Mesa YMCA and perhaps next year,
could help with marketing the event to YMCA members. Thanks again,
--Jan Hertzfeld
I ran the
2-mile this morning and I was so impressed!! What a great location, great
support and even good burritos!!! Next year, it's the half marathon for me,
for sure, barring any unforeseen injuries. What a great event!! My husband
underestimated my finishing time and was walking back from the rodeo grounds
when I crossed the line.....figures......
--Debbie Francois
Just a quick
note to let you know I arrived home safely, and to thank you for what you
did. It was a good race. I will never forget in my running time, everything
was ok and the people of AZ are wonderful. Thanks again and talk to you
later.
--Wilson Gatiha - 2004 Lost Dutchman Marathon Champion
Our thanks to
the spirit and the attitudes of the many volunteers!!! They made a difference
to our family. They contributed greatly to an outstanding event...thanks,
Super Job!!!
--Bill Birch and family
What a great
race day and what a wonderful event you put on!! Our family made a day of it
- 3 of us ran the half, and 1 ran the 2-mile fun run. The half marathon
course was beautiful and interesting! The small rolling hills and slight
grades added without being overly difficult. The water stations and porta-potties
were done perfectly...no waiting,
plenty of spirit, excited people. There was music via loudspeakers at about
mile 2.5-3 that was well done....good tunes, sounded good, not too
loud...actually was very nice.
Quite a few homeowners came out and cheered us on! The other runners were
supportive and friendly! The scenery was great. The weather at the start was
perfect. It warmed up a bit later, perfect for standing around and talking,
gathering some food and relaxing. The goodies were a real treat! breakfast
burros, bagels, yogurt, granola, oranges, bananas, cookies, water, energy
drink, energy bars....etc. what a feast!! This was first class. The goodie
bags were pretty nice too and I love the long sleeve T-shirts! These are a
big hit in my household! The race was well organized and was run right on
schedule. Everything went very well! Parking worked really well for us ...
and none of us had to stand in a potty line - ever! We had the opportunity to
spend more than a few minutes with Jeff Galloway - who turned out to be as
much of a treat in person as his books lend you to believe. He was sincere,
not the least bit condescending (we are not fast runners by any stretch), and
gracious. The opportunity to meet him was wonderful! Nice awards ceremony ...
chairs and tables too!! My daughter was able to win a 2nd place plaque that
was rather nice!! This is one of the best running events I have attended -
ever. Well done! Thanks from our family,
--Bill Birch
You did it again; another successful race. Please read my comments on the
www.marathonguide.com. Best wishes for continued successes.
--Mark Gershman Scottsdale
mpgershman@aol.com
Congratulations
on your successful events today. I was extremely impressed with how well
everything was organized and how smoothly it was executed. The registration
was very smooth, the long sleeve shirts and goodie bags were nice, the
courses were well marked, the events went off on time and the awards ceremony
was good and the prizes were plentiful. The medals were a nice touch too. All
in all a good job done by the entire crew. Thanks for producing a well done
event.
--Wayne Balmer
I was in town
at a business conference and was trying to find a good place for a long run
in Phoenix when the Dutchman website popped up. My fellow business traveler
(a beginning runner and had never run a road race) and me decided to give
your race a try, and boy are we glad we did!! He had a great first race
experience (8K'er Scott Leach from Maine) and I really enjoyed the half
marathon (Mike Cote from Connecticut). Beautiful scenery and a great group
of runners and volunteers!! Puts eastern races to shame! I hope I'll get to
do it again sometime soon. Maybe enough advance planning to hit the
marathon. Looks like a really great marathon course. Thanks for the efforts
of everyone involved. I can't wait to show my friends and family back east
my beautiful finisher's medal and tell them about the race.
--Mike Cote
Thank you for
the wonderful marathon. The only way I could have enjoyed it more is if I
had finished with a better time. So, I'll train better and try next year!
Thanks again.
--Sarah Cline
I would like to
take this opportunity to thank you and all the volunteers for the great
marathon from top to bottom. I loved the sun rising with different colors
spreading over the superstition mountains, the variety of cacti, the safety
from traffic along the course, the cheering of the brave early risers, the
ladies in purple and others that gave us great cheering along with water and
a sports drink, the terrific information on the website that prepared me well
for the event, the entertainment at the start area, the friendliness of the
folks helping with clothes drop off and pickup, the end of race amenities,
and anything I may have left off the list. I have only good words to tell
others about this race.
--Yours, Haim Strasbourger
Great race, marvelous program, The second water stop was stupendous / my first choice. Thanks to all - forget the Rock and Roll next year, just do the Lost Dutchman half-marathon, and enjoy yourself without the bus, finish line debacle, parking problems.
--M. Lee Hodges. (10 K in 2004).
Thanks for a great event!
--Chris Siems
We just returned home from running your race. As a veteran of more than 120 marathons, I can tell you that you have a great race. The route is very scenic, your volunteers were great and the organization was superb. My wife Kathy, son Alec and I ran together as a family and had a terrific time. Thank you.
Thanks again
for a wonderful race. I just love the course and the beautiful superstition
mountains. I really appreciate the time that you and all the volunteers spend
to make it such a fun time for everyone. The aid stations just get better
every year; it is so hard to pick the best one. My favorites are the red,
white and blue group, I think at mile 9 or is it 14? (just before going onto
the highway), the purple ladies before Lost Dutchman's Revenge and the people
burning in the sun dressed in renaissance clothing at mile 25. I guess if I
have to pick one, I'm going to pick the purple ladies. They are so much fun.
I really enjoyed the little military people around mile 17, race lab, and all
the volunteers that had to wake up early to be out at the first few aid
stations on the marathon course. Thanks so much!! After directing Across the
Years this year I have a new appreciation for the work involved with
organizing and putting on an event. It's so much
easier to run! Thank you very much,
--Laura Nagy
My family and I
have just walked in from our ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS marathon vacation getaway in
beautiful Arizona. We can't express enough just how perfect everything was.
You and your crew are to be commended for a truly world-class event. We wish
you a fruitful and happy New Year,
The Fugate Family
Thank you for
another "great" marathon. Everything seemed to go very smoothly; from the
bus transportation to the finish line. As a marathon volunteer and runner I
appreciate when it all comes together without a hitch. No suggestions for
improvement are needed for the Lost Dutchman Marathon. See you next year.
Robert Perez #43 Marathon Runner