The Lost Dutchman Marathon, Apache Junction (near Phoenix) Feb 18, 2007

There’s a new venue for the expo in the Multi Generational center in Apache Junction. Thank’s again to our Portland Fit and Galloway friends for stopping by!

The weather in the Southwest was unseasonably warm – Ok, well it’s always warm, but it was WARMer than it usually is in mid-february. The lows were in the upper 60’s and Saturday’s high was 85 so we were pretty concerned how we’d fare in the heat on Sunday. We did the half marathon. Thankfully we woke up to clouds and wind that was a bit chilly, but as we got going the wind seemed to die down.

The full marathon here is highly recommended. It’s fairly small, and the beginning is wonderful. Ok, back to the half. It’s an out and back course. (again, it’s a hilly place, don’t expect a flat run!) I liked the changes of footing, part asphalt, part dirt road. We ran through the desert, and through some neighborhoods. I really enjoy the varied architechture, and the desert scenery as the sun comes up is breathtaking. The race has an army of volunteers and a race director who is very competent and a very sweet person. Apparently someone made a course mistake that lead the front of the pack (half marathon only) off in the wrong direction, and that was unfortunate, but what can you do? This is a race director’s worst nightmare come true and she truly felt horrible about it, and offered what compensation was available to her. Don’t let this discourage you from trying this race! I am sure next year everything will be corrected!

And there’s lots of pictures!

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