Photo Nelson Ndongala / Unsplash
- Marathon
- Half
Lost Dutchman
Lost Dutchman Marathon
A beautifully scenic and very challenging race that has won raves from publications like Runner’s World magazine (which called it one of…
Next edition
2027 · 17 Jan 2027
Where
🇺🇸 Apache Junction, United States of America
Community
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2027 edition
Next up
Countdown
76
days to 17 Jan 2027
- Distance
- Marathon
- Course
- Rolling
- Climb
- —
- Entry
- $168.05
About
The race
A beautifully scenic and very challenging race that has won raves from publications like Runner’s World magazine (which called it one of the “Best Little Marathons in the Country”) to AZCentral.com, which named it 2005’s best marathon for serious runners, the Lost Dutchman Marathon & Half Marathon offers a rugged desert course The marathon and activities are held every President’s Day weekend in Apache Junction, Arizona. Run at the base of Superstition Mountain near the rumored site of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine, this event is 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 Boston Marathon. The event features a pre-race campfire, and includes a Half Marathon in addition to the marathon itself.
Location
Apache Junction, United States of America
North America · typically 11°C (51°F) on race day
Open in OpenStreetMapBefore you go
Pro tips
Racing it
- 01
Respect the desert
The description calls this a rugged desert course and very challenging. Don't chase a fast early pace; run by effort and save energy for the later miles.
From the description
- 02
Cool start, warm sun
Typical race-day temperature is 10.5°C. Wear layers you can shed and remember desert sun can still feel strong once you're moving.
From the temperature
- 03
Certified qualifier
The marathon is USATF-certified and can be used as a Boston qualifier. If you're chasing a time, run even splits and use the certification to trust the distance.
From the description
- 04
Half marathon, same desert
The half marathon shares the challenging desert setting. Don't treat it as an easy road half; pace yourself for the terrain and conditions.
From the description, distances
- 05
Campfire warm-up
There's a pre-race campfire. Use it to stay warm before the start, since the typical temperature is 10.5°C.
From the description, temperature
In Apache Junction
Race day traffic
Race day traffic in Apache Junction heads toward the Superstition Mountains. Carpool or arrive early to avoid congestion near the course.
Spectator views
Spectators can watch from the Superstition Mountains foothills, where the desert scenery is part of the race. Landmarks like Lost Dutchman State Park are nearby.
Desert recovery
After the race, take a gentle walk in the desert around Apache Junction. The town has a laid-back, Old West gateway character near the Superstition Mountains.
Written by AI from the course data and the race's description; city tips are general knowledge. Check race-day details with the organizer.
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Getting in
First come, first served
Runners may also register in person near race day, space permitting; walk-in registration is available Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday before the event if space remains.
Tour operator package
Travel packages that include a guaranteed entry.