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Lost Dutchman Marathon

Apache Junction, AZ
Sunday, January 17, 2027


  4.8 Stars from 4 Reviews

Course Description
The point-to-point Lost Dutchman Marathon course runs from Gold Canyon to Apache Junction.

Although the marathon course is net downhill, there are some long uphill sections. The course drops from approximately 2,350 feet to just below 1,800 feet at mile 8.5.

The three significant uphills start at miles 8.5, 17, and 22. Each are followed by long downhill stretches.

January Other Marathons in January Other Marathons in Arizona Marathons near Apache Junction, AZ



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Sunday, January 17, 2027
2026: Sunday, February 15, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Mostly on Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 55°F (12°C)
Average High: 67°F (19°C)
Average Low: 43° F (6°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.79
Course Score: 99.79

Race Size

2026: 287 Finishers
2025: 333 Finishers
2024: 320 Finishers
2023: 290 Finishers
2022: 237 Finishers
2021: No Results

BQ Percentages

2026: 6.3%
2025: 3.9%
2024: 5.6%
2023: 5.2%
2022: 8.9%
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 10 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 73°F  (23°C)
Low: 49°F  (9°C)

Race Start Conditions

50°F  (10°C)
Humidity: 56%

Clear
E 4 mph

PR Score

99.71

Course Score

99.79






Lost Dutchman Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Lost Dutchman Marathon was the 193rd largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 179th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 6.3% of Lost Dutchman Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 3.9% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Lost Dutchman Marathon ranked 331st among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 110th so far in 2026. In Arizona, it ranked 9th in 2025 and 4th so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Lost Dutchman Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Lost Dutchman Marathon has a Course Score of 99.79, ranking it as the 48th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 5th fastest marathon course in Arizona.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Lost Dutchman Marathon a PR Score of 99.79. The PR Score ranks the Lost Dutchman Marathon as the 39th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 5th best marathon for a PR in Arizona.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Lost Dutchman Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Arizona for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Lost Dutchman Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed48th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 5th fastest marathon course in Arizona
Top 11% Nationally#5 of 10 in Arizona
PR Potential39th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 5th best marathon for a PR in Arizona
Top 9% Nationally#5 of 10 in Arizona
Boston Qualifier Rate331st highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 9th highest BQ percentage in Arizona
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 70% Nationally#9 of 9 in Arizona
Race Size193rd largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 5th largest marathon in Arizona
Based on 2025 results
Top 33% Nationally#5 of 10 in Arizona

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 2297 feet (700m)
Min Elevation: 1702 feet (518m)

Elevation Gain: 618 feet (188m)
Elevation Loss: 1097 feet (334m)


Lost

Course updated 12/09/2024




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Compare the Lost Dutchman Marathon to other Marathons

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Compare the details of the Lost Dutchman Marathon side-by-side with other marathons with our Comparison Tool.


Comparison Tool

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Race Reviews


4.8
Based on 4 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Gorgeous Scenery, NOT mostly downhill

Full Review:

Very well organized race, awesome volunteers!

However, I picked this thinking it was . mostly downhill. That is not the case. The first 6-7 miles are on dirt path with short, steep uphills followed by long downhills. Next several miles were mostly flat. Starting around mile 10 or 11, the course became primarily long uphills with a few brief downward periods.

Race Tips:

Be prepared for primarily long, gradual hills for second half of the race!
Reviewed by CS About 2023

Lots of perks

Full Review:

Campfires

Sunrise in remote desert canyon.

First 6 miles was like heaven.

The rest was through newly built neighborhoods with great views of mountains.

Bag check, close to start/finish

Cones every 20 steps on roads to keep cars far away and unable to swerve into you. I felt safe. They had thousands of them.

Never waited for abundant porta jons on course and start.

Medal has nice western logo.

Free massage at finish.

Great support on course.
Reviewed by CP About 2019

Small Event with Great Organization

Full Review:

The marathon is one of several races (full, half, 10K, 8K trail, fun run) held on the same day. The marathon field is small (limited to 400) but the event as a whole is well organized and staffed by enthusiastic volunteers. The desert scenery in the distance, including the mountains, is beautiful. But if you are hyper focused on the road directly ahead, you might not really notice.

Race Tips:

Don't expect a lot of support from spectators along the way, and plan to self-pace. The marathon course starts on a rolling paved dirt road with a nice downhill, before it hits the highway around mile six. By this time, the runners will have spread out so you may be running alone. In 2019, there were zero clocks on the course except at the finish line (there are several timing mats but no clocks next to them). The hills late are not steep but grindingly long. The latter part of the course is shared with the half marathon course, but unless you are extremely fast, by the time you reach this point, many of the half marathoners would have finished.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

You have no choice but to take a shuttle to the starting line camp, which is for runners only. Family/friends won't be able to watch you start. We stayed in Gilbert, AZ which was close enough to the race, but also to other attractions in the Phoenix area.
Reviewed by GC About 2019

Full Review:

Super organized smaller (300 plus in full) race. The best pre-race I've ever seen. Tons of port-a-potties, water, coffee, food but the thing that distinguishes the pre-race are the fire pits and mats. Look at the photos on the website and make sure you arrive early to enjoy this. The course is very scenic especially the first 6 miles. On course support is excellent. Great medal, nice t-shirt and a much bigger expo than I expected from a smaller race like this.

Race Tips:

There are very few obvious hills on this course but quite a few long gradual up and down hills. Make sure you look at the elevation guide. We had hot temps in 2014 and there's almost no shade. Most of the roads are closed to traffic and the stretches that aren't closed completely shut down a full lane so runners will always feel safe.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I camped at the local KOA which was super convenient. The race is point to point. I parked at the finish (in the local rodeo grounds) and took the shuttle to the start. Worked great! As I've said arrive early to really enjoy the pre-race set-up.
Reviewed by EMR About 2014