Lost Dutchman Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K

The 2024 Lost Dutchman Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024, in Gold Canyon and Apache Junction, Arizona. This annual event boasts a scenic, rolling, point-to-point marathon course, attracting both serious marathoners and casual runners. It’s recognized as a Boston Marathon qualifier, and you can expect great weather, stunning scenery, and fantastic volunteers.

All races, except the full marathon, start and finish at Prospector Park. The Marathon kicks off at 7:00 a.m., the Half Marathon at 7:15 a.m., and the 10K at 8:00 a.m.

Each registered participant will receive an official long-sleeved race shirt, and all Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K finishers will be rewarded with a distinctive finisher’s medal.

There’s a $500 prize for the male and female runners who establish new LDM marathon open course records, with a total prize pool of $1000. Additionally, there’s a $250 prize for individual masters (male and female) runners setting master LDM marathon course records, with a total prize of $500.

In the event a master competitor sets the overall course record, the prize money will be combined.

Lost Dutchman Marathon Packet Pickup

Packet pickup for the Lost Dutchman Marathon events is available on multiple days and locations:

• Thursday, February 15, 2024: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Road Runner Sports – Tempe, 43 S McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281.
• Friday, February 16, 2024: 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Road Runner Sports – Tempe.
• Saturday, February 17, 2024: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Multi-Generational Center, 1035 N. Idaho Rd. Apache Junction, AZ. The 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk starts at 9:30 a.m.
• Sunday, February 18, 2024 (for non-marathoners): Packet pickup starts at 5:45 a.m. at Prospector Park, 3015 N. Idaho Rd. Apache Junction, AZ.

It’s important to note that there is no day-of-race packet pickup for the full marathon. Marathon runners must pick up their race packets on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. If needed, someone else can pick up your race packet, but packets will not be mailed.

Participant Parking

• Location: Parking for all races is available at the Rodeo Grounds, accessible via Tomahawk Drive only.
• Shuttle Service: Shuttle buses will operate throughout the day between Rodeo Grounds parking and the start/finish line at Prospector Park. For those who prefer to walk, it’s approximately 0.9 miles.
• Spectator and Runner Parking: Spectators and runners in events originating at Prospector Park can park on the north side of the park following the Ironwood Exit route, marked by orange arrows on the map.
• Road Closure: Lost Dutchman Boulevard will be closed starting at 6:00 a.m. and will remain closed for the duration of the event.

Parking Map

Lost Dutchman Course Map

Marathon

The marathon near Gold Canyon, AZ, offers a challenging yet scenic USATF-certified course for potential Boston Marathon qualification. Starting at 2330 feet and finishing at 1840 feet, the course covers varied terrains, including unpaved and paved roads, highlighting landmarks like Kings Ranch and the Superstition Mountains. Runners encounter rolling hills, a turnaround at 19.4 miles, and join half marathoners in the latter part. A distinctive photo opportunity at mile 23 adds to the race experience, with a final push to the finish line. Many participants achieve Boston-qualifying times on this rewarding course.

Half Marathon

The Half Marathon starts and finishes in Prospector Park, using the last 6.55 miles of the Marathon course in an out-and-back route. With a designated lane system to avoid conflicts, the course has a slight overall decline in elevation. While appearing inclined near the finish, it’s an optical illusion, and the route is generally flat. The paved course, also featuring graded shoulders, is certified (AZ23002JOE) through 2032, and mile markers are provided along the way.

10K

The 10K starts and finishes in Prospector Park, covering the last 3.1 miles of the Marathon course in an out-and-back format. The paved route is mostly flat, with graded shoulders for those who prefer running on dirt. While there’s no time limit, participants are reminded to be courteous to faster half marathoners sharing the return lane.

Aid Stations

• Marathon: Aid stations every 2 miles for the first 20 miles, then every mile to the finish. Port-a-jons near each station. Lemon Lime Gatorade every other station from mile 4, GU Energy Gel at miles 10 and 18, and bananas at 2 aid stations.
• Half Marathon and 10K: Aid stations every mile, each with water and every other station with Lemon Lime Gatorade. Port-a-jons are available near every aid station.

Registration Fee

To register, visit the official website of Lost Dutchman Marathon. The registration fees are as follows:

• Marathon $139
• Half Marathon $119
• 10K $59