Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Lost Dutchman Marathon have a maximum number of participants? In order to maintain a small, friendly race and stay within the capacity of Prospector Park, registrations will be limited for the 2012 Lost Dutchman Marathon races. The marathon is limited to 600 participants, and the Half Marathon is limited to 1300 runners. Maximum registration for the 10K is 800 and 700 for the 8K Trail Run. There is no limit on the number of participants in the 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk.

Do I need a qualifying time to be eligible for the Lost Dutchman Marathon? No, however the course officially closes after 6 hours. The finish line officially closes after 6.5 hours. You will be expected to reach benchmark locations on the course by certain times as described under “What happens if I am unable to maintain a 6 ½ hour pace?

Is the Lost Dutchman Marathon course USATF certified? The marathon is a USATF certified course (AZ10016TLB) that can be used as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

Is the Lost Dutchman Half Marathon course USATF certified? The half marathon is a USATF certified course (AZ10015TLB).

Are the 10K and 8K courses certified? No.

Do all participants receive a tee shirt? Yes, everyone who enters any Lost Dutchman event will receive a an Expert "tech tee" long sleeved black shirt with this commemorative design on the front. Shirts are distributed with race packets.

How do I receive my race packet?

Packet Pick up: Race Packets will NOT be mailed. 

• Runners can pick up their packets on Thursday, February 16th at Road Runner Sports - Scottsdale, 7077 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85054 from 3:30 PM till 6 PM. (Web Site) (Map)
• All runners can pick up their packets on Friday, February 17th at Road Runner Sports - Tempe, 43 S McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 from 10 AM till 6 PM. (Web Site) (Map)
• All runners can pick up their packets on Saturday, February 18th at the Health and Fitness Expo 1035 N. Idaho Rd. Apache Junction, AZ from 8 AM to 5 PM. (Map)
• NON-MARATHONERS can also pick up their packets Sunday, February 19th at Prospector Park 3015 N. Idaho Rd. Apache Junction, AZ beginning at 5:45 AM.  2-Mile Fun Run/Walk registration is available at this time.  NOTE: There is no day of race packet pick up for the full marathon. Marathon runners MUST pick up race packets Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me? You may have someone else pick up your race packet.

When Should I Arrive?  Marathon Runners: Buses to the starting line will begin loading at The Rodeo Grounds at 4:30 a.m. The last bus to the start will leave the Rodeo Grounds at 5:45 a.m. SHARP. Arrive no later than 5:30 to catch your bus.  Marathon transportation details.

NON-Marathon Runners: Your race starts and ends at Prospector Park. Plan on arriving and being parked at the Rodeo Grounds or Prospector Park at least one hour before the start of your race. Starting Times

Where do I park on race morning? Parking for all events and spectators is at  Prospector Park or the Rodeo Grounds on the South.  Shuttle busses begin running at 6:00 a.m. between the Rodeo Grounds and the Park and continue throughout the day. Parking details are here.

How Do I Get to the Starting Line? All races other then the Marathon begin and end at Prospector Park.  The Marathon begins near Gold Canyon, Arizona; all Marathoner's will be bussed to the start.  Parking details are here.

May I start the marathon early in order to make the finish line by the six hour cutoff? No, we regret that due to safety considerations on Peralta Road and our desire to ensure a fair race for all involved, all entrants must start at the established time.

Do you use chip timing? The 2012 Lost Dutchman Races will be chip timed using ChronoTrack chip timing for all events. ChronoTrack is a road racing innovation using disposable tags “D-Tags” and simplifying the timing process for athletes. The inexpensive disposable tags shorten pre-race bib pick up lines and eliminate all collection of tags or chips after the race. As a runner you will have more time to focus on competing and enjoying the event! Your chip is a part of your bib, do not remove it. Your number bib must be worn on the front and be visible at all times during the race.

How do I get my award? Awards are presented to the top three male and female finishers in each age group for the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, and 8K races.   Awards are presented at ceremonies shortly after the completion of each race.

AWARD PICK UP OR MAILING.  Award recipients not able to stay for the awards presentation can still receive their award one of three ways:

1. On Sunday at the awards table: fill out a mailing label attached to a $10 check (for shipping and handling) payable to Lost Dutchman Marathon Inc.
2. Send a $10 check (for shipping and handling) payable to Lost Dutchman Marathon Inc. along with your mailing information to Attn: Liz Langenbach; City of AJ Parks & Recreation Department, 300 E. Superstition Blvd., Apache Junction, Az. 85119. Requests must be received by March 12th.
3. Pick up your award in person at the Apache Junction Multi-Generational Center beginning on Monday, February 20th from 8am-2pm or any time thru March 12th (Monday-Friday 5:30am-9pm/Saturday-7am-3pm).

Any awards not claimed by March 12th will be donated to one of our charities.

If I sign up for one of the longer races and decide to switch to a shorter race what is the process? You may switch races anytime up to the close of the expo on Saturday provided the shorter race has not reached capacity. Send an e-mail to the registration contact from the website contact page explaining what you wish to do, or come to the expo the day before the race and see the help desk to make the change.

If I don't really care about my time, may I run a different race without formally switching? No. You must run the race you are registered for on race morning. If for example you are signed up for the 10K and you instead do the 2 mile walk you may foul up the results for everyone behind you in the 10K race and potentially cause some in your age group to miss an award or receive the wrong award.

How can I or my group volunteer to become involved in supporting the Lost Dutchman Marathon? Visit our volunteer jobs page to see all the great opportunities available and to find information on how to sign up!

Are there special rates for travel and accommodations? Visit our accommodations page for details on any special offers.

Are there Official Charities and Charity Partners for the Lost Dutchman Marathon? Yes, the Lost Dutchman Marathon works with several Charities and Charity Partners.

What is the Lost Dutchman Marathon, Inc? The Lost Dutchman Marathon, Inc., is a non-profit charity with an all-volunteer board of directors and unpaid officers and staff. The organization is dedicated to promoting running, and to providing a beautiful venue for runners from all parts of the country and around the world. The proceeds of the event go to funding scholarships for young men and women capable of successfully attending college but who due to their economic situation would otherwise be unable to afford tuition. Funding is also provided to boys and girls who would not otherwise be able to take advantage of summer youth programs.

Where are the Aid Stations and what do they provide?

Marathon Aid Stations: There are aid stations every 2 miles on the marathon course for the first 20 miles and then an aid station every mile to the finish. There are port-a-jons near every aid station. GU Brew lemon lime will be available at every other aid station starting at marathon mile 4. GU energy gel (vanilla bean) will be at miles 10 and 18 on the marathon course only. Bananas will be at 4 aid stations.

Half Marathon and 10K Aid Stations: For the 10K and Half Marathon courses there are aid stations every mile with water at every aid station . There are port-a-jons near every aid station.

8K Aid Stations: For the 8K trail race there is one aid station that all runners will pass twice. There are port-a-jons near every aid station.

Aid stations are staffed by our tremendous volunteers without whom our event could not happen. Please thank them along the way.

Start training today with our official Course Fuel! Information is available at the GU Energy Website.

Are walkers allowed in the races? Walkers are welcomed in all races except the marathon.  Due to safety concerns and the need to clear the course as early as possible to release traffic, we require marathoners to maintain a minimum 14½ minute per mile pace.

What happens if I am not able to maintain a 14 ½ minute pace in the marathon? We will have check points beginning at the half marathon point to determine your pace. Anyone who arrives late at a checkpoint is subject to disqualification and removal from the course. We will have a pick up van for that purpose.

Are strollers and dogs welcome on the courses? Both strollers and dogs are banned from all courses. We have increased the size of our events to optimum size, but portions of the course including the start and finish areas are crowded and the presence of a dog on a leash or a stroller presents an unnecessary safety hazard.

Why do entry fees increase as the race date draws nearer? Because we offer high quality finisher's medals, awards, and Tee shirts, we must order well in advance. We must estimate how many people will be competing in order to make sure we have enough of each, but don't spend money on material that will not be used. Entering early helps both the runner and the event save money, and ensures supplies are appropriate for the event.

Is camping available in the area? Yes! Camping is available near Prospector Park and the Rodeo Grounds at Lost Dutchman State Park.  Click here for details.

Where can I shower after the race? Showers are available near Prospector Park and the Rodeo Grounds at Lost Dutchman State Park. If you want to take a shower after the race, the day entrance fee is $7.00.  Click here for further details.

What can I do in Gold Canyon and Apache Junction? Looking for something to do before or after the race? Visit our local attractions page for information about beautiful golf courses and unique adventures awaiting around Gold canyon and Apache Junction.

What is your feedback policy? We welcome feedback and encourage everyone to provide it. We read everything and seriously consider all advice and criticism with the objective of making the Lost Dutchman Marathon better every year. Nearly all feedback is published to our web site, however we may not post angry comments about specific isolated instances or those strictly offering advice. Editing is limited to cosmetic changes. You can enter an comment using our contact form or send an e-mail directly to race director Grady McEachern.