The Sedona Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Jeffery B.
Phoenix, AZ

  (05-03-2010)

"I give this race a high rating mostly due to the incredible location and the wonderful staff/volunteers. The first thing I was very happy about was the fact that the race director allowed me to pick up my race packed on the morning of the race, saving me a night in the hotel, since I only live about two hours away. The thing I was not so happy appout was that I didn't much like the surface that we ran on for about half the race.

You can not beat Sedona for the beauty and the course provided plenty of opportunities to soak in the natural beauty. The hills are tough enough that you should through out your dreams of a PR and just focus on a good race and taking in the sights.

Having said that I must comment on the dirt roads. I want to qualify my comments by mentioning that I have no problems with trails, but a dirt road that is hard packed and full of those bumpy ridges is not a fun running surface to run on. I tried to run on the side of the road, but found no place that provided sound footing.

I hope I'm not complaining too much, because overall it was not that bad, but when I sign up for a road marathon I expect sure footing, water, and to not have to search out the trail and Sedona did this for the most part.

On a very good note, there was plenty of support and the volunteers had a lot of energy that was appreciated especially in the final miles of the race.

Finally, I do have one more bit of advice that one may want to be aware of and that is the awards ceremony. I was able to place in my age group and wanted to stick around for my age group medal, but when it was all said and done I didn't get out of Sedona until after 4pm. It wouldn't have been so bad, but the weather turned very cold and rainy, plus the age divisions went 5 deep making the ceremony very long.

"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Scott .
McMinnville, OR

  (02-06-2010)

"I don't think there could be a more stunning location to run. The surround red rock canyons are like nothing I've seen - beautiful. It is a tough course: VERY hilly, 4500 foot elevation, and half of it on dirt roads that can be rocky and ungraded. Also, there is a 6 hour time limit which won't affect most runners, but you'd have to be a fast walker to complete it. Do not expect to get your best times here, but worth the trip. Not enough porta potties (there never are, except for Disney World), but aid stations, while spaced out, are well-stocked. The post race food is sparse but adequate. Crowd enthusiasm is good at the start, but the course itself is isolated from spectators. Start/Finish area was well organized, with enthusiastic hosts and a timely start. Medal is nice, but the same for full, half, and 5K runners. Not much else for schwag."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Bambett S.
Linwood, NJ

  (05-11-2009)

"The hills are tough, a real challenge but if you are looking for a run to lose yourself in and breathtaking scenery, then this run is for you! It was a life changing experience that I will never forget!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009