Log in

sports

2021 Lost Dutchman Marathon a virtual event due to COVID-19 restrictions

Posted 12/29/20

Did the Lost Dutchman really run a marathon?

Many say that he did, but that’s as unknown as the location of his lost goldmine. What is known is that in 2001, a small group of Apache Junction …

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

To Our Valued Readers –

Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe. The five stories do not include our exclusive content written by our journalists.

For $6.99, less than 20 cents a day, digital subscribers will receive unlimited access to YourValley.net, including exclusive content from our newsroom and access to our Daily Independent e-edition.

Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.

Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy. Please click here to subscribe.

Sincerely,
Charlene Bisson, Publisher, Independent Newsmedia

Please log in to continue

Log in
I am anchor
sports

2021 Lost Dutchman Marathon a virtual event due to COVID-19 restrictions

Posted

Did the Lost Dutchman really run a marathon?

Many say that he did, but that’s as unknown as the location of his lost goldmine. What is known is that in 2001, a small group of Apache Junction citizens decided to organize a marathon — a marathon that is now celebrating 20 years strong on Feb. 14, 2021.

The Lost Dutchman Marathon — or LDM as runners know it — is recognized as one of the top 10 small marathons in America; yup, right here in Apache Junction.

A totally volunteer effort, the dedicated local volunteer group is a 501(c)(3) registered entity and has donated more than $600,000 to youth-related charities and clubs in Apache Junction. A record $70,000 was donated to community youth programs in 2019 alone.

It’s that community-based organization, the wonderful volunteers and the mesmerizing start at the foot of the Peralta escarpment that are some of the reasons that motivate runners to come from all over the world to Apache Junction to run up to 26.2 miles to the finish at Prospector Park. Oh yes, our very fine running weather on President’s Day weekend has a bit of a draw as well.

This year, to support the COVID-19 initiative, the LDM will be a virtual race with unique opportunities for runners and wannabe runners to get involved. Visit lostdutchmanmarathon.org for details.

So, if you have a chance to support the LDM in any way — maybe just committing to a running program that will enable you to finish one of the distances (2 miles to 26.2 miles) — please do it now. You will feel especially good for doing so.

Editor’s note: Darch Oborne is a Lost Dutchman Marathon board member.