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Marathon Details - Diamond Valley Lake Challenge

North America Marathons > USA > CA > Hemet > Diamond Valley Lake Challenge

Diamond Valley Lake Challenge

Fuller Center for Housing Diamond Valley Lake Challenge & Half Marathon, 5K

Hemet, CA USA

March 1, 2025

http://www.fullercenterhemet.org/dvlrun

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Marathon Results

By Year:

2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2002 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Start at View Point & Around Diamond Valley Lake and on the trails.

Contact Information

Name:	Habitat for Humanity - Hemet/San Jacinto
Address:	PO Box 1574 San Jacinto, CA 92581-1574
Phone Number:	(951) 658-0235
Fax Number:	(951) 658-3295
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (40)

Course 4.3

Organization 3.9

Spectators 2.1

Write a review

Number of comments: 40 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

U. C. from Leipzig, Germany (10/6/2020) "Beautiful and lonely: scenic and quiet running" (about: 2020) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Diamond Valley Lake Challenge COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 It was my very last chance before Corona stopped all organized marathon events: fortunately, the Hemet Marathon just made it (March 7, 2020) before all others were canceled. Yes, hardly any people watching - you're on your own, but a scenic, somewhat more demanding than I expected it on the basically flat course around the lake. The people who organized it and who handled the refreshments were great - lots of good spirits and highly motivated - volunteers of the best sort! I recommend this wonderful race!
D. M. from Rancho Cucamonga, CA (3/5/2017) "Stopping by to View the Poppy Blooms" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Diamond Valley Lake Challenges COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The 2017 wildflower blooms and verdant green hills (because to the wet SoCal winter this year) contributed to the remote beauty of this course. The distant mountains were still snow-capped and the lake returned to a reasonable water level helping to complete the picture for what is predominantly a trail run. This race is supported by volunteers that show concern for each runner on the quest to the finish of 26.2 miles. A few have been distance runners before and can anticipate the needs of marathon participants; others just show enthusiasm toward the runner getting the job done and offering whatever the station can provide to contribute to success of the day! All say, 'Thanks for running', but each deserves a thank-you from us for being on station with great attitude before, during, and after our progress in the event!
K. H. from Los Angeles, ca (3/2/2014) "Mud run" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 Diamond Valley Lake Challenges COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 I did this race last two years, and this year was the most miserable race I have ever done. The race was on Sat, right at the middle of the biggest storm of the three years. They insisted the race still go on and it did. It didn't rain at the beginning of the race, but then it caught up. Everything u didn't want to happen it happened, heavy rain, gusty wind, mud, floods, falling rocks, one aid station no one attended and not set up, I almost twisted my ankle for few times in running on top of the rocks. There was no way out but had to step into ponds of water for few times. Running with soaked shoes, clothes were not fun. But had to thank those amazing volunteers who were in heavy yellow coats under pouring rain and still cheered for us, hanging out GU and waters. There was no fan except the volunteers during the whole course, u basically run on your own. The course is a beautiful course when it is in good weather, but this year's condition was just like hell. I even heard thunders, but the two rainbows we saw put a smile on our face. It is not a Boston qualifier, but a good practice run for good cause! The profit in this race goes to help building homes for low income people, so u know we are in here together with the organizers to make a difference in the community! Will I do this race again? I will, but only in good weather, at least not in a stormy day like this.
K. V. from San Diego, CA (3/1/2014) "Awesome Scenic Trail Race" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Diamond Valley Lake Challenge COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 I ran this today. Beautiful setting with a challenging but not overly difficult course. It was messy because of all the rain, which obviously also kept the spectators away. I tend to focus on me & the course, so lack of spectators is NBD for me. They could do better on marking the course. We ended up running an extra 1/2 mile due to missing a turnaround. Also, I came to turns at least 3 times that I had to slow almost to a stop to figure out which way to go. Overall though, I loved this small local race. Especially since they support a great cause: Habitats For Humanity!!! See you next year!
J. P. from Sioux Falls, SD (3/7/2013) "Tough trail marathon with minimal support" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Diamond Valley Lake Challenge COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 All the positives of this run (scenic course, nice goody bag, great volunteers) were negated when aid stations ran out of water after the 22 mile mark on a 85 degree day. If the race organizers are serious about thanking participants for running this charity event, they have to show more regard for the health and well-being of marathoners IMO. And be cognizant of the comments made regarding the course being long- I noticed many runners failing to run the tangents properly who undoubtedly ran longer than 26.2. Otherwise, this is a friendly small town marathon in a beautiful setting.
T. L. from Canyon Country, CA (4/5/2012) "Great low-key off road marathon" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Diamond Valley Lake Challenges COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I really like the Diamond Valley Lake marathon. Small, low key, scenic. And they have race day registration! This was the fifth time I've done this race and it was well worth it. My fault for not checking the start time so I got there at 6:15 for an 8 AM race. Shuttle up the hill was new this year, nice to have the option of parking at the aquatics center and not paying $7 to enter the lot. Restroom trailer in the parking lot was also a great improvement over the portapotties! Nice to have the race personnel out there listening to feedback and answering questions. Lots of volunteers. Aid stations were well stocked thank you for having Gatorade rather than Heed! and plentiful enough. Weather was perfect. I fell at mile 3, but that's not the race's fault, it is a rocky fire road. Think the mile 6 marker should have been mile 5, I was not going as fast as that indicated. Subsequent mile markers also didn't seem correctly placed. The mileposts installed by the water district around the lake are more useful. And we saw a bald eagle fly 30 feet in front of us while crossing the third dam! How cool is that? Not for those who think that racing involves lots of spectators, live bands, a flashy expo and medal and fancy shirt, and lots of free food afterwards; however, if you are more interested in the run itself than its accessories, check out this event.
D. A. from Hemet (4/3/2012) "I ran the !/2 marathon" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Diamond Valley Lake Challenges COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I really enjoyed this race. One thing I would like to see is more runners and the time to start at least one hour eariler. Love the busses and volunteer. One thing I found is kids were playing in the way as the runner were coming in, and my times was not posted.. I will be there niext year. Thank you.
H. D. from Fallbrook, CA (4/2/2012) "Excellent Low Key, No Frills Race" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This is a small, friendly, no frills race run on mostly dirt. The course is mostly rolling terrain with some serious hills. Don't expect all the bells and whistles of a race run by a sports promoter. The Race is run by non professionals raising money for a good cause. Arrive early since there is a traffic backed up at the lake entrance where you pay a $5 parking fee or you can park for free and take a shuttle to the start. This is a good race for the average runner to place in his/her age group.
Teresa Dulla from Mission Viejo, Ca (4/2/2012) "Beautiful course" (about: 2012) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Diamond Valley Lake Challenge COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Really enjoyed running with a smaller group as opposed to the Long Beach Marathon. Incredible views and much solitude. Will be back with a doubt.
k. d. from So Cal (4/1/2012) "Great, lovely, peaceful run" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Diamond Valley Lake Challenge COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was an awesome, down home, organic type of race. Super small, but the course was great trail, rolling hills, pretty views. Weather was perfect, support every couple miles with port-potties. They were off on their mile markers for a while, but it didn't matter. For a rolling, charming trail run, this is the one of the best.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]



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U. C. from Leipzig, Germany (10/6/2020) "Beautiful and lonely: scenic and quiet running" (about: 2020) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Diamond Valley Lake Challenge COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 It was my very last chance before Corona stopped all organized marathon events: fortunately, the Hemet Marathon just made it (March 7, 2020) before all others were canceled. Yes, hardly any people watching - you're on your own, but a scenic, somewhat more demanding than I expected it on the basically flat course around the lake. The people who organized it and who handled the refreshments were great - lots of good spirits and highly motivated - volunteers of the best sort! I recommend this wonderful race!
D. M. from Rancho Cucamonga, CA (3/5/2017) "Stopping by to View the Poppy Blooms" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Diamond Valley Lake Challenges COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The 2017 wildflower blooms and verdant green hills (because to the wet SoCal winter this year) contributed to the remote beauty of this course. The distant mountains were still snow-capped and the lake returned to a reasonable water level helping to complete the picture for what is predominantly a trail run. This race is supported by volunteers that show concern for each runner on the quest to the finish of 26.2 miles. A few have been distance runners before and can anticipate the needs of marathon participants; others just show enthusiasm toward the runner getting the job done and offering whatever the station can provide to contribute to success of the day! All say, 'Thanks for running', but each deserves a thank-you from us for being on station with great attitude before, during, and after our progress in the event!
K. H. from Los Angeles, ca (3/2/2014) "Mud run" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 Diamond Valley Lake Challenges COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 I did this race last two years, and this year was the most miserable race I have ever done. The race was on Sat, right at the middle of the biggest storm of the three years. They insisted the race still go on and it did. It didn't rain at the beginning of the race, but then it caught up. Everything u didn't want to happen it happened, heavy rain, gusty wind, mud, floods, falling rocks, one aid station no one attended and not set up, I almost twisted my ankle for few times in running on top of the rocks. There was no way out but had to step into ponds of water for few times. Running with soaked shoes, clothes were not fun. But had to thank those amazing volunteers who were in heavy yellow coats under pouring rain and still cheered for us, hanging out GU and waters. There was no fan except the volunteers during the whole course, u basically run on your own. The course is a beautiful course when it is in good weather, but this year's condition was just like hell. I even heard thunders, but the two rainbows we saw put a smile on our face. It is not a Boston qualifier, but a good practice run for good cause! The profit in this race goes to help building homes for low income people, so u know we are in here together with the organizers to make a difference in the community! Will I do this race again? I will, but only in good weather, at least not in a stormy day like this.
K. V. from San Diego, CA (3/1/2014) "Awesome Scenic Trail Race" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Diamond Valley Lake Challenge COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 I ran this today. Beautiful setting with a challenging but not overly difficult course. It was messy because of all the rain, which obviously also kept the spectators away. I tend to focus on me & the course, so lack of spectators is NBD for me. They could do better on marking the course. We ended up running an extra 1/2 mile due to missing a turnaround. Also, I came to turns at least 3 times that I had to slow almost to a stop to figure out which way to go. Overall though, I loved this small local race. Especially since they support a great cause: Habitats For Humanity!!! See you next year!
J. P. from Sioux Falls, SD (3/7/2013) "Tough trail marathon with minimal support" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Diamond Valley Lake Challenge COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 All the positives of this run (scenic course, nice goody bag, great volunteers) were negated when aid stations ran out of water after the 22 mile mark on a 85 degree day. If the race organizers are serious about thanking participants for running this charity event, they have to show more regard for the health and well-being of marathoners IMO. And be cognizant of the comments made regarding the course being long- I noticed many runners failing to run the tangents properly who undoubtedly ran longer than 26.2. Otherwise, this is a friendly small town marathon in a beautiful setting.
T. L. from Canyon Country, CA (4/5/2012) "Great low-key off road marathon" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Diamond Valley Lake Challenges COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I really like the Diamond Valley Lake marathon. Small, low key, scenic. And they have race day registration! This was the fifth time I've done this race and it was well worth it. My fault for not checking the start time so I got there at 6:15 for an 8 AM race. Shuttle up the hill was new this year, nice to have the option of parking at the aquatics center and not paying $7 to enter the lot. Restroom trailer in the parking lot was also a great improvement over the portapotties! Nice to have the race personnel out there listening to feedback and answering questions. Lots of volunteers. Aid stations were well stocked thank you for having Gatorade rather than Heed! and plentiful enough. Weather was perfect. I fell at mile 3, but that's not the race's fault, it is a rocky fire road. Think the mile 6 marker should have been mile 5, I was not going as fast as that indicated. Subsequent mile markers also didn't seem correctly placed. The mileposts installed by the water district around the lake are more useful. And we saw a bald eagle fly 30 feet in front of us while crossing the third dam! How cool is that? Not for those who think that racing involves lots of spectators, live bands, a flashy expo and medal and fancy shirt, and lots of free food afterwards; however, if you are more interested in the run itself than its accessories, check out this event.
D. A. from Hemet (4/3/2012) "I ran the !/2 marathon" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Diamond Valley Lake Challenges COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I really enjoyed this race. One thing I would like to see is more runners and the time to start at least one hour eariler. Love the busses and volunteer. One thing I found is kids were playing in the way as the runner were coming in, and my times was not posted.. I will be there niext year. Thank you.
H. D. from Fallbrook, CA (4/2/2012) "Excellent Low Key, No Frills Race" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This is a small, friendly, no frills race run on mostly dirt. The course is mostly rolling terrain with some serious hills. Don't expect all the bells and whistles of a race run by a sports promoter. The Race is run by non professionals raising money for a good cause. Arrive early since there is a traffic backed up at the lake entrance where you pay a $5 parking fee or you can park for free and take a shuttle to the start. This is a good race for the average runner to place in his/her age group.
Teresa Dulla from Mission Viejo, Ca (4/2/2012) "Beautiful course" (about: 2012) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Diamond Valley Lake Challenge COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Really enjoyed running with a smaller group as opposed to the Long Beach Marathon. Incredible views and much solitude. Will be back with a doubt.
k. d. from So Cal (4/1/2012) "Great, lovely, peaceful run" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Diamond Valley Lake Challenge COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was an awesome, down home, organic type of race. Super small, but the course was great trail, rolling hills, pretty views. Weather was perfect, support every couple miles with port-potties. They were off on their mile markers for a while, but it didn't matter. For a rolling, charming trail run, this is the one of the best.

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Marathon Details - Diamond Valley Lake Challenge