OK, here’s my plan…I will be doing a 1/2 IM in the latter part of the summer. I would like to follow that up with my first ever marathon, with hopes of a full IM in the early part of 2005. My question, which marathon should I run? I think the first part of October would be the best time, so my choices would be Portland, St. George, Twin Cities or Chicago. What do you think? If it matters, I’ll be aiming for 2:37 (6-min-pace).
I’ll be a first-timer this year for marathon length and it’s gonna be at Kiawah,SC (Dec 11th?)…
Did a half last year and what a blast! About as flat as you can get and at least 13 kegs at the end… Pause… I think we’re at the different ends of the ability spectrum!
St. George (Utah) is probably already full by now.
If you want a fast course try Sacramento Ca (I think it’s in October). Not a hill in sight.
With that ability, find one that’s 42.195km in length, and just pin your ears back and go for it…
If you want an opinion for the enjoyment standpoint- I know people who have done both the Chicago and the Twin Cities and hear that the Twin Cities is the best one around but that was from someone who lives there- I have watched the Chicago and it was CROWWded- lots and lots of people even in the front of the pack, I think the TC is a bit lesser in that respect- but you can’t go wrong with downtown St. Paul- or if you want a fast -it is all downhill- course but a very very solitare race- take a look at the Lakefront Marathon in Milwaukee- lots of fast times, but virtually no people there- my mom runs it every year and likes it a lot- plus with the time you are shooting for you could maybe be in the top ten whcih is always lots of fun as well!
I thought Chicago was fun. Plenty of distractions in the form of crowds and other runners to chat with. Big fun, one big 26.2 mile long rolling party.
I’ve run both Chicago and TCM. Both are great races. Chcago is definitely faster than Twin Cities. At 6min per mile, you may have a bit of a crowd at Chicago for the first mile. After that, no crowds but people still around to run with. TCM will be less crowded at the start and you may be on your own for long stretches after about 10 miles. If you want to go fast, go to Chicago. The benefits of TCM are a prettier course, great crowds, and a great finish. The organization for each is excellent.
Chicago or the Marine Corps Marathon are basically flat and fast, though the MCM can be a bear out on Haines Point if it’s raining and cold. 
I would choose a small, flat course if I were a first timer looking for a fast race. With the big races it’s so easy to get slowed in the crowd and without a pedigree you might have trouble getting a high seed, so the race director might stick you back with me.
-Robert
I haven’t run Chicago, but I have heard good things about it from many.
I have run Twin Cities 3 times. My times were 2:40, 2:36 and 2:33. The course isn’t super fast, but there are great crowds in the closing miles. The poster that said you’ll be on your own for long stretches after mile 10 is correct. If you’re under 2:40 be prepared to run alone. Some don’t like that.
That being said, it’s a athlete and spectator friendly race with a beautiful course. I’ll admit that I’m biased because I live here.
I did run the Milwaukee Lakefront marathon in 96. That’s a MUCH smaller race and I pretty much ran alone the entire time. The course, while faster, isn’t as scenic and the fans can be sparse.
Re: Towpath
I was looking recently for a fall marathon (it would be my second) within driving distance of Michigan and came across Towpath. I love solitary, and the idea of running through a national park very much appealed to me. Have you done it? I normally run asphalt and I know Towpath is crushed limestone. I was thinking that it might be a little easier on my joints. I’d like to run an okay time, but my goal is to enjoy myself.
Not on your original list but… The Columbus Marathon - is a great place to go for a fast time. I ran my PB there back in the day (1994) 2:42. Besides the requisite flat and fast it has a much smaller town feel than some of the other “big name” marathons which will let you focus on what you came to do - run fast! The organisers are all about helping you run fast - there are splits and ETA’s at every mile and they are dead acurate. You’ll be suprised at how well supported this race is… It is a real runners marathon.
Holy crap! 2:37 for your first marathon! I’ve done Chicago 6 times and it’s absolutely a blast - generally great weather, a flat/fast course and fantastic crowds for the bulk of the race. I can tell you that unless you’re able to get a seeded bib number, it might be tough going for a few miles at the start. I don’t know how strict they are about assigning them - e.g., I don’t know if a great 1/2 marathon will do it. I believe they ask for a sub 3:10 time to qualify. It’s pretty sweet - you get to start up front which cuts down on the hassle factor - and the security folks are pretty stringent about letting non-seeded people sneak in up front. If you’re looking for another fall option, check out the Milwaukee Lakefront marathon - did it last year and I can’t say enough good things about it. It’s cheaper than Chicago, doesn’t sell out, the organization is top notch, and the course is fast and scenic. It’s a point-to-point race heading south to Milwaukee, so the only potential drawback would be crappy weather and winds out of the south. Hell, a 2:37 might just win that race. Somebody else recommended Marine Corps - it’s a great race, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a first marathon. It sells out so fast that they’ve gone to an online lottery system - there’s no guarantee you’ll get in. Also, the course is decievingly tough - lots of concrete and enough rollers that you’ll definitely feel it. Good luck whatever race you choose! Oh yeah…don’t come to Milwaukee if you’re M35-39…you’ll kick my ass (just kiddin’).
You should seriously consider the Royal Victoria in Victoria British Columiba. Moderate size, great crowd an spectacular scenery. A great ‘destination’ race should be your first (mine was Big Sur)
I was looking at the Louisville Marathon today in the paper. It is actually tomorrow. It is part of the Kentucky Derby Festival every year. Actually over 7,000 do the 1/2 marathon along with a much smaller group that does the marathon. There are plenty of activities after the race that you could get into. The route goes throughout downtown Louisville and some of the nicest area in Louisville. Louisville is a wonderful place to live and visit.
check out the cape cod marathon. Great scenery, easy to spectate for family members if they have a car, nike or rollerblades. Small, scenic, and a bit hilly.
I’m running the Jersey Shore Marathon day after tomorrow. According to the mailer, the course elevation profile is continous uphill for the first 20 miles. Of course, the total elevation gain is only 20 feet, but geez, what a long uphill.
Agree with a prior post and I have to endorse Columbus Ohio.
Ran it for the first time last year and had a great time until mile 16 when my IT band seized. The best crowd support of any marathon I have run. The course through the Ohio State campus is very scenic. High fived Governor Taft at mile 12.
Advertised as fast, flat and fun and they deliver on all three.
2:37? what kind of times have you posted for a Half Marathon race? What is your best time in the 10 K?
I would recommend Chicago since its flat or if you prefer fewer people Milwaukee marathon… Easier to negotiate through other runners.
thanks
Hey Wednesday,
I do not know your ability and I do not know how much you have trained, but I think you should consider running the the first half at a 7 min or 7:15 min pace, see how you feel, and if you feel good pick it up.
Make sure you carbo load, it would suck to hit the WALL.
-Gilbert