large or small events

So I had the opportunity to run in 2 marathons this year, the one this past weekend was the Twin Cities Marathon in Minnesota. It had over 8,000 runners in both the marathon and 10 mile race on Sunday, on Saturday they ran 5 and 10k races with approximately 6,000 participants. The organization of the weekend’s events was outstanding everything seemed to run smoothly. The course for the marathon was the nicest I’ve ever ran, it weaved around 5 lakes and through some magnificent neighborhoods. Spectator support was amazing (almost party atmosphere from start to finish.
The first one I ran was the “Totem to Totem” on Haida Gwaii (islands that are a 2 mile flight north of Vancouver). There were 5 men/7 women that run the marathon and another 68 runners that ran either the ½ or the 10K, a far cry from the TC. Again the course was amazing (out & back along the coast). To begin the race permission was asked from Haida Chief to run though their town. (thankfully it was given) The weekend’s events included a pasta supper at one of the local restaurants where runners were introduced to each other, Skidagate Days (one of the largest festivals of the year), and a post race dance.
Two totally different atmospheres’s for the same event (should mention that both are Boston certified) Both offered a unique experience. Just wondering what everyone else prefers….large or the smaller events. I myself found many things I enjoyed from both , I do think I lean a little to the smaller, though the Totem to Totem is on the extreme end of small it definitely offered a personal experience

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