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Finding the 'right' marathon

demon2run
demon2run Posts: 27
in Social Groups
I'm trying to figure out what marathon to do for my first one. As part of my goal I need to do it by May 2014.

Any ideas of one to run? I figure that if it's going to be my first I want it to be pretty special.

Am happy to travel anywhere in the world to do it.

Also, as a general discussion, is there the 'perfect' marathon for the first timer.

Tell me what you all think.......

GO

Replies

  • DavidMartinez2
    DavidMartinez2 Posts: 840 Member
    I've heard good things about Flying Pig (Ohio) but I don't consider Ohio a "destination" race location. Mountains 2 Beach had a nice negative gradient to the course and Ventura is nice but I don't think the race organization is good for a first time marathoner. A lot of my friends say the OC Marathon is great for first timers and Orange County is full of other touristy things you can do afterwards. My personal pick would be Avenue of the Giants but once again I don't know how good a race that would be as a first marathon.
  • jturnerx
    jturnerx Posts: 325 Member
    What does perfect mean to you? You have to define that for yourself first.
  • glin23
    glin23 Posts: 460 Member
    What does perfect mean to you? You have to define that for yourself first.

    Exactly.. Do you want a big marathon? Small marathon. Crowd support? Are you scared of hills? So many things to consider.
  • ZenInTexas
    ZenInTexas Posts: 781 Member
    If I could go anywhere I would pick one in a beautiful location. Hawaii, Florida, southern California. Somewhere scenic.
  • schmenge55
    schmenge55 Posts: 745 Member
    To me you want something like Chicago with great crowd support. Chicago, which does not meet your spring 2014 goal is wall to wall people 2 million I think, and the crowd helps pull you through the marathon
  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    Someone mentioned Avenue of the Giants. That one goes through the redwoods in Humboldt County in Northern California. It is an absolutely beautiful spot and it is cool temperatures. The only drawback is that it is an out and back, then out and back again course. I find that a bit harder than following a single route from point A to point B.
    People also love the Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego. But i cannot tell you anything about it. i have never been. San Diego is fun to visit though.
  • demon2run
    demon2run Posts: 27
    A big marathon with crowd support would be great. Being the first an easier course and one that isn't going to be to hot temperature wise. Also one that doesn't obviously require a qualification time.

    Also as I said I plan to have a vacation around it, so somewhere that is good to visit.
  • thebiggreenmachine
    thebiggreenmachine Posts: 66 Member
    You can search for marathons that fit your criteria here: http://www.findmymarathon.com/location.php

    For reviews of any marathons, I'd go here: http://www.marathonguide.com/
  • amandamurdaugh
    amandamurdaugh Posts: 138 Member
    To me, the "best" marathon is one with my friends & family cheering me on. Crowd support is important to me.
  • davemunger
    davemunger Posts: 1,139 Member
    I did my first marathon in May as well -- the Big Sur Marathon. Absolutely beautiful course, really a fantastic event. Unfortunately it is already sold out for 2014! That is probably going to be true for a lot of the most popular spring marathons. As for races I haven't run -- I've heard great things about Eugene, Avenue of Giants, and Providence.
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    A big marathon with crowd support would be great. Being the first an easier course and one that isn't going to be to hot temperature wise. Also one that doesn't obviously require a qualification time.

    Also as I said I plan to have a vacation around it, so somewhere that is good to visit.

    Make sure you plan the race at the beginning of vacation. If you end up walking around site seeing for a couple days before running the race, you will sap your legs of much needed strength.

    After the race, the walking will do you a world of good when it comes to recovery.
  • johnmcc215
    johnmcc215 Posts: 40 Member
    The NJ Marathon is very flat and has great crowd support, finishes up on the Long Branch boardwalk.. I have gotten to know the RD, he's very active on FB with dailies during the year,,helps keep people motivated..


    http://www.njmarathon.org/
  • twinmom_112002
    twinmom_112002 Posts: 739 Member
    Personally I would say Surf City in Huntington Beach CA. Great course along the ocean almost the entire way. Mellow temps and awesome crowd support. I ran Mt to Beach in Ventura (the half) and there was a lack of support really...no crowds along the route, almost no bathrooms. Made for a mentally long race.
  • DavidMartinez2
    DavidMartinez2 Posts: 840 Member
    Personally I would say Surf City in Huntington Beach CA. Great course along the ocean almost the entire way. Mellow temps and awesome crowd support. I ran Mt to Beach in Ventura (the half) and there was a lack of support really...no crowds along the route, almost no bathrooms. Made for a mentally long race.
    Surf City is in February, wrong month for him. M2B is good for people looking for a downhill-aided PR but the level of support is not there for a first timer. I will say offering bib transfer is an awesome amenity.
  • demon2run
    demon2run Posts: 27
    I did my first marathon in May as well -- the Big Sur Marathon. Absolutely beautiful course, really a fantastic event. Unfortunately it is already sold out for 2014! That is probably going to be true for a lot of the most popular spring marathons. As for races I haven't run -- I've heard great things about Eugene, Avenue of Giants, and Providence.

    I've looked at the Big Sur, it looks amazing and is definitely high on my list if I get to a second one. Dates don't quite fit for me - so I need to do another.
  • demon2run
    demon2run Posts: 27
    A big marathon with crowd support would be great. Being the first an easier course and one that isn't going to be to hot temperature wise. Also one that doesn't obviously require a qualification time.

    Also as I said I plan to have a vacation around it, so somewhere that is good to visit.

    Make sure you plan the race at the beginning of vacation. If you end up walking around site seeing for a couple days before running the race, you will sap your legs of much needed strength.

    After the race, the walking will do you a world of good when it comes to recovery.

    Thanks for the tip - that's exactly what I'm planning, arrive the Wednesday or Thursday afternoon (after 22 hours on board the plane) and then have Thurs/Fri/Sat as easy days with just a couple of k's each day to keep legs moving and run the Sunday.
  • demon2run
    demon2run Posts: 27
    The NJ Marathon is very flat and has great crowd support, finishes up on the Long Branch boardwalk.. I have gotten to know the RD, he's very active on FB with dailies during the year,,helps keep people motivated..


    http://www.njmarathon.org/

    Thank you - this information is great. Unfortunately I have to be in Australia April 26 for a wedding so won't work this year!
  • demon2run
    demon2run Posts: 27
    Personally I would say Surf City in Huntington Beach CA. Great course along the ocean almost the entire way. Mellow temps and awesome crowd support. I ran Mt to Beach in Ventura (the half) and there was a lack of support really...no crowds along the route, almost no bathrooms. Made for a mentally long race.

    Thanks for the info, sounds like a great run. Unfortunately dates don't fit.
  • demon2run
    demon2run Posts: 27
    Thanks for you help guys - I've found it - The Napa Valley Marathon!!

    Really excited, registered for it and booked my flights today. Now it's time to train!!

    Coming all the way from Australia it fits perfect with my dates, it looks like an amazingly beautiful course, is on the closer side of the country to travel to from Australia and will offer a lot to me as a tourist after the race.

    Bring on March 2nd.

    Please add me and keep me motivated - would be great to share this experience with others that are interested in the story!
  • dorianaldyn
    dorianaldyn Posts: 611 Member
    Thanks for you help guys - I've found it - The Napa Valley Marathon!!

    Really excited, registered for it and booked my flights today. Now it's time to train!!

    Coming all the way from Australia it fits perfect with my dates, it looks like an amazingly beautiful course, is on the closer side of the country to travel to from Australia and will offer a lot to me as a tourist after the race.

    Bring on March 2nd.

    Please add me and keep me motivated - would be great to share this experience with others that are interested in the story!

    Sounds like a great choice! The Napa area is a wonderful place to visit; not to mention SF as well. I live in the Bay Area, so feel free to ping me as you get closer if you want any sightseeing advice.

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