RunningAHEAD - Topic: Looking for October Marathon suggestions!

trojancinephile

posted: 4/8/2009 at 12:29 PM

Hi! Like the subject line says, I'm looking for suggestions for an October marathon. I have a couple requirements... I'm not sure I want to run one just yet (I'm 2 weeks away from the St. Louis Marathon, so I don't want to make any other commitments until I finish that one), but I'm leaning towards yes, so I would like to find a marathon where I could choose to sign up in July or August and not have too much trouble getting a hotel room or an entry (so something like Chicago or Grandma's would be out). Also, I live in the midwest, and because my decision might be relatively last minute I would like something within driving distance. Let's say the states I'm looking at are: Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio. I know there are a lot of October Marathons, but I'm hoping I could get one recommended. Thanks a lot!

Berner

posted: 4/8/2009 at 1:11 PM

Two possibilities: Indianapolis Marathon (Oct 17): http://www.indianapolismarathon.com Indianapolis Monumental (November 7): http://monumentalmarathon.com I seem to recall both still accepting entries until pretty late in the year. I've personally not run either, but I think they both got decent write-ups on marathonguide.com.

How To Run a Marathon: Step 1 - start running. There is no Step 2.

SeeLizRun

posted: 4/8/2009 at 1:13 PM

My cousin has run this a few times. I can't remember if she does the HM or full tho off the top of my head. http://www.whistlestopmarathon.com/ Its in northern WI.

~Liz, single mama to K, L & C Pain is nothing compared to what it feels like to quit.

JCEntRunner

posted: 4/8/2009 at 1:26 PM

If you're willing to expand your search to Tennessee in November you could try for some flying monkeys. http://www.harpethhillsmarathon.com/

zoom-zoom

rectumdamnnearkilledem

posted: 4/8/2009 at 1:31 PM

Grand Rapids! I'm planning to run it...I think srlopez is talking about it, too. Big grin

I've done the half 2x. Nice race. The finish area is kinda meh, but the race itself and the course are very nice.

Getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to

remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air.

~ Sarah Kay

MoeDog

posted: 4/8/2009 at 1:32 PM

Grand Rapids is great. Very well organized, mostly flat course (much of which is on paved roads through woods and fields), cool shirts, affordable hotels right near the start/finish area, good food afterward, etc. Plus, you can use the YMCA locker rooms before and after the race. I've run it the past two years and have no complaints whatsoever.

egge0080

Arrogant Bastard....Ale

posted: 4/8/2009 at 1:36 PM

I'm planning on running in the Twin Cities marathon. www.mtcmarathon.org/ It's Oct. 4, first come first serve, 11,000 entrants. Opens April 17th and said last year was filled in 31 days.

HermosaBoy

posted: 4/8/2009 at 1:40 PM

Des Moines Marathon in Iowa. All the hills are in the first 8 miles. Small, but great amenities and the crowd support is decent.

And you can quote me as saying I was mis-quoted. Groucho Marx

Rob

DrewEOB

Lazy idiot

posted: 4/8/2009 at 2:00 PM
modified: 4/8/2009 at 2:01 PM

Columbus (OH) Marathon on 10/18, I think. I don't think registration fills up too early (if at all?), and there are more hotels in the metro area than you can shake a stick at.

Tick tock

millertime1980

Reproduction Specialist

posted: 4/8/2009 at 2:06 PM

I'll second the Whistelstop Marathon. I ran the half last year...smaller marathon that has a beautiful course. It's on a railroad grade that is now a crushed rock trail. Very fun race. I will probably do the half or full there next year.

xor

posted: 4/8/2009 at 4:03 PM

Indianapolis (the older one, not really in Indy), Grand Rapids, Columbus. Twin Cities is a great race, but you have to commit very early... it'll be full by the time you've processed your STL experience.

Buffalo Gal

Buffalo Gal Rides Again

posted: 4/8/2009 at 10:37 PM

Quote from zoom-zoom on 4/8/2009 at 1:31 PM:

Grand Rapids! I'm planning to run it...I think srlopez is talking about it, too. I've done the half 2x. Nice race. The finish area is kinda meh, but the race itself and the course are very nice.

Very happy at the recommendations for the hometown gig in Grand Rapids. Did the half last year and planning at least the half for this year. There is growing local interest in this race (the 5th 3rd 25K is considered the big hoo-hoo here). The GR Marathon is a young race with a very nice route that goes partly through Millenium Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the US.

March: Irish Jig 5K (DONE), Kent City Ridge Run 5K (DONE) April: Iron Girl 5K (DONE), Kentucky Derby Half May: 5/3 (10K) July: Cherry Festival 15K August: Chicago Rock N Roll Half, Crim Festival of Races (10 miler) October: Grand Rapids Marathon (Half-Hometown Gig)

ChknWingy

Oh Mighty Wing

posted: 4/9/2009 at 1:18 AM
modified: 4/9/2009 at 1:18 AM

check out marathonguide.com they have a calendar of marathons - you can search using the map and month.

Magictones

posted: 4/9/2009 at 8:19 AM

The Kansas City Marathon is on Oct 17.

zoom-zoom

rectumdamnnearkilledem

posted: 4/9/2009 at 8:46 AM

I should recommend Lakefront Marathon in Milwaukee, too (early Oct.). That was my first (and, thus far, only). GREAT finish area, cheap registration, beautiful (and flat) course that starts in farmland, then gradually makes it's way through residential and suburban neighborhoods, then finishes on the Lake MI lakefront downtown. Fabulous beer at the finish.

Getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to

remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air.

~ Sarah Kay

Looking for October Marathon suggestions! (Read 795 times)