We really do like the Marshall University marathon/half in Huntington, WVa.  First weekend in Nov. Not sure how far it would be for you.  Right on the Ohio River, pretty flat with just a couple of small hills.  The event takes place at the university stadium, so your car is literally like 30 seconds from the start/finish.  Temp this year was 37, last year about 45.  Organization was pretty bad last year with a new RD, but he worked his butt off this year, and I found absolutely nothing to complain about.  Good swag.

Lodging is easy right off highway 64, we stayed about 15 minutes out.  You can also stay in Ohio, last year we were about 3 miles away.

Smallish, 1000 finishers in the half.  Full and 10K going on at the same time.

Potential to FE with Love the Half.

Well, LRB, if you don't mind traveling a bit, and flying instead of driving, this is a good one in San Antonio:

"Remember The Alamo Half Marathon"

It is part of a series of races that builds people up for the San Antonio Rock N Roll Marathon in November; but you can also sign up for each race individually, you don't have to do the whole series.

This one is done in October and the weather for this one this year was "clear and crisp" with a temp of 58 degrees at start time.....

These folks always put on a great event and they have a ton of goodies post-race, including beer from Alamo Brewery.

Plus, if you like, your hotel price is FREE.  Gail and I can put you up and I'll chauffeur you around to where you need to be.

http://www.halfmarathons.net/usa_half_marathons_texas_alamo_city_marathon_challenge_half_marathon.html

Huntsville Half in Huntsville Alabama, tomorrow, get on the bus now and you can make it.

It's colder than shit here in November, yo.  Downtown is very walkable.  You can smuggle New Glarus beer out of the state on your drive home.

http://www.madisonmarathon.org/fall/index.html

Toronto Waterfront Half on Oct. 18.

Pros:

- 4 to 5 hours drive from MI;

- Almost flat course with only 3 tiny hills and one longish gentle downhill;

- Decent organization, starts and finishes downtown near major hotels;

- 40F at the start this year, going up to 42; similar temps in the past 3 years;

- US$ go farther in Canada;

- Lots of local beer to choose from;

- FE opportunity!

Cons:

- It's Canada so we talk funny;

- Polar bears in the streets, and you may be asked to sleep in an igloo and/or to join a Socialist party;

- You'll have to check your weapon at the border;

- Could be windy (but it's out and back so would be a problem only half the way);

- Post-race food may not be up to par with US races.. but included bananas, cookies and yogurt this year;

- Finish area a bit cramped.

..oh, and the course is marked in km so you'd have to get used to that.

Longest HM ever! 

It's colder than shit here in November, yo. 

This made me lol!  All things considered I love racing in colder temps, I am simply in my element.

Nice report Blue, my brother lives in West Virgina so there is a ton of potential there.

Thanks for the link George!

Thanks for the e-vite Scotty! You and I are gonna have a blast one of these days!

A really close friend is running the Wineglass marathon Schnauzer, that would be cool to be there for her first marathon.

You and I sprinting to the finish would be must see TV LTH, provided I am running at that level by then.

Mitch I just decided to pass on a half marathon tomorrow or I would take you up on that!

You mean I could race one and jog three Boon, as I lack your bad assedness.  lol

TO Toronto is actually on my short list for marathons so that would be a great scouting opportunity.  The course markings are not an issue because I race in such another world that I could run right past friends, family and every school teacher I have ever had and not see them.  lol