Forums >Racing>Suggestions for Flat, Fast Spring Marathons?
I'm looking to run a flat, fast marathon in late April or May. Any suggestions? I ran Fargo last year.
Geographical considerations?
Dave
Paris early April?
5k: 20:32 (1/17) | HM: 1:34:37 (2/18) | FM: 3:31:37 (3/18)
Getting back into it
Bayshore in Traverse City MI
Haven't run it so I can't speak to how fast it is but the Illinois Marathon in Champaign is definitely flat
delicate flower
New Jersey. Flat, fast, and surprisingly scenic.
<3
It's probably too late for what you're looking for, but Grandma's Marathon in Duluth is flat and fast. Lovely course as well.
Lincoln, Nebraska. It was very windy when I ran it, but it was pretty flat.
- Joe
We are fragile creatures on collision with our judgment day.
Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon, May 12th. Super flat -- it's a paved bike trail (not a "trail" run).
I would suggest looking at findmymarathon.com. They have quite a few marathons listed (including Paris) and can actually give you a time conversion based on a marathon you've run. The New Jersey marathon looks like the flattest of those suggested. A comparable one would be Western Pacific Marathon in late April, it is in Fremont which is in the SF Bay Area. Findmymarathon.com gives a slight edge to Western Pacific, mostly for the weather. Anyway, I think it's a good resource.
Ray
I would suggest looking at findmymarathon.com.
+1. This is my go-to site.
Driveable Races -
Green Bay - May 20th is fairly fast and a decent amount of people around. There is some elevation, but nothing that is too impactful.
The Eisenbahn Marathon (West Bend) looks fastish - April 28th
Carmel, IN - March 31st was a good course
Grandmas - I decent course ... there is elevation change. But the weather is a crapshoot ... Hot and humid - Frigid Cold ... Headwind ... Tailwind. Lots of people around to pace off of. The think I do not like ... the hotels want a 2-3 night minimum and they charge and arm and a leg. Although I think you can stay the the casino 20-30 miles away reasonably and for 1 night.
Long dead ... But my stench lingers !
I live in MN but I'm open to pretty much anywhere in the US ... except Grandma's! It is NOT flat and the weather is almost always hideous! I haven't done the full, but I've run the half and have tons of friends who have run it. I've been up there cheering for it the past 9 years or so, and the weather has only been decent maybe twice? Past 2 years have been death marches for most of the runners -- so hot and humid! (I know tons of people LOVE LOVE LOVE Grandma's but that's a no for me! I guess I'm a wimp!). Other than that... I'm open!
My hubby (HermosaBoy) found the Blooms to Brews marathon in Washington (28 miles north of Portland) .. has anyone done that one?
I live in the Northwest but don't know anything about this one. However if you're looking in that direction, check out Eugene on 4/29. I've never done it, but heard good things, and I'm planning on it this year. Finish is on the track at Hayward Field, which is pretty cool if you're a track & field buff.
Are we there, yet?
The New Jersey marathon looks like the flattest of those suggested.
Any marathon at the Jersey Shore is a toss up because of the potential for a headwind. Be sure to check comments on sites like marathonguide.com to see how much of a factor that can be.
2024 Races:
03/09 - Livingston Oval Ultra 6-Hour, 22.88 miles
05/11 - D3 50K 05/25 - What the Duck 12-Hour
06/17 - 6 Days in the Dome 12-Hour.