Forums >Running 101>Good First Marathon
#artbydmcbride
ING New York City marathon!
Runners run
Phiadelphia. Big, but not so big that it is logistically tough. The hotels are right near the starting/finish line (same place). The course is a good one, not overly hilly. There isn't a constant crowd like a Boston or a NYC. There are times of peace and quiet, and times of loud cheering and spectators. Well organized. The city is historic and has great steak sandwiches. I've run it twice. Both were BQ's (if that means anything at all).
--JImmy
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There was a good Saturday one in Houston this January, but it was tough to get entrance. And may not ever happen again there.
It's a 5k. It hurt like hell...then I tried to pick it up. The end.
The BayState Marathon, absolutely.
Yes
an amazing likeness
If you're looking for a small to mid-sized marathon in a small city, lots of folks enjoy the Vermont City Marathon as a first marathon.
Acceptable at a dance, invaluable in a shipwreck.
Free Beer
I know a bad first marathon that takes place in the Fall.
Yes, but it is impossible to get in. I tried last year and in less than 5 minutes it was full.
Kalsarikännit
Bad Marathon
BTW, Jeff F's suggestion of checking out marathonguide.com was excellent.
I want to do it because I want to do it. -Amelia Earhart
Bad Marathon Bizarre race director Possible attack by imaginary creatures Competitors that should be spending their morning in an AA meeting
This sounds like my kind of thing.
+1
So you will be there this year?
I do too. Portland.
HA.
Yes, I know what you were meaning...
+1 So you will be there this year?
42% sure.
I have the green light, or at least it's yellow. Some of it depends if I'm going to actually try to start training at some point to BQ for next year. If I run Sugarloaf in May and get the BQ I'm at this bad marathon thing for sure.
Twin Cities -- gently rolling course. Large enough to be run well and for you to have people near you to run with (hang on to), but not a mega-event. Nice course. Good crowds. Benign weather.
"I want you to pray as if everything depends on it, but I want you to prepare yourself as if everything depends on you."
-- Dick LeBeau
Thanks everyone. This is a great list. Now to make a decision! :-)
Louisiana Marathon. Jan 13th. PR course. Great weather. Good price. Second year.
I would second Twin Cities, my favorite marathon. Beautiful course and not a large event. It was also where I ran my BQ.