What is the best marathon to run for a first timer?
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M$2 Answers
Personally, I would find a couple local charity marathons doing 20+k to get the feel for it. A good place to look is local gyms, running groups (yahoo.groups), or flyers at the grocery store.
Le Salle Bank Chicago Marathon ~ October. "The course is flat, fast and cool—in more ways than one. Although more than 30,000 people finish this race every year, it’s among the best marathon experiences possible. For one thing, more than one million spectators line the course, which passes thorough the various ethnic neighborhoods of The Windy City. You’re likely to hear folk music blaring in Greektown and salsa music echoing throughout the Pilsen district. You will enjoy views of Lake Michigan, Lincoln Park, and the Sears Tower. And you won’t find a race that is better organized…anywhere."
Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon ~ May. "Cincinnati can make you feel right at home; it is an ideal first time marathon. The course is scenic, with spectacular views of Eden Park, the Ohio River and the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. While you will encounter some hills, they won’t leave you gasping. The crowd support is great, you’ll have plenty of elbow room, and you will find fluids at every mile along the route. The early 6:30 a.m. start almost guarantees cool weather. Best of all, it’s a marathon that pokes fun at itself. When you cross the finish swine, you’ll squeal with joy."
Disney World Marathon ~ January. "This is no Mickey Mouse race. Okay, it is. You run through all four Disney theme parks in Orlando—Disney World, Epcot Center, MGM and Animal World—and you will see everything from elephants to Cinderella’s castle along the way. The 6 a.m. start means that you will be running in cool weather, and the course is relatively flat. What’s more, there are plenty of fluid stops and aid stations along the way, Best of all, you can combine the race with a trip to the various theme parks and create a thoroughly memorable vacation for the entire family."
Marine Corps Marathon ~ October. "It’s dubbed both the “People’s Marathon” and “The Marathon of Monuments” and it’s easy to understand why. The race is impeccably organized and it attracts runners from throughout the U.S. The appeal is undeniable: you run past the array of incredible sights in the Washington, D.C. area, including the White House, Capitol Building, Smithsonian, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington Cemetery and the Pentagon. Along the mostly flat route, you will feel your pride surge and your adrenalin rush. Aptly, you finish at the Marine Corps Memorial. Because of the enormous popularity of this marathon, you will have to enter a lottery."
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M$
Especially if its the first time because of the picturesque route, including the cows, ducks, geese and all...
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