Fall marathon recommendations?

2186 Views 43 Replies 19 Participants Last post by fox-runr, May 18, 2007

sistergoldenhair

Discussion Starter · May 3, 2007

I'm starting to think and look on marathonguide.com about fall marathons. My preferences are flat (I like hills but there are no hills to train on where I live), not huge in terms of field, fast BQ-friendly course, and as easy and inexpensive as possible to travel to. 
Right now I'm considering:
<ul><li>Self-Transcendence (Nyack NY) 8/24 -- the flat loop course actually appeals to me and so does the race "philosophy," but that's the week classes start and it's on a Friday, so I'd be traveling Thursday and miss work. Also a long drive.</li>
<li>Baltimore 10/13 -- looks hilly though</li>
<li>Marine Corps 10/28 -- done this one. not crazy about the huge field or last 6 miles of the course.</li>
<li>Marshall University 11/4 -- flat flat flat but a long drive to Huntington WV</li>
<li>Richmond 11/10 -- also looks to have some hills but right now I'm leaning toward it. Close in location and looks very well-organized.</li>
<li>Philly 11/18 -- didn't love the course or organization, but I love the city of Philly and did well in last year's race.</li>
<li>Kiawah Island SC 12/8 -- has been recommended by a few people except there are few spectators. I don't think this would bother me as I pretty much ignore spectators unless they are someone I know.</li>
</ul>
I'd welcome any experience people have had with these, and other suggestions!

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sistergoldenhair

Discussion Starter · #41 · May 17, 2007

So who has anything to say about Twin Cities? 
Speak now or forever hold your peace, because it is going to close any day. 
Eternally indecisive, 
SGH

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roots

· #42 · May 17, 2007

SGH, consider the field size as well. Unless you're super tough, a small size race generally produces slower race times. It helps to have enough runners around to pull/push you along. 
If I'm racing, ideal for me is field of 1000-3000. 
Locally, many from my area do well at Columbus. The medium size field provides enough quality competition that you're never alone. I've run there in '03 and then as a bike spectator ever since. Just as srlopez points out though, there are some tough parts of the course. Weather has been good. 
I can answer your C-bus questions.

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srlopez

· #43 · May 17, 2007

The plusses of Twin Cities are the spectator support (PHENOMENAL) and the org. However, this race is quite big, so what you want to do is run a not-slow half somewhere (it used to be 1:45 for men, I don't know about women... look it up) and then you can start close to the front. Otherwise, it may take you a few miles to get to a nice pace. 
BUT. 
You seem to be very very concerned about having a "fast" course. 
Twin Cities ain't it. It's a pretty hard course because there is a big time hill in the mid-20s. 
Twin Cities is one of my all-time favs and it is fun. And you *can* run it fast. 
But faster than Steamtown, Columbus, or MUM? Oh, heavens no.

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fox-runr

· #44 · May 18, 2007

SGH-- 
I haven't done Lakefront, I'm probably going to register and then decide later (Milwaukee races are cheap), Flounder has done Lakefront and can chime in. 
From what I understand the elevation maps are very deceiving and make it look hilly, but it really isn't. The factor that prevents Lakefront from being fast is weather. If the wind blows (and it will) at your back---your golden, if not, you in a headwind. The race has about 2000 cap----and does fill every year. I believe they have 800 already. If it's like any race that the striders put on it's be a low-cost, low-frills, low-problems....always alot of beer. 
indecisive also, 
sue

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