Marathons to Run Someday

OK, we did the list: Races to Run Someday. What marathons should one attempt to do to feel like they’ve gotten a rounded out marathon career and an interesting travel experience to boot. Here goes:

I. Winter Marathon Season. You could consider the new Phoenix Rock n’ Roll Marathon (mid January), the Houston Marathon (mid January), the Las Vegas Marathon (late January), the Austin Marathon (mid Febraury), the New Orlean’s Madi Gras Marathon (late February), or even the Los Angeles Marathon (early March) at this time of year. But seriously, why spend the time and money on these away trips, when we have some of the nicest marathons in our own back yards.

Disney World Marathon - Orlando, Florida - mid January. A great way to mix the marathon experience with the theme park experience. Very well organized, if you don’t mind getting to the start area at 4 AM.

Bank of America Marathon - Tampa, Florida- late January/early February. The home town run with all the beauty of the Gasparilla 15K, plus. I’ve heard too many people using this as their B.Q. (Boston Qualifier) not to give this one a go.

Miami Marathon- Miami, Florida - late January/Early February. Another home town favorite. First half along beautiful Miami Beach, second half in Coconut Grove. Don’t feel up to the full marathon, the ½ marathon gives you the prettiest part of the course.

II. Spring Marathons. Don’t know if I’ll ever run a Spring marathon, since I would want to leave the door open for Boston. But, if you haven’t made that Boston Qualifier, and your going to mess with your short race season, you better make it a real travel experience. Go for a European adventure marathon in a year the exchange rate makes sense (not this year). The Big Sur Marathon is included as a State-side alternative to Boston that sounds like a unique visual experience. It appears the applications for these marathons become available in late August or September.

Rome Marathon - Rome, Italy- mid-March. This probably will always conflict with the short season of 5 Ks & 10 Ks. This may be a good thing as I hear you run on cobbled streets a lot and its hard on your legs. But it is Rome. You probably can’t beat Rome or Paris for a travel experience.

Paris Marathon -Paris France- mid April. Not going to Boston? Run the week before in Paris. Although I’ve heard you end up in some narrow city streets with crowding.

Boston Marathon - Boston, Massachusetts-late April (Patriot’s Day). The grand-daddy of them all and the only must qualify to run event. You can retire after this one.

London Marathon - London, England late April. Didn’t qualify for Boston? This is the best back up and advertized as the world’s largest. Tour London and run with the world’s best. A lottery situation for locals. A travel marathon for Americans.

Big Sur Marathon - Big Sur, California - late April. This has a reputation for rough gravel roads, but the most scenic marathon. Run along the Pacific Coast Highway south of Carmel, there is unique entertainment along the route, like a concert pianist along the road. Fills up early, so apply in the fall.

IV. Summer Marathons. If your going to train for a Summer marathon, it should be either to a unique place (Alaska), or to a neat city (San Francisco). Grandma’s just has a big reputation.

Mayor’s Midnight Run Marathon - Anchorage, Alaska - late June (Summer Solstice). Run partly on trails, why not combine a trip to Alaska with a marathon. You could combine this with the Runner’s World Cruise, but this gets pricey. However, if your going to ever do the pricey cruise through Alaska, the marathon would be a memorable addition to the trip. Alternatively, bag the cruise, and get to Anchorage solely for the marathon. You might be able to find a cheaper way to see Glasser Bay without the cruise expense.

Grandma’s Marathon - Duluth, Minnesota - late June. Don’t know much about this point to point course, other than its got a great reputation. Closes out early. Check early for registration in September.

San Francisco Marathon- San Francisco, CA - late-August. It’s San Francisco. The course looks interesting, but you’ve gotta figure its hilly. A great city to visit.

IV. Fall Marathons. The Big 3 State-side (Chicago, Marine Corp, NYC), and the 3 highly touted European marathons (Berlin, Dublin, Athens) make the fall season “Marathon Season”. Too bad we have to train for these in the Summer heat.

Berlin Marathon - Berlin, Germany - late September. Along with Paris and London, this rounds out the big three in Europe as far as world class runners trying to break world records.

Chicago Marathon - Chicago, Illinois - mid-October. Along with Marine Corp and NYC, one of the big three not counting Boston.

Marine Corp Marathon - Washington, D.C. late October. Beautiful way to see the nations capital. Great crowd support. Just don’t hit the museums until the day after the race.

Dublin Marathon - Dublin, Ireland - late October. Everyone I’ve ever spoken to about this one says its one of the best. With my Irish heritage, I feel I need to get there some day. Beside, the Irish are friendly and drink Guinness.

New York City Marathon - New York, New York - early November. The biggest outside of Boston, with a truly world class of runners showing up.

Athens Marathon - Athens, Greece - early November. Usually the same day as NYC, this is a true touring experience. See the battleground at Marathon where it all started. A hilly course though. The tour offered through the American based travel agency is pretty good, taking you to all the main sites. Jeff Gallaway acts as your coach and lecturer. Alternatively, you can do the Athens sites on your own.

IV. December Marathons. Didn’t train well for a fall marathon and needed a little more time to get ready to run, here’s the one.

Honolulu Marathon - Honolulu, Hawaii - mid December. Don’t know if I’ll ever get to Hawaii, but this would be the thing that would tip the balance towards going that distance. Might also conflict with ski season. A huge marathon crowd due to the large number of Japanese runners/tourists.