User Comments

1. 

   11/11/07

   cyberpenguin

   Here's a more specific, related question for experienced marathoners:
   
   I'm a newbie marathoner-in-training looking for a good race to run somewhere in the mid-atlantic or north-eastern part of the United States, preferably one that's not too crowded & doesn't require impossibly low qualifying times (which rules out races like the Boston Marathon, New York Marathon, etc.).
   
   Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may provide!
   -C

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2. 

   11/12/07

   davegill55

   I hear that the Shamrock Marathon Virginia Beach is pretty good for a first timer. It's run the weekend before St Patricks Day I believe.
   Whatever you do, do NOT run The Steamboat Marathon (in Colorado) as a first marathon. I did, and it was a killer. High altitude, hills, and it was actually hot that day.

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   1. 

      11/12/07

      cymrusteve

      Dave, you're correct. Shamrock, in Virginia Beach, is a great one for a first timer - it's as flat as you can possibly imagine! The winds can be pretty strong though...
      
      www.shamrockmarathon.com
      
      This pic was taken on Fort Story Army Base at around the 20 mile mark. The Cape Henry lighthouse is in the background.
      
      
      
      I'm signed up for 2008 already....
   2. 

      11/12/07

      cyberpenguin

      Thanks, Dave & Steve, for the marathon recommendation & info!
      
      Steve, you're looking vibrant & strong at the 20 mile mark! Must've been a good race for you.
3. 

   11/12/07

   cymrusteve

   Thanks Corey. Strange story attached to the photo actually.....
   
   According to the photographer, just after this picture was taken, I stopped running, walked for maybe 10 seconds and then started running again. She called out to check everything was ok, but I was already too far in the distance to hear. Funny thing is, I don't recall any of it!

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4. 

   10/05/08

   jeg2001

   Hi all,
   
   I know I'm coming late to the party, but I just joined the group.
   
   I know you said that you didn't want a race with a lot of people, but honestly, I think Marine Corps Marathon is absolutely great for a first-timer. It's relatively flat (with a few hills, including two bridges, though they're made out to be worse than they are). The crowd support is phenomenal and for a first-timer, that's essential. It was my first one and second one, and I thought it was great both times. Very well organized (we're talking military here, remember!) and tons of information to make sure you know where you're going and what you're doing.
   
   The only real problem with Marine Corps is the registration fills very quickly and you need to register as soon as it opens (I think sometime in April).
   
   You also don't need to qualify for New York City. There is a lottery system so you register, but there is a (good) chance you won't get in. I've done New York City and nothing beats the crowd support. Nothing. But the course is very challenging and not good for a first-timer.
   
   Happy running!
   Jenn

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5. 

   10/05/08

   cyberpenguin

   Hi Jenn,
   
   Welcome! Thanks for your comments. Glad to hear the Marine Corps Marathon was such a great experience for you.
   
   I'm honestly kind of surprised to hear you recommend the Marine Corps Marathon as a good first-time marathon. Several of my marathoner friends (including some of the more seasoned ones, one of which who's run over 20 marathons!) have advised me against doing this race as a first-time marathon, particularly because of the hills! I know there's that killer-hill at the finish (around Arlington Cemetery), at the point when most people are already finding they are on low-reserves.
   
   Of course, my own personal experience of this race has only been as a spectator along the course (I went to support a friend who was running it!), so what do I know?! ;-)
   
   I guess everyone has a different impression of what constitutes a hard hill! ;-)
   
   Thanks again for your input & good luck with Chicago!
   -C
   
   P.S. My original question in this thread (as it appears underneath the general topic) is actually a bit dated by now (i.e., 11/11/07), as I've now set my sights on running the 2010 Shamrock Marathon, per the suggestion of Dave Gillikin (i.e., see "DaveGill55" above) & Steve Speirs (a.k.a. "Cymrusteve" as shown above). No matter, it's great to hear everyone's thoughts on this topic for the benefit of the group!

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6. 

   10/25/08

   MoreMiles

   I'd recommend something close to home and during a time of year that avoids high temps. My first was last November, the Harrisburg marathon and it went well. My second marathon was in Erie this September and at the start of the race the temperature was 80 degrees with 85% humidity - thanks to Hurricane Ike pushing tropical air into Western Pennsylvania. That was a pretty rough race.

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