I'm sure its a dead beat topic, but I was just wondering. Berlin has the world record? I think and I hear Chicago and Amsterdam are similar? Let me know, I'm just curious as to what course averages the fastest times.
I'm sure its a dead beat topic, but I was just wondering. Berlin has the world record? I think and I hear Chicago and Amsterdam are similar? Let me know, I'm just curious as to what course averages the fastest times.
This is the flatest I've run.
Need a cool day which is a big factor.
Columbus is super-flat, but I think Chicago has it beat. Only problem with Chicago is the huge crowd, so need a competitive or preferred start.
I've run 4 marathons which are considered fast: Paris, Chicago, Berlin, and CIM.
Berlin is the fastest by far. Not only does it have no perceptible inclines whatsoever, it also barely has a 90-degree turn until the last few miles when the field is so strung out that they won't slow you down.
Chicago has too many sharp turns on the downtown part early on when it's still crowded. Also, the many stretches of concrete aren't as forgiving as Berlin's smooth blacktop. Chicago in October also tends to be warmer than Berlin in September.
Paris has a little more variation than the other two, but nothing that can really slow you down. Plus, it's been trading the record back and forth with Berlin for most sub-3 finishers so you've got a good fast field to pull you along. If you're looking for a fast spring marathon, it's a good one.
CIM isn't flat, but very fast. If you could take the Boston course's overall elevation drop and rearrange it to suit you perfectly this would be it. Rolling hills which get smaller and smaller and the last 5 miles are completely flat. Wind can be a factor as it's point to point running mostly west.
Apart from these, check out Rotterdam which should be faster than Amsterdam. And what about London? That's a WR course too.
what about Austin?
Don't know, I'd never go to Texas.
jersey shore marathon - no elevation changes (flat as a pancake) start to finish
whole course at sea level = rich air
In the US or worldwide? Rotterdam is fairly flat. The easiest US course I can think of is in Massachusetts up in Tyngsboro/Lowell, Chicago is do-able as well.
Baystate maybe, is the name of the Mass race? It is a two-loop marathon, you see the same scenery twice.
London is the fastest big city marathon of the big 4. No repetitive turns or wind issues, like Chicago. Not a single incline. The only issues come with entering from the US and starting behind local celebs. And, of course, the jetlag thing.
the steamtown marathon is fast there is a 1000 feet drop in elevation over the entire 26.2. check it out.
tri again wrote:
jersey shore marathon - no elevation changes (flat as a pancake) start to finish
whole course at sea level = rich air
flat, yes. however, since it is out and back, you can get a wind that will make half the race horrible.
nonetheless, if there is good weather, its one of the fastest there is.
The Jersey marathon is running a different route this year according to the web site. It's double loop course. Probably still very flat.
The Disney marathon is pretty fast and flat as a board. However, the course is pretty boring because other than the theme parks (which don't make up much of the course) you are on the highways, and you even get some "hills" by running on the on/off ramps. Even though it is a large race the majority of the people are 3:30+, so there aren't very large crowds (relatively speaking) in the sub 2:50 range.
St. George has a huge drop (2600+):
http://stgeorgemarathon.com/images/elevationmaplarge.gif
Have heard it's not as easy as it looks though.
Should have said 2500+.
tucson, chicago, rotterdam, berlin, duke city(but its at 5,000ft).
Austin has fastest course in the world (Association of Road Race Statisticians, 2005. Average RaceTime Bias-Marathons).
Go to
www.mattoleriver.com/TB_Mara.htm
to see the statistic.
Austin has a 433 ft. net drop with only 24 turns and long straight-aways. The weather is generally mild (60F high-45F low averages).
oops. Wrong website. Check
. to see the statistic under "Marathon Comparisons". Go to Average Race Time Bias.
It's a more objective way to compare race courses after you control for prize money and appearance fees.
what does this race time bias mean?
If I as a woman ran 3:26 at Honolulu what does that mean compared to NYC?
The negative values indicate that the race produces a faster than expected time, on average.
For women, you would presumably run almost a minute faster on this course than any other course in the USA, and only 22 seconds slower than you would at Berlin.
