Although I'm not typically chasing PRs anymore, I'm hoping to run a fast marathon this spring somewhere in the Northeast. Accordingly, I'm "course shopping." I hate the fact that I'm doing it, but I am.
I noticed that the Jim Thorpe Marathon registration will be opening soon. It will be taking place April 30th (several weeks earlier than in past years), which may lead to more ideal weather conditions. The course is net downhill (1-2% downgrade), and appears to be fast on paper. However, it's 95%+ crushed stone "rail trail" surface.
Can anyone comment on how much slower a crushed stone rail trail may be compared with asphalt over a marathon distance? I'm thinking the net downhill may offset the crushed stone (so basically it's similar time-wise to a point-to-point course run on a flat asphalt surface), and perhaps this course has the potential to be fast if the weather conditions are favorable.
Can anyone opine?