Just curious if anyone had any input or personal experiences on either the Cleveland Marathon or the Country Music Marathon...my wife is looking for a fairly fast, flat course somewhere between mid-April and mid-May. Even with the elevation maps and previous years' results, it's hard to tell whether either of these races really fits the bill. Let me know what you all think.
Country Music is not flat and fast, it also is not a hard course. One problem is that in late April you could end up with a hot day in Nashville
you can check out
for reviews.
I really like Fargo on May 19/2007 which is a flat course you can run on a low budget. I have not run it but Flying Pig may be an option.
I ran Nashville in 2004,2005 and 2006. I don't think that it is particularly hilly, but a lot of others do.
Weather is the biggest variable to me. 2004 was a bit warm, 2005 was ideal and last year was a bit warm and windy.
In looking for the same race features I decided on the Glass City Toledo Marathon(4/15/07). I've never run it but I've seen only good descriptions of the course and the race staff.
That the newer Cleveland course has the late stages running west along the the water, usually into the wind, scared me away.
The other races you mentioned are not known as flat and fast and further south the weather could be steamy.
Looks beautiful but the first seven miles are a 20 story climb.
Cleveland is flat and fast UNLESS there is a strong westerly wind, as there was last year. I have run it three times and only had that problem once. Each time was a PR (though only by 12 seconds in that wind!).
Another vote for the Ave of the Giants. Relatively fast course and a great destination marathon. Had a blast there. Very well organized event.
I heard Greenbay marathon on mat 20th is a fast course. The weather is usually good except it is sometimes windy.
I liked Cleveland before they changed the course. Wind was not an issue when I ran in 2001. Haven't run Nashville, but I know it's not anywhere near as flat as Cleveland, and it will probably be warmer.
Thanks for the input. The marathonguide.com website was a good call. As of now I think given our location (Virginia) and budget, Cleveland might be the best bet (only a 5 1/2 hour drive)...any other input would be appreciated, and I'll take a peek at the other suggested races.
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