Which marathon for a first-timer?

Run chicago. I ran it as my first marathon and hit 2:33. The course is flat and there are lots of people to run with and/or catch the entire race. However, this could be a minus if you don't get a competative start. The Chicago marathon is also a ton of fun with fans at every part of the race until the last few miles. I thought it was a easy place to run for a first. Anyone else have an idea.

styles

Chicago without a doubt. Tons of people to run with. It's a world class event. I think it's better than Boston (yes, I know Boston can't be one's first).

I'd say Chicago also. Just send in a half marathon time to get your 'competitive' seed.

Similar to Styles, I ran 2:44 there last fall off ~50 mpw. Its as close as you can get to an 'easy' marathon. And I will probably be there again this fall, but looking to go 2:36 or so also.

go with chicago.Even if you dont get competitve # be at the barrier when they move it you can get up with others that are running that pace.

Baltimore....or Portland...Baltimore isnt really flat but doesnt have a million runners..UnderArmor has underwritten the marathon in Baltimore and it should be a great time

Raleigh was my first marathon. Probably not a good one to start on. Find something with few hills, obviously.

there must be an echo in this piece, because i say chicago as well. the best place to run fast. flat as hell (except for that painful overpass at the end). and the crowd is unbelievable. downtown at 13 miles was unreal. louder than i've ever heard it before. so yes, run chicago. i'd run it again this year, but i have a wedding to go to, so i'm settling for twin cities.

Run Chicago. It is the fastest course of the races you are looking at, and it is very well organized. One of the best places to go to actually have a good number of folks running in the same pace range as you also - go to something a little smaller and you risk finding yourself running solo, which isn't much fun in your first marathon. Weather is typically ideal also, great spectator support, the works.

i also say chicago, great competition, great course, great environment...plus it's easy to get around on the public transportation system. Makes the logistics a lot easier. I had never done a marathon before Chicago last fall, but sent in my half marathon time to get the competitive start (I think sub-1:30 will get you in there). It only took me 8 seconds to get across the starting line. I was close enuf to see all the elites doing their strides before the start. So don't let the 40,000 runners scare you away. Just hope for good weather (not too windy).

If 40,000 runners does scare you, go with Columbus. At 3,000 or so (plus relays) you won't be alone. And if you post here, chances are you won't be at the ass end where things can scatter out a bit.

another vote for chicago - start is super easy to get to, they have a little entrance area for competitive+ where they check numbers. big marathon starts CAN be simple, like boston or chicago; they don't have to be stupidly difficult like new york. and yes you will have lots of guys running 6s to work with.

If you want a small town marathon with a still semi-competitive field you should check out the Mystic Places Marathon in East Lyme Connecticut. About 2000 people each year, with the winner going around 2:20 so youll have people to follow, but also not have the crowds to contend with.

Vermont City Marathon - Burlington Vermont on Memorial Day weekend.

Forget this year, it sells out fast. Great course by Lake Champlain, run within the confines of the city.

I don't know. Great city and great event, but that half mile hill at 16M trashed me. I didn't train right, but I'd say go with something a bit flatter. In addition, the last 4M are run on a path with no one around. Kinda tough if you're dying.

Do they still run the one in Lowell Ma?

Any more comments on the Baltimore Marathon? I was thinking about doing it as my first too, but I want to make sure that it's fast and that I would have plenty of people to run with around a 2:35 pace. Thanks for the help...

LOL!

Oooops, forgot that (bleeping!) hill in front of the Radisson Hotel (or is it the Wyndham now?)...sorry about that. They used to put a Japanese drum troupe at the base of that hill for morale purposes.

VCM restricts its' total number of entries and will not change that, good quality control.

That race in Lowell is actually in Tyngsboro if I am not mistaken and was called the BayState marathon. I am not sure it is still around, you could check with coolrunning.com.

There's a fairly new marathon in early September in Stowe, VT now and another one in early October in Maine. Another beautiful course in September was the old Clarence DeMar marathon in Keene, NH but that too may be defunct.

Kenyans show up so you will have competition..Its not a flat fast course...If you are from Maryland they have a 1st Marylander award and prize money..As I said UnderArmor is underwriting this marathon and the premiums are very nice..Steamtown is a fast course that time of year as well

Vermont City Marathon is still open for marathoners. But you might want to note that the support for full marathoners is waning in the race's quest for revenue and tourism. The relay gets them a lot more, and many marathoners felt shortchanged last year.

You should try Boston. I raised over $5,000 for the Tufts group and it's going to be my first. I can't wait! I think you can still qualify that way.