The marathon in Bend has a gross elevation loss of 2,500 feet. It starts at 6,000 and ends at 3,600. This is a USATF sanctioned race and you can qualify for the olympic trials on this course. Even though the elevation sucks for running fast, does the severe loss of altitude during the race make up for it? Can your legs withstand the pounding?
I was wondering if a 2:25 marathoner could run 2:22 on this course? What does everyone think?