Late spring/early summer is quite possibly the best time to start training for a marathon. The days are longer, the sun is nearly always shining, and the weather is still chilly (particular for the early morning or evening training runs!) If starting a training plan now, there are at least 20 weeks before the fall marathons begin.
Run the Rocky Mountains
What: Boulder Marathon
When: September 20, 2009
Where: Boulder, CO
Running with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, this marathon is a hilly course, but with impressive scenery. Open to both runners and walkers, the course weaves travels through farms and cotton groves. The small size (usually less than 3,000 participants) and wide rural lanes means plenty of elbow room and lots of attention. Bonus: The course is on dirt-packed roads which is easy of the knees (and back, ankles and feet!)
Run from Minneapolis to St. Paul
What: Twin Cities Marathon
When: October 4, 2009
Where: Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
The twin cities marathon lays claim to being the “most Scenic Urban Marathon.” And, it’s completely true. The scenic course weaves through parks, lakes, stately neighborhoods and the banks of the Mississippi. Starting in Minneapolis, just outside the Metrodome (read: lots of bathrooms) and ending in St. Paul, running down Summit Avenue and past the capitol (read: beautiful scenery) this course is fairly flat and very fast. Bonus: Fall is the best season in Minnesota. The trees are dripping with brilliant colors, the days are cooler, and the humidity is low.
The Friendliest Marathon
What: Portland Marathon
When: October 4, 2009
Where: Portland, OR
Labeled as the “best organized marathon in North America” this is a marathon is perfect for walkers. The course is kept open for eight hours, and has plenty of sidewalks. The course traipses through residential neighborhoods, historic Old Town, and crosses the St. John’s Bridge and along the Willamette River, taking in most of Portland’s finest sights. Bonus: The final eight miles are slightly downhill.
From Folsom to the State Capitol
What: California International Marathon
When: December 6, 2009
Where: Sacramento, CA
Starting at Folsom Lake and finishing at California’s state capitol, this point-to-point marathon is flat and fast with perfect weather to boot. Runner’s World magazine named this marathon as one of the “World’s Best Small Marathons” in 2006 with less than 10,000 runners. Running concurrently, the Relay Challenge is a fun alternative. Each relay team consists of four runners, and each leg is split up over the course of the race. Bonus: CIM is ranked in the top five for a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Each of these marathons has fantastic scenery and great course and will be a fun way to achieve the goal of running a marathon.
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