Many marathon runners choose to run one of the large mega-marathons. The New York marathon, Boston marathon, Marine Corps marathon, Chicago marathon and other very large marathons have tens of thousands of runners. Many marathon runners would get more enjoyment from one of the smaller marathons that require less energy to fight the crowds.
Problems and Advantages of Mega-Marathons
The advantages and disadvantages of running large marathons might be compared to those of living in a large city. Just as a large city can offer more of nearly everything, large marathons also offer more. For example, they usually have bigger and better expos and other associated activities. The race, however, is still the standard 26.2 mile marathon distance.
Runners whose primary goal is running a good marathon may not even miss the expo and other activities. They may instead find that more of everything also includes more crowding at every stage of the marathon.
Mega-marathons must often hold lotteries to select who can participate. Hence, many runners can not even register for the race. With tens of thousands of runners, the increased crowding at every stage of the race makes running in large marathons more difficult logistically. For example, runners must arrive several hours early and get into the pace appropriate corral. They face long lines at the port-a-potties before, during, and after the race.
Marathon runners should consider an less crowded smaller marathon.
Advantages of Smaller Marathons
Smaller marathons have many advantages including:
- They are less likely to fill, so runners don't need to win a lottery to participate.
- The logistics are simpler. Runners don't need to fight crowds.
- Entry fees are usually lower because they are less complex to stage.
- They have a friendly small-town atmosphere.
- Even middle and back of the pack runners can have respectable sounding finishing places.
- Small rural marathons often have more picturesque scenery.
In the largest marathons, with tens of thousands of runners, average runners will find it difficult to place in the top ten thousand runners. However a small rural marathon may have only a few hundred runners, or sometimes fewer than a hundred. In such races, even a middle or back of the pack runner can finish in the top one hundred runners. A very good, but not elite, marathon runner might easily place in the top ten, or even first, in a small marathon.
Any runner will have a place that sounds better simply because there are fewer runners. In addition, average runners may also get better times in a smaller marathon. The crowding in a large marathon often makes it difficult for runners to run their best paces. The crowd can provide support, but it can also get in the way.
Runners may also lose time waiting in line at the port-a-potties. The larger the race, the longer the lines. In very small rural races, port-a-potties are often not even needed. In these races runners can easily find plenty of privacy along the course.
Smaller crowds simplify the logistics of running marathons. Runners only need to arrive about an hour before the race, pin on their numbers, and perform their pre-race rituals. They usually don't need to worry about timing chips or finding the proper corral for their anticipated pace.
In a smaller race, repeat runners often get to know each other. They provide a friendly small-town atmosphere. After a few years, returning each year is like going to a reunion.
Marathon runners who don't want to fight crowds at mega-marathons should consider running a smaller marathon.
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