Recommend me a Marathon (not the chocolate variety)

[HawkeyeMS]

Earlier this year I signed up to run the Windsor half marathon in memory of a colleague who lost his battle with cancer and to raise money for the Woking Hospice who cared for him during his illness. I've spent the last 6 months going from someone who had never run more than was required during football training in my youth and hating running to completing the Windsor half marathon in 1h 46m.

Now I've gone completely mad and have decided to step up the training and attempt a full marathon next year. I'm not all that keen on doing London so am looking for a smaller one to cut my teeth on. I'd like it to be a bit more interesting than just running round a town and would love to do the Lake Windemere one but fear it may be too tough for me so am looking for something else. I have a few in mind but wondered if there are any runners out there who could recommend anything to me? I'm not fussed where it is as I will probably incorporate it into a holiday with Mrs H and the dogs, it just has to be a bit more interesting than running round a town centre.

 

[njc1973]

http://www.marathon.iomvac.co.uk/

How about this one, nice place to visit for a few days in the summer as well.

 

[3offTheTee]

http://www.brathay.org.uk/events/brathay-windermere-marathon-family-fun-day/

Do not think it will be too difficult. Additionally they have a Coniston 14.

Alternatively what about The Sydney Marathon!!!!

Great effort both on and off the track. Hope the success continues

 

[HawkeyeMS]

http://www.brathay.org.uk/events/brathay-windermere-marathon-family-fun-day/

Do not think it will be too difficult. Additionally they have a Coniston 14.

Alternatively what about The Sydney Marathon!!!!

Great effort both on and off the track. Hope the success continues

The Brathay\Windemere one is the one I really want to do but having done some training runs round there earlier this year I'm worried it may be a bit too much elevation for my first attempt.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

http://www.marathon.iomvac.co.uk/

How about this one, nice place to visit for a few days in the summer as well.

Thanks, hadn't thought of that.

 

[woody69]

I seriously want to do the Vegas Marathon. You run up and down the strip in the early hours of the morning.

I would sign up for the London though. Yes it is around a city, but the turn out and the support is like nothing else. Really inspiring. (and when I say sign up, I mean put yourself in the ballot and hope you get picked), or try to raise over 2k for a charity.

 

[mikee247]

Thanks, hadn't thought of that.

Ive just got a place after 4 years of trying in next years London marathon and although I get you dont want to do that one it might be the one to start with due to the fact its so well populated and that kind of helps to get you round !

I am part of a running forum/site which lists lots of different runs and races around the country. I personally will prob do both Bath and Reading half marathons before London but have a look at the good run guide and it might help you select some to choose from. The Berlin marathon is supposed to be good and so is the South of France one, a mate of mine did both last year. If you fancy something really different try the Marathon de Sables!! http://www.marathondessables.co.uk/ :thup:

 

[Adi2Dassler]

Edinburgh is considered a flat and 'relatively' easy option, plus it goes from the city out along the east coast to Longniddry then back to Mussie...do a wee bot of golf course spotting as you jog!

http://www.edinburgh-marathon.com/

 

[mikee247]

I seriously want to do the Vegas Marathon. You run up and down the strip in the early hours of the morning.

I would sign up for the London though. Yes it is around a city, but the turn out and the support is like nothing else. Really inspiring. (and when I say sign up, I mean put yourself in the ballot and hope you get picked), or try to raise over 2k for a charity.

London ballot spots are full now but you can still get some charity spaces if you ledge enough cash......

 

[USER1999]

Loch ness. It's flat ish, scenic, one way, so no deja vue. Fast, the Mrs clocked 3 1/2 or better. Easy jet to get there so not expensive. Recommended.

 

[woody69]

London ballot spots are full now but you can still get some charity spaces if you ledge enough cash......

Yeah I know. I meant future years. I know someone who has signed up every year for the last 7 and finally got accepted this year. Me on the other hand. I applied and got in first time!

 

[AmandaJR]

Stratford Upon Avon is a nice one although 2 laps as a half runs at the same time. Usually a week after London so has a really good atmosphere with those that finished London sporting their t-shirts.

Also good to time it with London for lots of training partners and races in the lead up.

Halstead is also nice as is Bungay. Or there's an off road one near Stevenage (Fairlands Valley). Also one near us at Grafham Water which is quite scenic but also multi laps (I think).

One I always fancied but never ran is The Tresco Marathon. Usually run on the same day as London but couldn't be further apart in terms of size...

 

[Jdb2005]

Paris, Berlin or new york

 

[HawkeyeMS]

Thanks for the replies guys & girls some good options there I hadn't considered.