I know that Spring has not exactly"sprung" yet, but this is normally the time when the RMEC starts making plans for our big fall marathon trip. This way we all get on the same page, and we can try to get some momentum and excitement brewing.
Last year we "caught lightning in a bottle" so to speak with the Marine Corps Marathon. Because the race fills up, we all had to sign up early and were at least financially committed. We ended up with over 20 runners at the race. I find this is normally the best strategy. Once you register, you generally stick with it, and stop looking for excuses not to run. Our biggest groups in the past were Richmond and MCM. Both races required us to sign up early.
Even though the club does not all need to pick the same race, it is far more fun when we have a group going together. So, what marathon/half would you like to run this fall? Below are some suggestions, but please list any race that interests you.
10/31 Marine Corps Marathon (DC)
+ Drivable. Great event. Good family trip. 10k option. 35th Anniversary
- Did it last year. DC is big, so it is hard to meet up with the club. No half option.
11/07 City of Oaks (NC)
+ Drivable. Could sleep in your own bed. Supports local running. Has a half.
- Challenging course. May not feel as "special" racing so close to home.
11/07 New York City Marathon (NY)
+ One of the best races in the world. It's New York!
- Expensive. Extensive travel. Expensive. No half option. No guarantees on getting in. Expensive.
11/13 Richmond Marathon (VA)
+ Drivable. Affordable. Friendly. Half/8k options. Easy for the RMEC to socialize before & after.
- RMEC has done it several times.
10/16 Baltimore Marathon (MD)
+ Drivable. Moderate sized race. 10th anniversary. Half option.
- Mixed reviews. I know little about the race.
10/10 Steamtown Marathon (PA)
+ 90% downhill. PR friendly. Positive reviews
- Far to travel. Downhill is fast, but can kill your quads.
10/30 Ridge to Bridge Marathon (NC)
+ Another downhill marathon. Supports NC running. Very highly reviewed. Great race direction.
- Not really any. . . It is a small event but this is also a positive
11/14 OBX Marathon (NC)
+ Drivable. Good size. Half option. Easy for the RMEC to get together.
- RMEC has done it several times. 2nd half of course is not so great.
PLEASE POST COMMENTS WITH YOUR PLANS.
Richmond remains my favorite. Both the Full and Half are very interesting to me.
ReplyDeleteI would vote Steamtown or Ridge to Bridge . . . with Richmond a #3 but still a great option.
ReplyDeleteFrank
Russ, Arthur and I were riding back from the Canal race last weekend. We were talking about running and Russ challenged me to do a half marathon. I have thought about it and I think I can do it. I have a training plan. I am going to the half at Richmond. I am driving because even with MapQuest directions Russ and Arthur may end up in Florida. Thanks RMEC for all the encouragement. You are a great group! The saying goes that it takes a whole village to raise a child, well it will probably take a whole club to get me ready for a half marathon. I am looking forward to the journey.
ReplyDeleteI am probably leaning mostly towards Ridge to Bridge and OBX.
ReplyDeleteNYC lottery is closed I believe.
Steamtown is on the same weekend as the New River Trail 50k, which I believe a few people are interested in.
Jon and I plan to run Richmond again this year.
ReplyDeleteWe also plan to register in the next week... price increase April 1st!
Kinnie and I are considering Kiawah on Dec 11. Any others interested??
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, that mix-up was ALL Russ's fault.
ReplyDeleteYou left off the best fall marathon of them all...MEDOC!
ReplyDeleteI plan to stay close to home. If I do a Fall Marathon it will probably be City of Oaks, Ridge to Bridge, or OBX. I am also very interested in trying the New River 50k Ron posted about.
I would like to run Baltimore. I dont know about schedule or anything but that is my best case senario.
ReplyDeleteLevi Moore
I totally forgot about the New River 50k . . . I'm already registered for that! So I guess Ridge to Bridge or Richmond. But I'll probably do a few more . . .
ReplyDeleteRichmond is my first choice this year.
ReplyDeleteHopefully, Charlotte and Arthur will provide me with driving directions. Anyone who gets turned around in Roanoke Rapids needs help.
I just want to run! Pick a race and let me know where and when.
ReplyDeleteLaura
I've got my name in the NYC Marathon lottery. So I'm waiting to see if I get in when they do the drawing on April 7th. Otherwise, I'm waiting to see how the Half Ironman goes before I decide on one.
ReplyDeletesteamtown is looking very interesting!
ReplyDeleteIm probably going to go with the group choice just for support!!! Dont want to run alone......
ReplyDeleteTracy H
Now that I've run one, I feel like I have to see if I can improve my time with proper training. So I'm looking at the Ridge to Bridge.
ReplyDeleteBrian
John and I are probably going to run Twin Cities in Minnesota.
ReplyDelete