Marathon survey

The Wahsatch Steeplechase in Salt Lake City. It's not a marathon, but it's roughly equivalent in terms of difficulty. It's about the most fun I've ever had.

It's only a half, but you just can't beat the scenery of the Moab Half Marathon. (Officially I guess it's called the Canyonlands Half Marathon.) It runs down Highway 128 alongside the Colorado River and into Moab. Great scenery; easy course. This year it's being run on March 17, but it's already full. (They run a lottery late in the year for the 4,000 available spots.)

Evey year I run Marine Corps because it is a sight to behold. I love it.
But I have to admit, running my first sub-3 was quite an adventure. Sort of like your first kiss I guess. wouldn't know yet. :)

My favorite marathon is Big Sur.
Sure, it has the rocky cliffs and beaches, the spectacular vistas, the forests, the bridges, and the neighborhoods of Carmel by the Sea.
But it's not just a pretty marathon. It is one of the best organized marathons I've ever run.
It is marching bands, string quartets. Taiko drummers, jazz trios, grand pianos, rock guitarists, and belly dancers. It is secluded stretches of road, cheering crowds of small town spectators, clutches of locals sipping their coffee and waving, and thousands roaring at the finish.
Big Sur can change your idea of what running a marathon can be.

My favorite is the Mid Mountain Marathon above Park City Utah. I ran it two years ago because the marathon I had planned to run fell apart. It is a beautiful single track trail traversing several ski resorts. After running it the first year I plan to go back every year.

Catalina. Boarding a ferry at 5 am to get to the start, rocking over the waves. Running through a foggy, misty day on dirt trails and roads, past bison, over hills, to finish by the sea. Magic. Slow magic, but magic.

I'm just gearing up for my first marathon, got a ballot place for London Marathon.
I've been told that the atmosphere is just incredible, can't wait to get there.

Let's have fun out there - break out the jelly babies!!!!!!!!

NYC-- my worst time but the best experience. Running through all 5 boroughs was very cool!