Fastest Marathon Course?

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Active Toby

909 posts since
Jun 5, 2007

Mar 18, 2008 12:09 PM

Fastest Marathon Course?

The article, A Guide to Some of the Best Marathons in North America, says Chicago is the best course for a PR.

Are there any other "fast" courses that come to mind that we can add to the list?

Community Development Specialist | Endurance Sports

JerryX

390 posts since
Jan 18, 2008

1. Mar 21, 2008 9:49 AM

in response to: Active Toby

Active Toby wrote:The article, A Guide to Some of the Best Marathons in North America, says Chicago is the best course for a PR.

Are there any other "fast" courses that come to mind that we can add to the list?

I head the Steamtown Marathon in Pennsylvania is pretty fast...lots of downhills...http://www.steamtownmarathon.com/

jax290

20 posts since
Feb 18, 2008

2. Mar 21, 2008 11:20 AM

in response to: Active Toby

A really fast course that is a Boston Qualifier is the Bizz Johnson Marathon in September http://www.bizzjohnson.com/ . I haven't run the course, but I did it both ways on a mountain bike last summer (didn't get registered in time). The course starts with a very slight up grade for about 2 miles, just long enough to get the legs warmed up, then the remainder of the run is down hill. The Bizz Johnson trail is part of the nations Rails to Trails network. This is not a course for those who love to be cheered on by thousands of well wishers, this is through the back country of the High Desert part of Northern California. However, this would be one of the most senic courses you have ever ran. The course winds through the woods for the first approximately 10 miles, then skirts the Susan River, crossing over 10 bridges and through two train tunnels. Lots of shade through the full course. The only main drawback is this is ran in the High Desert, with an altitude hovering around 5000 feet. Oh yeah, I'm already registered this year.

Active Toby

909 posts since
Jun 5, 2007

3. Mar 21, 2008 11:29 AM

in response to: jax290

Wow jax! That looks like my kind of race--I'm going to talk with my lady and see of she wants to register too. That would be so cool if both of us qualified for Boston the same day. Imagine that? Anyhow, thanks for sharing, thats awesome.

Community Development Specialist | Endurance Sports

RKHII83

166 posts since
Oct 1, 2007

4. Mar 21, 2008 11:38 AM

in response to: Active Toby

The Outer Banks Marathon in North Carolina was fast last November. The Half was the fastest in NC in 2007.

North South, Flat, very scenic along Albemarle Sound and the Kitty Hawk Wright Brothers Memorial. It is on Veteran's Day weekend and the winds are typically from the north that time of the year. Something psychologically boosting about having the wind at your back for 22+ of 26.2 miles.

The bridge over the Roanoke Channel from mile 22 to ~23.25 was quite a challenge, but IMO at a great spot in the race.

Active Toby

909 posts since
Jun 5, 2007

5. Mar 21, 2008 11:55 AM

in response to: RKHII83

Thats awesome. I've been to OBX and it's breathtakingly beautiful. Marathoning there would be a great experience. Thanks for sharing it with us. I'm surprised this one didn't make the original list. Looks like we've got a solid list of our own started!

Community Development Specialist | Endurance Sports

jax290

20 posts since
Feb 18, 2008

6. Mar 21, 2008 1:55 PM

in response to: Active Toby

Great, see you there! jax

George in Fremont

211 posts since
Aug 28, 2005

7. Mar 21, 2008 1:55 PM

in response to: jax290

Are you sure? It looks like it is high altitude, plus I am not sure if trail is fast. It depends on the surface.

Active Toby

909 posts since
Jun 5, 2007

8. Mar 21, 2008 2:02 PM

in response to: George in Fremont

It starts at 5,000 and loses 1,100 towards the finish. The trail is described as hard packed gravel so its easier on the body. I'm able to train at that altitude a couple times a month so its not an unknow for me but I could see it might be tough for others. I was thinking about the new Big Bear Marathon in September, but its not a Boston Qualifier and doesn't seem as fast as this one. It's very tempting... I need to research it more. Where would I fly into, etc...

Community Development Specialist | Endurance Sports

jax290

20 posts since
Feb 18, 2008

9. Mar 21, 2008 2:05 PM

in response to: George in Fremont

Yeah, it's high up. I live in Reno, so I'm accustomed to the altitude. You could make it a vacation, come up to Reno/Tahoe and do some running. Reno and especially Tahoe have some great late summer activities, and miles of trails to get you adjusted. http://www.tahoerimtrail.org/TRTVideo/trtshowForInternet.html The Tahoe Rim has some great trails that are easy to follow, and if you train at that altitude, Bizz Johnson would be a breeze. Check out the Tahoe Rim Trail map, especially the Mount Rose to Spooner Summit trail. I've mountain biked it several times, I always stop for a swim in Marlet Lake before continuing on to Spooner Park. Also, Spooner Summit Park has a shuttle to Mount Rose, so you can leave your vehicle there, and run from Mt. Rose to your car.

jax290

20 posts since
Feb 18, 2008

10. Mar 21, 2008 2:09 PM

in response to: Active Toby

The best would be to Fly into Reno, and rent a car. Susanville is about 80 miles north of Reno on U.S. 395. If that didn't work for you, I suppose we could arrange something. My e-mail is jax@brett.reno.nv.us

George in Fremont

211 posts since
Aug 28, 2005

11. Mar 21, 2008 2:21 PM

in response to: Active Toby

Wish I could join you but I live in the Bay Area and run pretty much between 5 feet to 30 feet above sea level. Some of my runs are really along the Bay (only a few feet higher than the sea level). Before that, I used to live in along Hudson River between NYC and NJ and also just run between 5 to 15 feet above sea level. So, I have almost no experience running high up. I did went to Yosemite and did some jogging there. After I got back down, I felt easy running at Sea level. Guess that's why a lot of top runners here live near Mammoth Lake.

I wouldn't survive 5500 feet for a Marathon.

jax290

20 posts since
Feb 18, 2008

12. Mar 21, 2008 2:27 PM

in response to: George in Fremont

I understand, I was born and raised in Eugene, OR. Elevation about 500ft. My frist run here was a tiny 1.5 mile run for a physical test, for the Reno Police Dept. I was accustomed to 5 and 10 mile daily runs. At the finish, I thought my throat was raw. What a difference a few measly feet make. I'm retired now, so I have all the time in the world to train at even higher altitudes, like the Tahoe Rim.

This Question is Possibly Answered

Mar 18, 2008 12:09 PM

Fastest Marathon Course?

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