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.

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.

Great, see you there!  jax

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

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.