In the world of running, there's a common joke that goes something like this: You don't really need to ask someone if they're training for a marathon because chances are, they'll tell you all about it anyway.
But before you start training for (and talking about) a marathon, you’ll need to choose which marathon to run. For some, this can be more daunting than the task of the race itself, but have no fear. If you do your homework, lock in the logistics and stick to a training plan, choosing a marathon doesn’t have to be the biggest hurdle you overcome.
Below, I spoke with certified coaches who are themselves marathoners to walk you through the most important things to consider when choosing a marathon. Follow these steps as you would a marathon training plan and focus on what’s most important to you. From there, you’ll only have to focus on running your race.
Here's how to choose a marathon: Assess your goals, study courses, consider your budget and tailor ... [+]
Step 1: Assess Your Marathon Goal
There are quite a few aspects to consider when it comes to marathon goal-setting, explains Matt Fleekop, M.S., C.S.C.S., a coach with Future, a virtual personal training platform.
Almost anyone “could run 26.2 miles tomorrow, but it would be a painful, suffering experience,” if you’re not properly prepared he says.
Fleekop recommends runners set three goals: A, B and C. Your A goal, he says, is the most aggressive—what could happen if everything comes together perfectly leading up to and on race day. Your B goal is something you know you should be able to achieve with the right training and favorable race-day conditions. And your C goal, at least according to Fleekop, is to “just finish.” (Which, when it comes to the marathon distance, is as impressive as an A goal, for first-timers or newer marathoners.)
Before you choose a marathon race, consider your goals: If it’s to run as fast as possible, you’ll likely want to choose a race that has an easier course (more on that in a minute), heavy crowd support for those later, painful miles and pace groups.
If your marathon goal is to kick-start a vacation, you’ll probably prefer a destination race with scenic surroundings–just save the sightseeing and celebratory beers for post-race.
Running in the rain is far from ideal, but it's a possibility depending on the race you choose.
Step 2: Consider The Time Of Year
It’s important to think about when you’ll be running your marathon and what the local weather might be. A more overlooked consideration is during which season you’ll be training. A solid marathon training block, Fleekop says, is about four months (six if you’re a newbie, two to three if you’re seasoned).
David Roche, a coach and podcast host for Some Work All Play, agrees: “Athletes should think about that window of their lives and whether they'll be excited to get out there and put in the work.”
An early spring or fall race no longer guarantees a cool race day, as many runners prefer. Of course, weather is an uncontrollable factor, but you can look at the weather from the last three to four years of a specific race to get a sense of the typical forecast.
When it comes to training, make sure you can dedicate an hour a day, four to six days a week in the early weeks, Fleekop says. As training progresses, your long runs will take several hours.
“If your race is in the spring, be ready to run a lot of miles in the cold winter months preparing,” he says. “And if you’re running a fall or winter marathon, a lot of your training will be in those hot summer months.”
Roche notes that research has found that athletic performances are impacted once temperatures hit 60 degrees. “Summer marathons will involve more of a focus on cooling and heat acclimation,” he explains.
The course will dictate which marathon is right for you when the time comes to choose your race.
Step 3: Study The Course
In almost the same way runners agonize over weather forecasts, they pore over course maps and elevation. Depending on your marathon goals, Fleekop says, you may want to avoid hills and opt for a flat course or one that has a slight net downhill, which generally will be faster. (Flat courses might also be pretty monotonous, so consider that as well). “Flat races can be tough in their own ways, since it’s a repeated movement pattern over and over,” Roche says.
“Look at the details of the elevation map, too,” Fleekop says. “Not just how much elevation but the type of it and where it falls.”
For example, the course elevation might be rolling hills for the entire 26.2 miles, or it could be a small, gradual incline or decline for the duration.
“Hills midrace are different than early on or late in the race,” Fleekop says. “Knowing when, where and the type of hills are an important thing to be aware of.”
You’ll also want to consider the type of course: Is it an out-and-back? Is it a loop or multiple loops? Is it point-to-point? Courses that have a lot of turns, particularly close together, are tougher to navigate, especially at faster paces.
The culture and crowd will influence your influence your race, especially if the fans are electric.
Step 4: Think About The Atmosphere
Crowd energy (or lack thereof) can certainly play a role in your marathon experience. Larger races, including the World Marathon Majors like Boston, New York, London, Chicago, Tokyo and Berlin are electric.
“If energy from the crowd motivates you, inspires you, gives you an extra push at mile 18, then definitely choose a marathon that has that,” Fleekop says. “There aren’t many times in your life when you’re the super star.”
At the other end of the spectrum, Fleekop says, is a more quiet, serene environment, whether that’s quiet roads or trails through nature.
“You might be the only person for a bunch of miles,” he says. “You can’t go wrong either way; it depends on your preference.”
Step 5: Calculate A Budget
Depending on budgetary constraints, you may need to prioritize this consideration. Marathons can be expensive, ranging from roughly $100 for smaller, no-frills races, to nearly $300 for larger, more prestigious races like the New York City and Boston Marathons. If you’re running one of the larger races with a charity, those come with additional fundraising requirements of several thousand dollars.
Your race fee isn’t the only cost associated with the marathon itself, Fleekop says. If you’re traveling, you’ll need to consider travel (airfare, in some cases), hotels, food and race weekend transportation.
“If you have a tighter budget, a local race is your best bet,” Fleekop says.
In essence, establishing clear goals and objectives for your marathon, whether it’s your first or your fiftieth, is essential for narrowing down your options effectively. There's no definitive answer; the aim is to discover the race that best aligns with your aspirations and preferences. Once you find the right race, the other variables will fall into place.
Get The Right Gear
Whether you’re running a marathon for the first time or the tenth, what you wear can affect the outcome of your efforts. Below, we outline the basic gear you need, along with the products we recommend after testing them on roads, trails and all manner of surfaces in between.
Running Shoes
When you're tackling a marathon, having the right pair of running shoes is like having your best friend along for the race. They give you the support and assistance you need to go the distance, keeping you comfortable and helping you avoid those dreaded blisters, aches or pains. There are dozens of men’s and women’s running shoes to choose from, and because feet are different from one pair to the next, don’t be afraid to try a few different shoes before you settle on a pair that works.
Running Socks
Just like your trusty running shoes, the importance of good running socks can't be overstated when it comes to running a marathon. They provide the comfort and moisture-wicking properties that keep your feet happy and blister-free throughout those grueling 26.2 miles, ensuring you can focus on the finish line.
Running Shorts
When gearing up for a marathon, don't underestimate the role of proper running shorts. They offer the freedom of movement and moisture-wicking technology needed to keep you comfortable mile after mile. With the right pair, you can breeze through the race with ease, leaving chafing and discomfort in the dust.
Running Shirts
Your choice of shirt is more than just a fashion statement—it's a performance booster. Opting for a high-quality running or workout shirt means moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cool and dry. Say goodbye to heat and hello to a cooler, more enjoyable run.
Hydration Vests
With convenient storage pockets and easy-access water bladders, hydration vests keep you fueled and hydrated during those rugged runs through nature's obstacles. They eliminate bulky water bottles and deliver room for not only liquids, but snacks and other essentials too, ensuring you stay focused on every twist and turn of the trail.
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