Hi, all.
I took up running in 2011 and since then have completed several half marathons and some 10ks.
Late next year I reach the daunting age of 50 and want to do one (and only one) marathon just to say I have achieved it when I am at that age.
I am after some help as to which one people would say is a good one to do. Am after a course that would be kind to a first timer and a location that is a little different so I can make a weekend of it - going across to Europe would not be a problem.
Does anyone have any suggestions for any events and courses, how do you find out about and join marathons abroad and any training tips would be really welcomed!
Comments
Setting your sights low.. I did an Ironman to celebrate being 50 !
Did Paris last year and had a great time, Decent course, although support not quite as good as London, But course flat enough.
It's unlikely to be just one, I did my first at 51, now 54 and completed my 43rd (still a novice too)
Florence in November, decent size marathon(10,000ish) well organised, flat and a great place to spend a long weekend in. Agree with Runnin man, be careful or you will get the bug " that was madness never again" until the following day when you start organising the next.
If it's really only the one, then it's got to be London. I've not done it, but a friend has done it, plus many others. He says the atmosphere is second to none.
I would also consider Brighton. Could make a nice break of it, as there's plenty to do before/ after your race.
If you've got money to chuck at it, then how about New York.
I think London is quite popular.
Wolverhampton is my favourite.
I did the Farnham Tri club one to break my mara virginity at 50. Then did it again the next year.
Lovely day out. Wouldn't bother with any other.
That gives me an idea for 2014....
I'm in exactly the same position, but I have already done a couple of marathons this year. I have put my name in the ballot for New York, but am also considering the Las Vegas rock and roll marathon in mid November. Florence also sounds lovely. It's a difficult time of year for marathons, but agree with others that you may get the bug and want to do more. I swore I would never do one, but I'm 2 down, and plan on possibly doing 3 in 2014. It's addictive.
you will struggle to get into some of the big ones unless you plan a year ahead or throw money at the problem... Some of the overseas city marathons would mark the special occasion well and give you a long weekend overseas somewhere. Any of the city marathons will tick the box, they are all the same distance
50... it's not that "daunting" by the way. Nothing suddenly drops off or stops working when the digital diary nudges past the 50 mark!
Just one, then just one more. Then how about that one in Athens / Paris / etc etc.
Yes I know love, this is absolutely the last one!!!!!!
Till the next one.
Longford, it,s right in the middle of Ireland .Flat course and a Ceilidh in the evening.
Dublin , great route , great crowds , great nights craic afterwards
Must admit I fancy having a go at Longford myself
Pick the shortest one.
I chose Florence as my first marathon to mark my 40th last year and would highly recommend it. A gorgeous place for a mini break and the marathon route was varied and flat. Cheap deals easily found for flights/hotel at that time.
Bet you don't only do one! My favourites are Berlin, Dublin, Munich. London for me is too crowded although I've run it 6 times.
I too did an Ironman triathlon for my 50th birthday. This year I'm doing a half-Ironman to celebrate my 65th! Done 7 IMs but never tried a half yet.
South Downs marathon ....