Trying to make a run at Boston sometime in 2016 for a 2017 entry. Any thoughts on optimal races? I know there are some flat ones out there but I'm looking for something enjoyable in terms of destination also. Grandma's is a little remote (I've heard it's nice though) and I've run Chicago three times and also St. George and Tucson.
Whatcha got out there for a fast and fun course?
http://running.competitor.com/2015/04/photos/13-races-that-make-great-boston-qualifiers_126334
I was down to Erie and Via for my BQ attempt this year and chose Via because it's closer to home. I'll have a review for ya in September!
Both are pretty popular BQ'ers. I know
gruecd is a fan of Erie.
I'll take a good look at Erie as it's only a 7 hour drive from Chicago and I have some family in Toledo along the way.
A few more in the midwest that I would recommend:
1. Monumental (Indianapolis, IN) - Pretty flat course, very well organized. November race though so you have to wait til the following fall to register for Boston if you BQ here.
2. Columbus (Columbus, Ohio) - Pretty flat as well, and usually has decent weather. Mid/late October race though so again the same issue with waiting til the following year.
3. Milwaukee Lakefront (Milwaukee, WI) - Heard some pretty good things about this even though I have never run it. It's a bit smaller but fairly flat.
4. Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN) - One of the 5-7 biggest races after the top (Chicago, Boston, NYC) in the US. The course has some hills, especially late in the race though.
5. Illinois Marathon (Champagne, IL) - A bit smaller than Chicago but somewhat close to you and I heard it's well run.
If you are willing to travel:
1. Houston (Houston, Texas) - Super flat course, almost always has decent weather except for occasional years where you have to run in a storm.
2. Toroton Waterfront (Toronto, Canada) - Heard this was a good one, usually has good weather and there's been a few Canadian record attempts made here the last few years so I imagine the course is fairly fast.
3. California International Marathon (Sacramento, CA) - Net donwhill race, but course rolls a bit. Still, it's one of the safest bets for good running weather (except in 2012 when there was torrential downpour).
4. St George, Utah Valley, Tucson, Phoenix, Pocono, Steamtown- There are a few downhill marathons that makes it easier to run fast, but you need to prepare your quads for the pounding. A lot of these sell out pretty fast too.