Marathons to Run in 2008

Gregory Bull, AP

Provided by Runner's World

There's no disputing the thrill of running through New York City’s diverse neighborhoods or the satisfaction of conquering Boston's sacred hills. But these landmark marathons aren't the only ones offering an unforgettable experience. Lucky for you, newer, smaller races are succeeding big-time with the organizational expertise and generous amenities of seasoned veterans. With the help of Runner's World Chief Running Officer Bart Yasso, we tracked down the 10 best up-and-coming marathons, all founded since 2002. Whether you want to explore a remote island, chase a personal record, or see yourself on a stadium scoreboard, these 10 will make your next 26.2 special.

P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon
Where: Phoenix/Scottsdale/Tempe
When: Arizona January 13
Age of race: Running since 2004
Highlights: Flat, Urban; Entertainment, Star Power

There's an opportunity to race amid red-rock scenery and hard-rock entertainment while rocking out a personal record. P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon is run on wide streets that are pancake flat (only 150 feet separate the highest and lowest points) with average race-day temps in the 50s. And because the companion 13.1-miler starts later on a different route, the 7,000 marathon participants don't have to fight half-marathoners for elbow room.

ROUTE: From the start at Phoenix's capitol building, runners are off on a three-city course. Highlights include: stunning views of Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak and a trip through Old Town Scottsdale with outdoor sculptures, fountains, and surprisingly lush greenery.
ENTERTAINMENT: Live music is the backdrop of race weekend. Twenty-six bands--one at every mile--perform along the course, and a headlining artist will perform at 8 p.m. race evening (in 2007, the Gin Blossoms played). Twenty-six cheerleading squads also drum up energy.
STAR POWER: Meet Frank Shorter and Runner's World columnist John "The Penguin" Bingham at the 100-vendor prerace expo.
SCHWAG: In addition to the standard shirt and medal, finishers get a $10 gift card for P.F. Chang's.
TAKE NOTE: Because of the large field of half-marathoners, expect to wait patiently for food and beer.

ING Miami Marathon
Where: Miami, Florida
When: January 27
Age of Race: Running since 2003
Highlights: Flat, Urban, Great Food, Lavish Fuel Stations, Entertainment, Cool Schwag

Few people require arm-twisting to visit Miami in January, especially those of us who rarely get to run sans gloves and balaclava this time of year. The ING Miami Marathon is a great race--and not just because it's a chance to dig out your favorite shorts (temps are usually in the 60s). Miami is a must-do marathon because of its flat, fast course and organizers' attention to detail: Runners are updated with prerace e-mails, and their first names are printed on their race bibs. Plus, with a 6:15 a.m. start, you can be on the beach sipping an umbrella drink before lunch.

ROUTE: The two-loop course leads 4,500 marathoners across eight islands in Biscayne Bay, then through downtown Miami and Coconut Grove, where runners pass beneath canopies of banyans on roads lined with royal palms. Bridges are the only hills in the entire course, and they never climb more than 30 feet.
ENTERTAINMENT: Cheerleaders, dance troupes, bands, and drumlines perform at 25 stations. In neighborhoods with early morning noise ordinances, runners are treated to mimes and laser-light shows.
SPECTATORS: Organizers set up a cheer zone and finish-line bleacher seats, where your support crew can enjoy snacks, noisemakers, and music. FUEL Twenty-four liquid and three gel stations.
STAR POWER: Frank Shorter will appear at the pre-race expo.
SCHWAG: Tech shirt and hat, beach ball, sunglasses.
TAKE NOTE: Some people find crossing metal-grated bridges unnerving, but officials are working to get the city's approval to cover these surfaces with carpets.

Nature's Path Whidbey Island Marathon
Where: Whidbey Island, Washington
When: April 13
Age of Race: Running since 2002
Highlights: Hills, Rural, Great Foods
The remoteness and peacefulness of Washington's Deception Pass State Park, home of the Nature's Path Whidbey Island Marathon, makes it easy to forget you're only a 20-minute ferry ride from Seattle. "The variety of things you see on the course--from towering pine forests to working farms to panoramas of Puget Sound--makes it a fantastic, memorable experience," says Matt Wiencek of Bay Village, Ohio, who was one of 360 finishers last year. "I also saw an orca on the ferry ride from the island." Bonus: You're likely to experience classic Pacific Northwest weather-45°F to 55°F.

ROUTE: Runners explore the northern half of the 40-mile-long Whidbey Island. The rolling course meanders between the meadows and cattle pasturelands of the island's interior and the Puget Sound shoreline, with views of the Cascade Range and Olympic Mountains. Though the hills aren't killer (except for the 350-footer at mile seven), they are consistent.
FUEL: Carbo-load at the race's all-organic prerace pasta dinner.
REFUEL: Replenish with a post-race breakfast featuring Nature's Path cold cereal and warm oatmeal, plus fruit and bagels.
TAKE NOTE: You should come for the scenery and serenity, not for the crowd support. Spectators are sparse, and you'll need to entertain yourself by counting hawks, cows, and deer.

Charlottesville Marathon
Where: Charlottesville, Virginia
When: April 19
Age of Race: Running since 2003
Highlights: Hills, Rural, Great Foods, Lavish Fuel Stations

With constant views of sprawling estates, vineyards, and ranches, running the Charlottesville Marathon lets you step back in time. The course, which lies at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, winds through pristine farmland--the same ground that the city's most famous resident, Thomas Jefferson, once covered on horseback.

ROUTE: There are bands and spectators at the downtown start/finish and on the University of Virginia campus. But the majority of the route is on country roads. The rolling course is challenging, with three meaty hills, each about a quarter-mile long, at miles six, 10, and 15. The four-mile stretch along Ridge Road (beginning at mile 10), a smooth gravel path that's easy on the legs, is a course highlight.
FUEL: Fourteen aid stations serve gels at five spots and apple slices and gummi bears at others.
REFUEL: Erase your postrace carb deficit with cookies and pizza.
TAKE NOTE: Veteran marathoners tend to appreciate the solitude and character-building climbs more than first-timers. "This was the most scenic--but also the hilliest--of the 26 marathons I've run," says Al Mihok of Kirtland Hills, Ohio, one of 365 finishers last year.

Next: Marathons in Michigan, Akron, Eugene

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