Marathon October 2022

Sports and Hobbies
1
I'm looking to do my first Marathon next October. Just looking for tips on which to go for.

In Switzerland there is Lausanne and Luzern - but I kind of want a big atmosphere, thinking they might be quite quiet. I've entered ballot for London, but don't fancy my chances. Also thinking possibly Dublin, Venice, Frankfurt, Amsterdam?? Any thoughts?

Also, not planning on it for my first as it's a little hilly, but has anyone done the Athens Authentic Marathon? Thought it might be cool to do the "original" one day.

2
Berlin - although its in September.

No Ballet. Completely flat and traffic free. Because of this its a big event and always brings in a crowd of people wanting to do their Personal and World Best times.

Fantastic atmosphere.

3
You might have luck with London (though not usually an autumn marathon) non-UK entry goes into a different “pot” - or that used to be the case. I ran in 1998 using my Swedish address, was living in Cambridge (I’m sure I am not the only opportunist in this regard)

4
London is very hard to get into unless you run for charity -- plus it's normally in April.

For autumn marathons, 100% I'd go for Berlin, which I ran twice in 2015/16. I've run 9 marathons, and Berlin is one of the world's best. Fantastic crowd support, fast & flat course, and it's classified as one of the world's 5 'major marathons' (with London, Chicago, Boston, and New York).

5
From what I have gathered following news, several marathons that traditionally are spring events became autumn events due to covid. I suspect this will be a temporary shift in time-tabling.

Have run 8 marathons...will there be a 9th

6
Unfortunately September a no go, as have a triathlon that month and need to space out events.

London was/is in October in 2021/2022. Back to April in 2023 I think.

7
the issue with luzern is that its a double loop. its a bit demoralizing to repeat the same route again when you are close to the finish line of the half marathon.

Amsterdam would be a good one - flat, large crowds. I might to that one next year

8
Lausanne is great fun, not London size but plenty of atmosphere, and if the weather is good a beautiful route to vevey and back.

I recommend Lausanne over Luzern, agree don't do a double loop for your first one.

9
Yep, Luzern is bottom of my list for that exact reason, I think I'd end up bailing out and doing the half

Frankfurt looks quite good too.

10
Why wait a year in any case. You can start training for a spring one now, such as Zurich or Geneva.

11
I ran Luzern (half) yesterday. Gorgeous course, good support. I would not recommend it for a marathon though. The hills are tougher than the profile shows and the same loop twice isn't great.

But -- do recommend for a lovely half marathon, even if it's not the fastest course out there.

12
Hills? I can't remember any hills. A few gentle slopes.

Probably not great for a Marathon PB though but as you wrote, a lovely course.

You were lucky with the weather yesterday.

13
I live in the mountains. Snow on the ground from November to April makes run training difficult and the gym in our building is closed due covid certificate regs (and there is not another gym option near by).

14
Yes, you're right. I must just have been undertrained.

I prefer 2-4 degrees and overcast for fast racing.

15
I'm just a fun runner (or was - I've got a knee problem - but not from running).

16
Ended up delaying this marathon plan, now thinking about doing one in spring.

Torn between Manchester (home city), Paris (expensive trip), Zürich or Geneva. Swaying towards Zürich for cost reasons. Anyone have an opinion?

17
A little later, 3/4 December but Geneva’s escalade is something you will never forget.

https://escalade.ch/

18
Thanks. Looking for spring now though!

19
That’s the one where my kid was all over the news last year.

Although to quote her, “I’m never running through Geneva again, unless a pack of wild dogs is chasing me.”

20
If you want atmosphere stay away from Zurich...I would go for Paris. From personal experience the first marathon is special. If it gets delayed go for Berlin...awesome atmosphere.