How to Pick Your First Marathon

Gearing Up For Your First Marathon?

Race season is here! There are in-person and virtual races to fit your schedule, but you might be wondering how to pick your first marathon. As the fall race season kicks off, we’ve got tips to help you navigate between different types of races. Another important question is how to pick the best running shoes for your first marathon, and we’ve got answers for both. Read on.

3 Key Factors When Choosing a Race

A marathon is 26.2 miles, or 42 kilometers. While you evaluate which race will be best for you, we’re here to share 3 key factors that you’ll want to take into consideration as you scroll through the variety of marathon races that are coming up.

1. Location – Do you prefer in-person or virtual?

- Virtual – You can find a variety of races that provide a virtual option, and then the race course is entirely up to you. Most virtual races take place on the same day as the physical race (unless otherwise specified), and it’s up to you to wear a smartwatch or have someone timing you and marking out the 26.2-mile distance. A bib, tech shirt, and medal are often mailed ahead of the race so you can take your own virtual race photos.

The Virtual option is great for those who would like to stay local and race without a large crowd.

- In-person – There are hundreds of in-person races across America (not to mention the thousands across the world) in the month of October alone! In order to narrow down your search, think about your primary goals.
  - Travel, Accommodations, and Race Fees – Cost is a very important consideration when it comes to any race, so be sure to evaluate the travel costs, and the hotel costs that might be required for an out-of-town race. The race fee will be on top of all other charges, and typically is not inclusive of travel or accommodations.
  - Raising Money – Some races involve fundraising, and you can join in the efforts which may include a complimentary race when a certain amount of funds are raised for the race cause. Be sure to look into the details to make sure you are prepared to follow through with what is required of fundraisers.
  - Friends and Family – Do you have a friend or relative who can host you at their home near a desired marathon race? Consider reaching out to that friend or family member. Are you happy to drive long distances? Then you might not have to pay for airfare if your race is in another state, for example, that you’re willing and able to drive to in your car. But remember, you’ll be driving home AFTER the marathon, too!

2. Race Topography – Hills, Elevation, Altitude

Every marathon race has its own level of difficulty based on these questions: are there any hills? If so, how steep, and how many? Is the race course at a higher or lower altitude than where I live and train?

- Florida Runner – Race topography and elevation are important factors when choosing a first marathon. Races like Big Sur in California are famous for their very hilly climbs. If you’re training with us here in Florida, you might not want to tackle such a difficult marathon as your very first. There are a number of flat marathons all over the country, especially within Florida, and some moderately hilly races if you want a little variety instead of a solely flat course.
- Training For A Challenge – Just because you live and train in Florida doesn’t mean you can’t get your training level up to speed for a difficult, hilly marathon, but there is specific hill training that you will need to be doing. Ideally, hire a Running Coach to help you properly train, and find a Running Group.

3. Fun Factor – Will I Get to See My Favorite Things During the Race?

What type of race appeals to you? A tropical, low-key, beachside race? An urban landscape through skyscrapers and large cities with crowds of people cheering you on? Lots of nature and greenery? What about seeing your favorite movie characters along the race course?

- Theme Park Races – In Florida, Disney World is an extremely popular destination…for marathon runners! It’s also a huge destination for first-time marathoners. It’s a flat course that takes runners through each of the four Disney theme parks. Along the race course, characters in costumes from the World of Disney wave and pose when you stop to take a picture with them, like Mickey Mouse and all his friends, Disney princesses, characters from Star Wars, Marvel heroes, and more.
- City Races – Some of the most famous races are named for the big cities where they are held, like New York City Marathon, Miami Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Portland Marathon, and Boston Marathon.* These races draw large crowds of runners who are placed into different wave start times to accommodate the thousands who participate each year. Large crowds gather to cheer, too!
- Races through Nature – Some of the marathon races that are known for beautiful courses include the Big Sur Marathon in Big Sur, CA, the Space Coast Marathon in Cocoa Beach, FL, and the Niagara Falls International Marathon which starts in Buffalo, NY, and takes runners into Canada and back (passport is required). Plus there are trail marathons, which will feed any nature lover’s soul. But keep in mind that a trail marathon has a greater level of difficulty than a road race marathon of the same topography. Do train accordingly. Some of the gorgeously scenic trail marathons include Mystery Mountain Marathon (high difficulty level) in Chatsworth, GA, Blue Sky Trail Marathon (high difficulty level) in Fort Collins, CO, and the X-Country Marathon (medium difficulty level) in Lithia, FL.

How to Pick the Best Running Shoes For Race Day

So, whether you have already signed up for your first marathon or not, you still want to know how to find the best running shoes, of course. Look no further!

Get a Proper Shoe Fitting – Ideally, it’s best to get fitted for running shoes before you start marathon training. But even if you’re in the midst of marathon training, come in to St. Pete Running Company. Our shoe experts will walk you through a StrideSmart Shoe Fitting. There are a variety of factors to consider when buying walking and running shoes. Some of those factors include neutral versus stability shoes, heel to toe drop differentials, cushioning systems and levels, all of which can be explained in detail by one of our shoe experts.

If you’re still wondering how to pick your first marathon, and how to find the best running shoes, we can help! Come into the store where our shoe experts are ready to provide the high-quality customer service you expect from a Top 50 Running Store in America.