Question:
Hey can I get some opinions about which is the best marathon to qualify for
boston. I am not asking necessarily the easiest or fastest but the one that has
the best overall chance of being used to qualify...you know...course, support,
time of year?
Answer:My recommendation would be the Tucson Marathon, which is in early December.
It's a downhill course with a 2000' elevation drop. It's a winter marathon,
but the Tucson weather tends to be favorable in the wintertime. The only
caveat is that you have to train for running downhill before you do this race.
The downhill slope can prove to be very difficult for those who aren't
prepared. My guess is that the Tucson course will take 10 - 15 minutes off of
your 'flat' marathon time if you are adequately prepared.
Other options might be the California International Marathon (Sacramento), Las
Vegas, or Chicago. I know people who have PR'd on these courses.
