A spring marathon ... rejection and other choices

It's the beginning of October and many running forums are already alive with the discussion of when you will find out of success or failure to secure a place through the ballot for the London Marathon.  Early October the organisers say but with the recent change to an online entry the old 'test' of the date when you cheque is cashed is no longer the early notification.  But will the disappointed of rejection mean an end to the dream of a spring marathon.  Initial thoughts might be that those cold winter mornings can be spent tucked up in bed wrapped in the duvet rather than at least three layers of running wear. 

This article is then for those commited runners for whom a spring marathon is an essential part of the training year.  For these runners those base miles of building fitness for 26.2 miles of pounding then form the basis of a summer of speed work and shorter 5k's and 10k's where new PB's are achieved and fast races are enjoyed rather than avoided.

Rejection from London may in fact open up a new motivation and fresh challenge to the travel savvy runner.  My own experience from this time last year a rejection from London was the spring board to an overseas marathon with a group of fellow local club runners.  We went to France in early April and completed the Paris Marathon.  It was a trully brilliant trip where new friendships were forged and a life time of stories will be told about the entire weekend.  So what choices are there for the spring marathon and what aspects should you consider before making your commitment.

Weekend breaks to European capital cities are nothing new but combining it with running the marathon does need to include some other considerations.  But first let me list out the marathons you can consider.

Starting in March 2010

Barcelona
When: 7th March 2010
Registration: already open at €45 until 20 December 2009 then €55 until 31 January and finally €65 until registration closes 21st February 2010
The route: looks a little undulating with a gentle climb to 4km then downhill most of the way to half way remaining falt until a gentle climb to the finish.
The website: http://www.barcelonamarato.es/

Rome
When: 21st March 2010 (the date is subject to change due to a possible clash with elections in Italy and a decision is due by early October)

Registration: already open at €35 until 23rd November 2009 then €42 until 21st December rising to €55 until 28th January 2010 and finally €65 until registration closes 8th March 2010
The route: currently the website is not displaying information on route or course profile which is promised as 'coming soon' however it suggests the marathon is a sightseeing tour.
The website: http://www.maratonadiroma.it/

Monaco (from Monaco to Italy via France... through three countries!)
When: 21st March 2010
Registration: A medical certificate is required*. Now open at €32 until 15 December then €42 until 8th March 2010 and finally €50 which unusually for a marathon includes entry at the Expo the day before the race
The route: course profile suggest a climb between 7 and 8km and a few undulations thereafter until another climb between 30 and 33km thereafter a downhill section and flat to the finish.  For fans of F1 you get to run from the GP race start.
The website: http://www.monaco-marathon.com/_marathon/marathon.php?lg=en

Moving into April the choice includes

Paris
When: 11th April 2010

Registration: A medical certificate is required*. Now open at €58 for the first 16,000 entries then €74 up to 32,000 and finally the last 5,000 at €90
The route: an undulating course with no major climbs but a run through a tunnel for about 500m which has a short sharp up ramp when emerging into daylight!  Superb sighseeing potential as you head down Champs Elysees, Louvre and Tour Eiffel to name but a few.
The website: http://www.parismarathon.com/index_us.html

Zurich
When: 11th April 2010

Registration: online registration now open at an entry fee of CHF110.- and includes unlimited travel day pass for Zurich and a pasta party and a finisher technical T-Shirt
The route: route description suggests a scenic and flat route including much of that alongside the lake
Website: http://www.zurichmarathon.ch/

Boston
When: 20th April 2010
Registration: A qualifying time is required - a qualifying time by age group is set out on the website and where this has been achieved at a race with electronic timing the race name and runner Bib number is included in the Boston race entry form and the organisers make their own verification.  Now open online and for non-US residents the fee is $175.  The 114th running of this race in 2010 and one of the 5 Marathon Majors. Maximum participant numbers 25,000
The route: a downhill course profile but Hearthbreak Hill does what it says on the tin.
Website: http://www.bostonmarathon.org/

And finally in May 2010 the choices include

Belfast
When: 3rd May 2010 (Bank holiday Monday)
Registration: online entry open at £30 less 10% discount as an early bird until 9th October and remains open until 16th April 2010
The route: scenic and covering all parts of the city
Website: http://www.belfastcitymarathon.com/

Prague (sponsored by Volkswagen and Tesco amongst others!)
When: 9rd May 2010 (Bank holiday Monday)

Registration: online entry open at €55 until 31st December, rising to €70 until 9th April 2010.  Then €80 until 4th May and even at the Expo entry is possible for €100.  Includes free public transport and a adidas T-shirt for finishers
The route: scenic and covering all parts of the city and apparently according to the website it has been voted (not sure by who) as one of the most beautiful marathon courses in the world.
Website: http://www.praguemarathon.com/en

Edinburgh
When: 23rd May 2010 
Registration: online entries already open and operated on a first come first served basis so when all places sold it will close.  Fees are £42 or £40 if a member of a SLA or UKA affiliated club
The route: officially the fastest UK marathon based on research by Runners World so PB potential is there for the taking.
Website: http://www.edinburgh-marathon.com/
 
So the choice is extensive and there are more that can be identified with a little bit of digging.  I noted above that Paris and Monaco require a medical certificate*.  This is a requirement for some overseas races particularly those in France and can be obtained from your GP however there is a standard format and it needs to include the key phrase 'does not present contraindication to the practice of running' and an example certificate can be downloaded from the Serpentine website.  My only reservation with this is that GP's will charge you for this and I personally paid £15.  Prices are not 'regulated' so GP's are free to set their own prices for this.
 
My last element of advice would be if possible to stay the Sunday night in your city and travel home on the Monday.  Firstly it means after the race you can return to your hotel and relax, secondly you can then have a big night out after the race and let your hair down (trust me Saturday night out will be subdued as you seek pasta and avoid alcohol).  Lastly and just in case if a medical issue arises you won't have missed your flight and have all the problems with making alternative arrangements to get back home.
 
Good luck with the considerations and look on rejection from London as an opportunity to go further afield for the spring marathon.