First Marathon - Which One?

Hi

I started running in August last year and the longest run I've done so far is 22.5 Km. Since I was young I've always wanted to do a marathon and now I thought I would give one a try in 2013 as it would give me time to train for it. But which one?

I'm going to enter the ballot for London but obviously don't hold out much hope, but after that I've been considering Brighton or Edinburgh. I live near just on the border or Surrey and West Sussex so brighting is closer but I've heard that Edinburgh is a good one if it's your first.

So, what are you opinions or should I even consider a foreign one or would that be a bad idea for a first?

I completely understand why you'd want to do London as your first marathon - it is a tremendous experience, the crowds are great, the surroundings fantastic etc, but with the amount of runners on the course it can get very congested and decent times go out of the window. So experience, yes, completing in a good time, no - but as it'll be your first you'd get a PB anyway!

If you don't get into London, then I suggest Brighton - I've done this for the past two years and it is fantastic - the crowds are every bit as good as London, it is a decent, flat-ish course and there's enough room on the course to give all runners plenty of space. Plus there are runners of all ability, so as long as you're under the time limit (6 1/2 hours I think) then you'll get a nice medal and t-shirt. The only downside is the cost - it cost me £45.50 even with a club runners discount for next year's race, but for experience, course etc it is well worth it.