MY MARATHON BUCKET LIST
And Perhaps a Few to Add to Your Own!
The combination of a rainy week in LA and social distancing due to Coronavirus has me jonesing to be anywhere, doing anything else. It’s ironic, right? how you take for granted your able-bodied freedom, until you don’t have it? It rings true for me…usually I am begging for down time…
Thus, cabin fever has sprung me into noodling on all the things I want to do once we’re all free and clear again. So I present to you (and something to put in writing for myself) Lara’s Marathon Bucket List.
A couple notes:
The list is in no priority order. Running careers can be long if you want them to be, so I look forward to taking my time and enjoying the process of crossing each off the list.
This list is not definitive. I also look forward to adding to it as I have new goals, aspirations, and life goals.
I realized during my compilation, there is something called the Abbott World Marathon Majors, which consists of 6 marathons around the world run in one year. Obviously, that would not be possible for me, but I think it’s a fun idea to complete six of the highest regarded races in the world at my own pace! I already have one knocked off (Chicago) and 3 potential others on here, so considering making that a goal as well. If so, Tokyo and Berlin will be added.
With out further ado- please enjoy my Marathon Bucket List!
NEW YORK CITY MARATHON
I absolutely love the idea of experiencing the Big Apple through the lens of the marathon! This race takes runners through all five boroughs. Its such an iconic marathon, and I think a great reason to visit NYC.
Season- Autumn, the 1st Sunday in November
Entry- Lottery. Applications for the lottery are taken in January and the drawing takes place at the end of February. Can also fundraise with a charity for entry.
Fun Fact- largest marathon in the world with over 50k finishers
2. BOSTON
How could Boston NOT be on the list?? Every runner wants to conquer Boston one day! Such a historic and iconic race. Not much else to say here.
Season- Spring- Always the third Monday in April
The 2020 race has been postponed until September!
Entry- Must qualify.
Women currently in my age group qualify with a 3:30 (or averaging approx. 8min flat miles). However, qualification does not guarantee entry! It depends on the size of the field as well. I imagine this qualifying time could continue to get faster as it seems to every year. Might be looking at this race for later in life…
interestingly enough, both years I ran Chicago way back, I qualified! Didn’t even know until looking into it much later. The fields weren’t as fast then.
Fun Fact- World’s oldest annual marathon.
3. An international Marathon- London
London is currently the front runner to cross an international marathon off my list! Other strong considerations are Athens (uh, where the Marathon originated!) and Paris (because who doesn’t want to go to Paris). I am leaving this vague as “International Marathon” for now, as I think crossing it off depends on where life goes!
Season- London is in the Spring, usually the last Sunday in April.
2020 race is also postponed until October
Entry- with London you can qualify with a “Good for Age” entry (similar to Bostons qualifying times), do a “public ballot” that opens the day after the race for the following year, or run for charity.
Fun Fact- Couples have been known to get married half way through the race!
Athens and Paris are also Spring races, usually in March in April respectively. Both have also been moved to fall for 2020.
4. DisneyWorld- ORLANDO, FL
Nothing much to say here, other than it just sounds fun, ok?!
Season- Winter, usually mid- January
Entry- Can sign up with tiers increasing closer to the race
Fun Fact- Run through all the parks, ESPN zone, with lots of photo ops with characters.
5. Big Sur Marathon
Taking place up and down highway 1 in California, I hear this is one of the most scenic races you will ever run! Big Sur is also holds a special place in my heart, as its where Charlie and I were engaged. You can read about that here.
Season- Spring- always the last Sunday in April
Entry- Anyone can sign up but it maxes out at 4,500 participants.
Fun Fact- Point to point race, crossing the famous Bixby Bridge where a tuxedoed pianist serenades runners.
6. CIM- California International Marathon
Honestly, this guy is mostly included as a strategy race to qualify for Boston! Most people are here to do just that, or to qualify for the Olympic Trials, so I think its the right vibe! The is a point to point course, supposedly fast and flat with a lot of people getting PR’s. Just seems like the kind of head space you want to be in to run your fastest race!
Season- Winter, December
Entry- Can register
Fun Fact- People run to qualify for Boston and the Olympics Trials!
BONUS Marathon:
Marathon on every continent? Heard there is one in Antarctica??
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