No Hassle Marathons

Save your energy for the race

May 2, 2006

Because the actual physical act of running a marathon is such a monumental undertaking, I look for races where you can expend all your energies, physical, but more importantly, mental, on that endeavor. With that in mind, I look for what I call No Hassle (or at least Low Hassle) Marathons—races where you don’t have to burn mental calories on little things like checking in, getting to the start (either before the race or after the finish), waiting in long lines for transportation or bathrooms, and collecting your gear and getting back to your lodging, for example. That generally means smaller races, but not so small they scrimp on amenities like porta potties or aid stations. The presence of lodging within walking distance of the staging area is a huge plus, especially if the weather is iffy; alternatively, plenty of parking or proximity to mass transit relieves the stress of getting up unnecessarily early, then playing the "hurry up and wait" game. Manageably sized expos and the ability to register the day before the race (allowing a last minute weather-based decision) are other pluses:

Chevron Houston, TX

Dong-A, Seoul, South Korea
Shamrock Sportsfest, Virginia Beach, VA

Flora London, UK

Flying Pig, Cincinnati, OH
ING Ottawa, CAN
Rite-Aid Cleveland, OH

Columbus, OH
Cowtown, Sacramento, CA
United Technologies, Hartford, CT

Philadelphia, PA

White Rock Dallas, TX
Las Vegas, NV
Rocket City, Huntsville, AL