Happy Tuesday! Welcome to another edition of Tuesday Topics. I know a few Major World Marathons (Boston, and London) were postponed to the Fall. With the updated schedule it looks like most of them will take place so close to another another. Do you want to run any of the World Major Marathons? Let’s discuss!
This week’s Tuesday Topic: Do you want to run any of the World Marathon Majors? Why or Why not? You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post. Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida! Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier! Remember to come back for later linkers!
This is the schedule of the upcoming marathons.
- Boston Marathon: Monday, September 14, 2020
- BMW Berlin Marathon: Sunday, September 27, 2020
- Virgin Money London Marathon: Sunday, October 4, 2020
- Bank of America Chicago Marathon: Sunday, October 11, 2020
- TCS New York City Marathon: Sunday, November 1, 2020
- Tokyo Marathon: TBD
From the list above I’ve only run the Chicago Marathon. If you have not run it, please do so because it really is a GREAT race. The Chicago Marathon was my first marathon in 2006. I started running in 2005 and did a few short races before signing up for the marathon. I don’t remember how the idea came to me to run it but I do remember having doubts and talking to a friend about it. I said to her “Do you think I can do it?” She replied “Yes, you can do it”. This was Memorial Day Weekend and I signed up that weekend.
This year I entered the lottery for the New York City Marathon but was not selected. I’ve heard so many great things about this race and hopefully I’ll get a chance to run it. Even if I’m not selected, I would love to spectate it.
Another race on the list that I would like to run is the Boston Marathon. However, the thing is that I would have to qualify for it. In a few more years I will be entering a new age group and will need a 3:55 finish time. But even that finish time still won’t guarantee me a spot. Would I run it if I got a free bib? ABSOLUTELY!! Most likely I will never qualify so if I get a chance to run then I will take that opportunity given to me.
The other races don’t interest me that much. I think it is because of the International travel. I know it is petty. But maybe in a few years that might change. Once I finish my goal of running a half marathon in each state, I will be looking for a new goal.
What about you? Would you like to run any of the World Marathon Majors?
26 responses to “Tuesday Topics: Running a World Marathon Majors”
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I have only done the one in New York, but I would love to do the London Marathon. I have heard that the atmosphere is spectacular. If I would really put my mind to it and plan it properly, I think I could make it happen. Perhaps 2021?
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Go for it! I think once this is all over we will be racing and running more than usual. Thanks for linking up with us!
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I’ve run Chicago 3 times and I’d do it again. I’d love to have run Boston but I think those days are behind me now.
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I’ve also run it a couple of times. Maybe one day I’ll do it again too. Thanks for linking up with us!
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A marathon isn’t really on my bucket list right now (and not due to current circumstances). Have I thought about it? Of course! If I did one, I don’t think it would be one of the world majors. Never say never, of course.
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Exactly, never say never. 🙂 Which one would you do? Thanks for linking up with us!
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If I had to pick from the majors, probably NYC. OTOH, I haven’t been to London . . .
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Those are great choices!
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Chicago seems to be so many people’s favorite! If I do marathon #3, I’d really try to get in the lottery for Chicago! But NYC with all the bridges seems cool and since I’ve been to Berlin it would be cool to run there!
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You will love Chicago! It is also a flat course. Thanks for linking up with us!
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My #1 choice would be NY because I love the city, and my #2 choice would be Chicago b/c my SIL lives there and it would be a fun family vacation. I don’t know if I will ever run a full marathon but this is a fun question.
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Those are great choices! I know many people have no desire to run a marathon. It isn’t as bad or awful as it sounds. I think the most difficult thing is the time commitment.
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I think if I were given a bib for Boston I would do it but I definitely won’t qualify and I wouldn’t be able to fund-raise since their minimums are so high!
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Me too! I know the money goes to charity but I think the amount to fundraise is ridiculous. As much as i would like to run it, I wouldn’t chose to fundraise for it.
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I also have a goal of running a race in every state, so yes, the majors will have to hold off for that one. Although I’m definitely going to do the American majors as that state’s race…so Massachusetts will most likely be my last state because it’s gonna take me like 10 years to qualify haha.
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For your goal are you doing a specific distance or just any race? For my goal I am doing half marathons. Have you run a race in IL?
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The World Majors are definitely enticing, but not a big draw for me. Sure, I’d LOVE the opportunity to do all of them, but the expense and logistics of getting to the international ones are WAY out of my comfort zone. Let’s not forget the qualifying time aspect or the lotteries. I think, in many ways, the odds are against the majority of runners…but that adds to the excitement for those who are able to do all six of them 😉
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Good points! Many more people are entering the lotteries and there isn’t enough spots for everyone. I spend a lot of money on a local race and I know an international one will be even more expensive.
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How amazing that your first ever marathon was one of the world majors!! Now that’s pretty awesome! If money wasn’t an issue, I would start with London and Berlin and then Chicago (you’re not the first person I’ve heard saying how cool it is so this would be one for me to do first-hand!).
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Ha, I did not know at the moment that it was a World Majors. I did it just because. 🙂
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Oh come on! The international travel aspect is the best part. It was for me anyway. 😀
Chicago was my first and my 5th marathon. I LOVE it, except for the hot weather we had both times I ran it. I gave serious thought to running Chi again in 2020. Now I’m very glad I did not pull the trigger.
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I also ran the Chicago Marathon in 2007 but did not finish it because of the weather. It is hard for me to get away for the international races. They all take place during the school year. I get 3 personal days each year and that is not enough time for the race (I can go spectate). I would need to take some sick time off as well. Oh and l need to leave lesson plans as well. Can I make it work? Most likely. 🙂
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I don’t see myself ever running any of the official world major marathons. I do hope to run a half in both London and New York at some point. Did not get into the lottery this year for either
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I think I’ve applied 2 or 3 times for the NYC Half Marathon and no luck either. I will keep on trying.
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The only marathon of the World Majors that I’ve run is Boston. It was my second marathon after qualifying at my first, the Marine Corps Marathon. I wasn’t even aware of the World Majors back when I was running so many marathons. I wish I’d at least run Chicago and NYC when I could have, but our sons were so involved in sports that we didn’t travel a lot for races. If I had it to do over, I think that would be a goal. 🙂
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Marine Corps Marathon and Boston are great marathons! When I ran the Chicago Marathon I wasn’t even aware of the World Majors either. Now is when I am hearing more about it.