With two 5Ks under my belt already, one of my goals this year is to run my way up. Although I’ve already been asked if I wanted to run a marathon, I’m not sure how ready I am for that. A half marathon, which is 13.1 miles, seems like a more doable distance for me. There are a couple half marathons that I’m looking into, and they’re pretty popular.
The Nike Women’s Marathon and Half Marathon is on October 19, 2008 and in San Francisco. It is so popular that in order to be eligible, you have to sign up and hopefully be randomly picked. This one is appealing to women as the finisher necklaces are designed by Tiffany & Co. and have pedi care stations along the way. And of course, it’s run by Nike and in San Francisco, so you know its going to be nice. 
Then, there’s the Disney Marathon and Half Marathon in January 2009. This event seems more doable for me and it’s a lot closer. The course is along the Disney property, which is the happiest place on earth! The Half Marathon is already 85% full, and it’s only February, so I probably have to decide soon!
If anyone has ran these races in the past, let me know your experience!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve never run either one, but I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Nike women’s race.
I also think that a half marathon is a better goal this year for you than a full marathon; plenty of time for that next year!
If you do wait too long to get into either of these races, there are a plethora of halves throughout the country so you would still be able to find one.
I have run both the Disney full and half in the past. I ran the full in 2003 and the half this past January, 2008. It’s a wonderful experience!! The half marathon begins at Epcot and runs to the Magic Kingdom and back. It’s a very flat course and Disney does a good job with providing stuff to look at along the way. It’s usually decent weather in january, however when I ran the full in ‘03 it was 35 degrees when the race started! I think the Disney would be a good starter half for you to do! But then, I don’t know anything about the Nike race.
Best of luck!
I did the Disney 1/2 this past January and I agree – it is great for beginners! The race was very well run – plenty of water and powerade, lots of porta potties and first aid tents. Lots of music and other things to distract you along the way. Also was i-pod friendly in case you were wondering (I know use of ipods during races is controversial but Disney basically lets people use them). And you have plenty of time to train for next year’s race! I would definitely do it again.
Both sound great! Just for the necklace the Nike one would be awesome. How do the Pedi Care stations work during the race? Now, after the race…I can see!
Disney sounds great, too! Sorry I wasn’t too much help in the decision process. Disney would be pretty flat and the San Francisco will probably be filled with many hills, so that may be a consideration.
I ran my first 5K last July in 45 minutes. I’ve run 2 other 5k’s in 45 – 50 minutes and a 10K in 86minutes. I’m hoping to improve on my time this year and I’ve got a HM in my sights fo rthis year too – just registered for one in October. So go and register. I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy it. (smile)