Hey guys... I've never run a FULL marathon before, and although I want to, Disney does not seem to be an option (at least for my first). The dates this coming year require me to come home on Saturday right after the half, and after that I will be in medical school. So my question is, what marathons would you suggest to a first time marathoner that take place during a time where schools are off (ie, mid march, June-August, or Christmas week)?

WDW 1/2 and Full marathon are by far the BEST...other marathons that I have run:

San Diego Rock N Roll (great music) - June
Honolulu (nice weather and a nice vacation) - December
San Francisco (a lot of hills) - July
Nike Womens in San Francisco (best finishers Necklace...designed by Tiffany) - October

Of course I live on the West coast though....;)

Where do you live and how far do you want to travel? Do you want it to be in a marathon with a large field of runners or a smaller one? Runnersworld.com has a list of good beginners marathons, but the best advice comes from those who have run them.

Where do you live and how far do you want to travel? Do you want it to be in a marathon with a large field of runners or a smaller one? Runnersworld.com has a list of good beginners marathons, but the best advice comes from those who have run them.

I'm from New Jersey, but I'd really travel anywhere in the US, if the price was right. I don't really care how many runners, I just want to have a good time for the most part.

You should look into the Marine Corps Marathon (10/28 in Washington D.C.)....I haven't run it (yet), but I hear really terrific things about it. Also, Phila has a marathon (11/19)....

The Adirondack Marathon (http://www.adirondackmarathon.org/) is September 16 and is up around Schroon Lake. It's not that far from you, so even if school is in session, you would probably still be able to travel up for the weekend.

I have some friends who've done the run and say it's very scenic. I might do the half.

I would second trying out the San Diego Rock'n'Roll marathon, which I have run. Organized well and lots of fun, it is a great back drop to the only first marathon you will ever run. There are great reviews by runners themselves on nearly every marathon in the world on marathonrunner.com. Take many reviews with a grain of salt, but after reading a few reviews you get a good idea about the marathon. Good luck.