Please recommend a "first" marathon

[mjl6907]

I want to run a marathon as my goal for next year.  I have done a few HMs.  What would you recommend as a good first marathon, (read: well-organized, fun, and relatively flat)?  I'm on East Coast (PA), considering Philly next year, but willing to travel somewhat.  TIA!

[lb2006]

MCM is relatively flat after the first few miles, except for the finish. But it's a well-organized, fun, TONS of course support/cheerleaders on the course. I think it'd be an awesome first marathon.

[cinco]

I would recommend MCM or Steamtown. I've heard good things about Wineglass (NY), NYCM, and Philly, but I haven't run them (yet?)

[G22]

I ran the Air Force marathon in Dayton, OH as my first marathon this year. Its well organized and I had a ton of fun. There are a few overpasses along the course, but I didn't mind them too much.

[al320]

Wineglass, ofmthe three ive run so far it is by far the gentlest course. Great race.

Im going to disagree about steamtown, while its so well organized and the weekly emails from the race director are super awesome. The course is HARD. Who puts a giant hill at mile 25.5 after all that downhill and flat. MEAN.

[gt7301b]

I'd just do Philly or Steamtown to minimize the travel.

[Wines Not Whines]

Marine Corps was my first marathon, and I loved it. I highly recommend it as a first marathon. The course is mostly flat, and it's very well organized and scenic.

[archaeominx]

Wineglass is an easy course.

[mrshandy]

MCM is my first and only marathon but I love it and I'm hoping to do it again next year!

[lovesherheels]

I've never run a marathon, but I've only heard good things about the OBX marathon in NC. It's in Kill Devil Hills in November, so it's flat and the weather is almost always pretty outstanding. Plus, the Outer Banks are beautiful.

[emuni04]

RNR New Orlean's course is flat. I have only run the half, but found it fairly organized (much more so than prior to RNR taking it over). I did Chicago as my first, and loved that decision. But I needed the crowd support to push me through.

[Susie]

Mohawk Hudson (point to point Schenectady to Albany, NY) is net downhill, is mostly actually downhill, and is pretty popular for a first and for BQ efforts. It does not have huge crowd support though.

[sassystace]

Columbus Marathon (Ohio) in October is a great race. Fast and flat, lots of crowd support, interesting scenery and entertainment. I've done the half twice and if I ever do my first marathon, it will be here.

[tahiti36]

Chicago,  it is flat and the crowd support is awesome!   That was my first and second and I would run it for a third time!

[moreace01]

Another rec for Chicago!

Also my first - and I'd do it again. Amazing crowd support and a very well run race. The city is overall super supportive. All around great atmosphere.

[Deleted]

Come to Paris and run with me!