2002 Marathon Roundup - New, Notable, and Interesting

This will be the first in a series of articles on what's new and notable in USA marathons. In this article, we won't go so far as to recommend any specific races - that's what the marathon calendar and the runner race reviews are for. But, we will mention a few interesting tidbits to give you some ideas as you plan your own 2002 marathon calendar.

Most Unique Theme to Accompany a Marathon
In addition to a marathon and half-marathon (run and walk) through one of Washington State's scenic islands, on a course that crosses many bridges and runs by a number of coves, race director John Kaiser is adding a number of random prizes, and something of a treasure hunt. A number of green frogs named "Bob" will be placed along the course, and those runners finding Bob and bringing him home to the finish line will receive additional prizes. Sounds almost as fun and crazy as drinking wine each mile through the Medoc Marathon in France!
Whidbey Island Marathon (4/27/02)

Biggest "Bang for the Buck" Marathon
If you're looking for a very good race and an amazing deal, give the May 26th Nissan Buffalo Marathon a shot. The race entry fee of twenty-five dollars includes a free pre-race pasta dinner, which makes this is the deal of the century. Oh, and if you register before April 1, you also receive an extra "Training For the Nissan Buffalo Marathon" t-Shirt at no cost!
Nissan Buffalo Marathon (5/26/02)

Most Expensive Marathon of the Year
At $85 for US/Canada residents and $100 for others, the Washington DC Marathon is this year's most expensive race (there is a discount for DC-area runners and those over 60). But race organizers claim that you'll get your money's worth and more - with the first marathon in two decades to take place entirely within the District of Columbia and to visit all four quadrants of the city. This will be the major new marathon for 2002, so many will run this to say that they were in DC when this major race began... Washington DC Marathon (3/24/02)

New Marathons
Each year there are a number of new marathons in the USA, and here's the roundup for 2002. These races could take you to national parks (Mt. Desert Island) or to capital cities (Washington DC and Des Moines). There's always something special about being part of an inaugural race, so if one of these locations or times fits into your schedule, they are definitely worth considering.
"Last Chance For Boston" Marathon (Columbus, OH) - 2/1/02
This really is the last day to qualify for the Boston Marathon!
Mercedes Marathon (Birmingham, AL) - 2/10/02
Cherry Blossom Festival Marathon (Macon, GA) - 3/23/02
A race in conjunction with the local Cherry Blossom Festival!
Washington DC Marathon (our Nation's Capital!) - 3/24/02
The big new marathon of 2002 and an exciting tour of our nation's capital.
Lakeshore Marathon (Chicago, IL) - 4/21/02
A Race through the parks along Lake Michigan's shore
Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon (Louisville, KY) - 4/27/02
Whidbey Island Marathon (Oak Harbor, WA) - 4/27/02
Who's Bob and Where's Bob - on Whidbey Island with the rest of the runners.
Tri-State Marathon (St. George, UT) -5/25/02
A chance for a PR and to count a marathon in three states as this race descends 4,000 feet on its way from UT to NV.
Des Moines Marathon (Des Moines, IA) - 10/6/02
A major Mid-Western race to take care of those runners who are tired of running Chicago. This should be a good one.
Durango Marathon (Durango, CO) - 10/13/02
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Marathon (Virginia Beach, VA) - 10/20/02
A race across the 20-mile long bridge/tunnel... This race is being directed by Dave McGillivray who also directs the Boston Marathon - should be well organized.
Mount Desert Island Marathon (Bar Harbor, ME) - 10/20/02
Running along the ocean and Acadia National Park in one of the most beautiful locations in the northeast.
Grand Canyon Marathon (Grand Canyon, AZ) - 10/20/02
A race that brings you to the edge of the canyon.

Odd Fact: Female Dominated Marathons from the Far Ends of the US
We think of marathoning as more of a male-dominated sport, but here to prove us wrong are two marathons where the women well outnumber the men. We bring this to you just because it's interesting... and exotic...
Kona Marathon (Keauhou-Kona, HI) - 6/24/02
980 finishers: 628 women and 352 men
Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon (Anchorage, AK) - 6/23/02
2,618 finishers: 1,670 women and 948 men

Biggest Marathons
Everyone always asks: which are the largest US marathon. Here is a list of what we expect will be the largest marathons of 2002 (since they were the largest in 2001), together with the number of finishers each race had in 2001:
Chicago Marathon (Chicago, IL - 10/7/02) - 28,390
New York City Marathon (New York, NY - 11/4/02) - 23,648
Honolulu Marathon (Honololu, HI - 12/9/02) -19,221
City of Los Angeles Marathon (Los Angeles, CA - 3/4/02) - 15,948
Rock 'n' Roll Marathon (San Diego, CA - 6/3/0)2 - 14,932
Marine Corps Marathon (Washington, DC - 10/28/02) - 14,241
Boston Marathon (Boston, MA - 4/16/02) - 13,395
Disney World Marathon (Orlando, FL - 1/7/0)2 - 8,012
Portland Marathon (Portland, OR) - 9/30/02 - 7333
Grandma's Marathon (Duluth, MN - 6/16/02) - 6,699
Twin Cities Marathon (Minneapolis/St.Paul, MN - 10/7/02) - 6,356
Washington DC Marathon (Washington, DC - 3/24/02) - Inaugural Run, but it will join this list, so we've added it already.