Turn on the television and you will rarely see running. On the odd occasions you do, it is normally a major marathon, and you'll watch elite runners whisk through the city streets of New York and Boston on their way to finishing in just about two hours. Yet, for the rest of the world that loves running for the silent, self-driven discipline that it is, the glory of the sport happens on the weekends, when countless individuals meet and compete on city roads and in rural parks. But, while these venues are wonderful, you have experienced nothing until you've run in the mountains.

In Asheville, North Carolina, in the spectacular Swannanoa Valley, resides a race that will exceed the expectations of any runner, and it will, after finishing, inject each participant with a sense of pride felt little before. The course, set on challenging terrain over a 10k distance, climbs just over 1500 feet in the first few miles; however, that is child's play compared to what happens thereafter.

Runners will then abruptly work to summit Choctaw Rock, which is a total of 3800 feet, leaving them over 2300 additional feet to traverse after the opening miles. Once they arrive at the top, they will work to navigate a tight ridgeline along their way to the 3900 foot summit of Eden Rock. Afterwards, they complete a rapid downhill to the shore of Lake Eden and the well-earned finish line.

Runners are cautioned to essentially double their normal 10k time, and most come to realize that they can in no way run the entire course, as it is a technical and tactical monster that will confront your every flaw and weakness. The terrain, dominated by heavy roots, rocks, downed trees, and steep inclines, makes the experience a memorable one, and the true physical beauty of the surroundings will capture your eye as you work harder than you ever have in a pair of sneakers.

Although it eclipses just over six miles, the race runs much longer and harder. If you are up for a challenge, head to the mountains and give this one a go.

Running a marathon is not always for the professionals. Beginners also can get in on the fun. A good starter marathon is the Newport Marathon on the Oregon coast. While this is a good qualifying race for the Boston marathon, the Newport Marathon is calm enough for novices. This race is mainly on flat terrain, with just one small hill that's about 40 feet high. The path is pretty much asphalt. In this simple, but fun marathon, runners can experience the great scenery of Yaquina Bay State Park. The supposed haunted lighthouse is another popular feature. This is where the race starts.

Since the terrain is not exactly rough, the best shoes are those that are designed for asphalt and city life. They also should be lightweight, durable enough for running, and should have an active, but comfortable fit. High performance walking shoes often will work for a race like this.

Getting back to the race, runners can expect very short hills through the city of Newport. Run from the bay to the neighborhoods. City houses, shops, as well as a fishing village all are a part of the interesting scenery to be encountered. The Newport Marathon race is a loop around the city. Therefore, the start and the finish are essentially in the same location. The river estuary provides for a great view while participating in the race.

Weather for this race averages around 50 - 60 degrees Fahrenheit. A windbreaker would be a good idea in this type of racing condition. Since running requires plenty of movement, the windbreaker should be loose enough for movement, but snug enough to stay in place. Basically, look for a perfect fit in this case. Bulky clothing could get in the way during running, so be sure it also is lightweight.

Once the race is over, many like to enjoy the various restaurants located along the marathon course. If energy levels are still up, consider a walk along the water's edge to enjoy the bridge, the lighthouse, and other natural beauty. If all you want to do is rest, instead consider a picnic in the beautiful Yaquina Bay State Park.

SOURCE:
http://www.newportmarathon.org

The 112 Boston Marathon commenced on April 21, 2008. It consisted of a point-to-point course that took runners from Hopkinton, Mass., to Back Bay in Boston. It was a record-breaking year for a couple of reasons. First of all the prize purse was nearly 40 percent more than last year's and the women's elite race was so close that first and second place were separated by only two seconds.

Boston Marathon Statistics

There were 25,283 runners that entered the Boston Marathon this year, 22,375 of which started the race and all but 1.8 percent finished. About 41 percent of the runner population was made up of women and 122 were older than age 70. In the wheelchair division there were 16 entrants that started the race and all 16 finished the race. In the handcycle division there were 12 entries.

Boston Marathon Prize Purse

This was a record-breaking year for this historical marathon event. Up 38 percent from last year, this event offered $796,000 in prize money. This money was split between the open division, masters division and wheelchair/handcycle divisions. In the open division, equal prize money was given to the top finishers in the men's and women's divisions. First place winners received $150,000, second place winners received $75,000 and third place winners received $40,000. Other cash prizes in lower denominations were also awarded to fourth through 15th place winners.

In the master's division five cash prizes were awarded. First place winners received $10,000, second place winners received $5,000, third place was awarded $2,500, fourth place was awarded $1,500 and fifth place was awarded $1,000.

Top Female Finishers</strong><p>The time different between first place and fifth place in the women's elite division was less than five minutes. The top finisher was Dire Tune from Ethiopia with a time of 2:25:25. In second place was Alevtina Biktimirova from Russia with a time of 2:25:27, a mere two second difference. In third place was Rita Jeptoo of Kenya with a time of 2:26:34, in fourth place was Jelena Prokopcuka from Latvia with a time of 2:28:12 and in fifth place was Askale Tafa Magarsa also from Ethiopia with a time of 2:29:48. In sixth place was Bruna Genovese of Italy with a time of 2:30:52, in seventh place was Nuta Olaru from Romania with a time of 2:33:56, in eighth place was Robe Tola Guta from Ethiopia with a time of 2:34:37, in ninth place was Lidiya Grigoryeva from Russia with a time of 2:35:37 and in tenth place was Stephanie A. Hood from Canada with a time of 2:44:44.

Top Male Finishers

The male elite race was just as tight as the women's race, however, times were spread out slightly more. In first place was Robert K. Cheruiyot from Kenya with a time of 2:07:46. Cheruiyot is a repeat winner of the Boston Marathon. In second place was Abderrahime Bouramdune with a time of 2:09:04. Kahlil E. Boumlili came in third with a time of 2:10:35, Gashaw Asfaw from Ethiopia came in fourth with a time of 2:10:42 and Kasime Adillo, also from Ethiopia, came in fifth place with a time of 2:12:24.