I will begin training fo rmy first marathon this June and was looking for a fast, flat marathon in the fall. Somewhere, relatively close to me (I live in KY) Eventually I would like to qualify for Boston, but doubt that it would happen the first time around. Any suggestions? Thanks! :D

The Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, Oh isn't flat....

The Air Force Marathon in Dayton, Oh is pretty flat, and the Columbus Marathon is pretty good. According to the Web site, over 18% of the field last year qualified for Boston.

I'll be there this year, and my goal is to qualify for Boston. I just missed by 5 minutes at the Flying Pig this year, and the course is wonderful, but the bridges at miles 1 and 3, then the hill from mile 5 to mile 9 is a killer.

If you want a fun marathon with great support and crowds, the Flying Pig is a great Marathon. Not to mention, the Finishers Medal is really cool.

Chicago, Austin, TX, or Las Vegas. All flat and fast marathons.

Chicago has great crowd support and I think would be the closest to you. Austin is always touch and go on how hot it will be. I have never done Las Vegas but I am going to this year (Dec. 4th), you get to run down the strip.

Hope this helps.

If you wanted to get away for the weekend, the Kiawah Island Marathon in SC is supposedly very flat (I'm considering running it this December).

I'd recommend Chicago as well - it's flat and the fans are unbelievable.. they'll keep you going the whole race.