Good marathons in Europe for a beginner?

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DiscoSteve Jul 2012 9:15pm, 26 Jul 2012 176 posts	0 DiscoSteve Ok, I've finally decided I might possibly think of doing a marathon next year, possibly in the Spring. Would like to go somewhere abroad where we can make a long weekend of it and see the sights as well, can anyone recommend a good one for a beginner? Thinking possibly Vienna in April, always fancied going there, anyone does this one? All advice (including along the lines of 'don't do it') gratefully received.
Nelly Jul 2012 9:22pm, 26 Jul 2012 515 posts	0 Nelly Steve, maybe start by having a read here http://www.fetcheveryone.com/viewtopic.php?id=45982 Oh, and don't up your training too much so that you start stealing back my conquer code zones
DeeGee Jul 2012 9:24pm, 26 Jul 2012 12,396 posts	0 DeeGee Paris. Especially if you are going with someone. Nice and big, but fantastic views along the whole course, and not too far from home. If you have supporters, then they can catch you twice, or see you off at the start, catch you at the Louvre and still make the finish.
shyfire Jul 2012 9:36pm, 26 Jul 2012 362 posts	0 shyfire Another vote for springtime in Paris.
WA (Windassisted) Jul 2012 9:38pm, 26 Jul 2012 3,612 posts	0 WA (Windassisted) Paris. It's a lovely city, and the marathon is flat and scenic. I've not done Vienna, so can't comment on that one.
Stander Jul 2012 9:45pm, 26 Jul 2012 9,289 posts	0 Stander Malta. February.
Foxy Jul 2012 9:47pm, 26 Jul 2012 27,569 posts	0 Foxy I'm gonna go against the grain - I think Paris isn't the greatest on Organistion. Barcelona is in my opinion the pick of the bigger Europena road marathons in Spring 18000 so about half the size of Paris, flatter than Paris without some of the botttle necks.
Binks Jul 2012 9:51pm, 26 Jul 2012 5,511 posts	0 Binks I've done Paris twice and hated it both times. Beautiful city, beautiful course, abysmal organisation. Not good for beginners or experienced runners alike. Here is my unbiased view runningandstuff.squarespace.com Prague is good.
OllyW Jul 2012 9:58pm, 26 Jul 2012 5,481 posts	0 OllyW I'm not a fan of Paris either. I can report excellent medical facilities at the finish and hot nurses from the Red Cross. Sadly, given that they shoved ice-packs down my shorts to deal with an 'overheating issue' they didn't see me at my best... I can heartily recommend Frankfurt. Great size of field, perfect organisation and big disco finish
Binks Jul 2012 10:07pm, 26 Jul 2012 5,512 posts	0 Binks Is Rome in spring? I've heard that's good. Be careful with French and Italian marathons though as they all need medical certificates.