Disadvantage of extremely small race for my first marathon?
Hi, I'm currently following the Hal Higdons novice 1 program for my first marathon.
I've raced two half marathons in 2024 and 2025, and I'm excited for my first attempt on the full distance.
My local race is an extremely small race (10-15 participants for the marathon distance). It's moderately hilly, with about 450 meters of elevation. It's the same track I've raced the half distance, just with two laps, so it's a familiar course. There won't be any spectators, there are aid stations about every 5 kms. Date august 22nd.
I've been considering switching to a much bigger race (about 10-15k runners split on all the distances - marathon, half, 10k, 5k etc). I expect there will be a big crowd, and a better support apparatus. The course is much flatter. But it will mean I'll have to drive about 6 hours on the day before, and then back again after the run. I might be able to convince my wife and kids to go with me as cheerleaders and as a driver on the way home. Date september 6th.
The local race is my district championship, so even with a 4:30 goal time the chance of snagging a district champion title for my age group, or at least a silver should be pretty good, but it's not really that big a motivator for me, since I'm obviously not a champion runner!
How much does a big crowd mean for a first timer, and how big a disadvantage is a long drive on the day before? I appreciate any advice or your experiences!