Question about 2009 Philadelphia Marathon

Good morning! 

First, a little bit about me...  I have been running for about 4 years now and started out at 340 lbs.  I am now down to 240 lbs and still going.  I have competed in several 5Ks just ran my first half marathon at the Spinx Runfest in Greenville, SC.  I am also a volunteer coach with the local Fleet Feet store in Greenville, SC for their No Boundaries Couch to 5K group!  Suffice to say, I have been blessed in that regard.
 
Yet, I am left wanting more...  I am really thinking about registering for the Philadelphia Marathon in 2009.  I have heard it said on a few occasions that it is one of the flatter marathons in the country.  I figure I can use the next 5+ months to ensure I have a good, healthy base of miles before really getting into the training thereafter.  I have looked at several training plans and feel pretty good about the general direction I am heading in there.  I will definitely err on the side of caution when increasing miles.
 
All of that said, my question to you is this...  Would you say the Philadelphia Marathon is a good one for a first timer?  How would you describe the course?  I do not want something completely flat, but not Big Sur either (from what I have heard).  I am not expecting miracles on my pace as I am definitely a back-half-of-the-pack runner. As Philadelphia is close to my old hometown of Lehigh Valley, PA, this would be a great venue for me, I think.  I just want to make certain I am not biting off more than I can chew, course-wise.

I look forward to hearing from you!
--
Be well,
Dan Herman, Lead Coach
Fleet Feet Greenville's No Boundaries Program

Hello Dan,

I have run all 15 editions of the Philadelphia Marathon. I also lived in the city a few years, so I know the course and the area very well.

In response to your questions...
Q: Would you say the Philadelphia Marathon is a good one for a first timer?

A: Philadelphia is a good choice for first timers for a number of reasons. In addition to being a well-organized race, it is very scenic. And, the second half of the course is basically out and back. So, you not only see what you will be running for the final few miles before you actually get there, but you also have the advantage of seeing other runners going out and coming back. Seeing them and cheering for each other really elevates your energy over those final miles.

Q: How would you describe the course?
A: The course is not as flat as it appears to be in some elevation charts. But, then again, you stated you don't want a completely flat course. There are a few climbs, but nothing monumental. The elevation changes are just enough to work your leg muscles in a different way, to give you a break from the repetitive pounding of flat running. You won't get anything for free (in other words, there is not a net drop in elevation), but, a lot of runners run very fast on this course.

Here is an elevation chart:
http://www.marathonguide.com/coursemaps/elevationchart.cfm?MIDD=479081123 [marathonguide.com]

If you have any specific questions, let me know.

Good luck!

Thanks for your response.  Philadelphia was my first choice for a marathon, and I believe I will stick with it.  That is where I want to be.  To run Rocket City in Huntsville, AL or Kiawah Island in SC would just not be the same, even though they are geographically closer to me now.