I let my pocket book do the decision on this one. I chose the Milwaukee Marathon over a Marathon Major; Chicago. The price difference was $75 versus $150. I had an incredible time at Chicago last year and the crowds can't be beat, but if I have a chance I'd like to do as many different marathons as I can and not double them up until I really have to when I'm back home living out the rest of my life. I would imagine as I age that I will rack up quite a few San Francisco and San Jose marathons over the upcoming years, but while I'm still in the Army and in distant cities I should try to get as many under my belt as I can. I'm looking at Grandma's marathon; maybe next year.