First, let me say that wanting to run a marathon is a noble goal and something to be stride for. I still recall the first time I saw the NYC marathon on TV in 1982 after only starting running for less than a year and deciding to run it the following year. I still keep that medal of the 1983 marathon as a reflection of putting your mind to a goal and reaching that goal in spite of the difficulties involved.

Now First a little note about marathons:
1. There are 3 types of marathons:
     a. Marathons that require qualifying times:
         - US Marathon Trials
         - Boston Marathon                      http://www.bostonmarathon.org

     b. Marathons that always packed and have specific requirements
         and deadlines to be followed to get in:
         - NYC Marathon                         http://www.nycmarathon.org/
         - Chicago Marathon                     http://www.chicagomarathon.com
         - Walt Disney World Marathon     http://www.disneyworldsports.com
         - Marine Corps Marathon             http://www.marinemarathon.com

     c. Low-key marathons that can be entered the day or week before
         the actual race:
         - Philadelphia Marathon             http://www.philadelphiamarathon.com/
         - Hartford Marathon                  http://www.hartfordmarathon.com/
         - Steamtown Marathon              http://www.steamtownmarathon.com/
         - Mardi Gras Marathon              http://www.mardigrasmarathon.com/
         - NJ Shore Marathon                 http://www.njshoremarathon.org

By no means is this an all-inclusive list but just to give you a sample of what to expect.
All the marathons list are excellent marathons that have been run by Club members.

My recommendation is that you apply to get into a Major Marathon like the New York Marathon or any of the other marathons in the "b" list. These marathons are large, well organized, have great crowds to cheer you on, and make that 1st marathon experience one you will never forget! However New York uses the Random Lottery system and you have about a 50/50 chance of getting in. So you should also pick another fall marathon from the "c" list that other club members or friends will be running. A good example would be the Steamtown marathon. If you miss the NYC Lottery, you then focus on doing Steamtown instead.

The next thing on the agenda is HOW to train for a marathon.
There are some excellent info out there on how to train for a first time marathon.
Here is one I would recommend:
http://www.runnersworld.com/training/halmar.html
http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00index.htm

Others & books:
http://www.runningtimes.com/bookstore/marathons.htm
http://www.runnersworld.com/training/marathon.html

The key here is to remember, the marathon distance should not be taken lightly, once you get to 18 miles in a marathon, it all comes back to what training have you done in the last 18 weeks to get ready for this moment. those last 8 miles of a marathon may become the most exhilarating or the most painful time of your life.

What time (if any) should you go for. There is a recommended formula out there that says the time you can do in 800 meters on a track (2 laps), you can do in a marathon. For a first timer marathoner I wouldn't worry too much about that unless you happen to be a Type A kind of person!
Let me explain: If you can run 800M in 4 minutes (8 minutes a mile pace) you can do a 4 hour marathon (9:10 minutes a mile pace) its that simple. pick a 800 meter time that you can do comfortably 4 times on the track.
See: http://www.runnersworld.com/training/yasso800.html for more information.

Finally I would recommend if you want to do a marathon next year that you pick a mentor. Find someone who has done the distance, someone who is also looking to run a marathon(s) next year. Have them guide you, give you advice, suggest races to build you up, and basically keep you on track for your goals. Sometimes it can get difficult in those cold winter months when a fall marathon seems so far off.

Marathon Calendar (local and referenced only):
for a more complete Marathon listing see: http://www.marathonguide.com/

January:
Walt Disney World Marathon       http://www.disneyworldsports.com/

February:
Las Vegas Marathon               http://www.lvmarathon.com/
Mardi Gras Marathon             http://www.mardigrasmarathon.com/

March:
L.A. Marathon                            http://www.lamarathon.com
Washington, D.C. Marathon        http://www.washingtondcmarathon.com

April:
Boston Marathon                       http://www.bostonmarathon.org
NJ Shore Marathon                   http://www.njshoremarathon.org

May:
Long Island Marathon                (516) 572-0251

October:
Chicago Marathon                      http://www.chicagomarathon.com
Steamtown Marathon                 http://www.steamtownmarathon.com/
Hartford Marathon                     http://www.hartfordmarathon.com/
Atlantic City Marathon               http://www.virtualac.com/marathon/
Baltimore Marathon                    http://www.thebaltimoremarathon.com
Marine Corps Marathon            http://www.marinemarathon.com
Mystic Places Marathon            http://www.mysticplacesmarathon.org
Cape Cod Marathon                http://www.capecodmarathon.com

November:
New York City Marathon        http://www.nycmarathon.org/
Philadelphia Marathon              http://www.philadelphiamarathon.com/

Legal disclaimer:
The contents of this email are no assurance of a guaranteed performance or finishing time in any specific marathon, they should be used only as a guide.
How you feel or perform will vary by individual, please see your doctor before attempting any significant exercise program for more specific info on what you can or cannot do!"