Time to pick a race

The temperatures have cooled off here, which has made it a great time to run.  In fact, it is almost too cool.  My regimen of elliptical followed by running may have to change.  I use the elliptical as a warm-up for the run, but am drenched to start the run.  I don't mind finishing the run sweaty but starting isn't particularly comfortable.

Since the "every-other-day-training-plan-and-only-add-minute-increments-of-distance" seem to be working (for now), it's probably time to decide on a goal race.  The marathon remains the overall goal but I would like to pick a race to shoot for.  That way, I can actually have a goal instead of just a vision.  (Funny how the corporate "Vision/Strategy/Goal" crap stays with you).  I've got all winter to train, so I'm not worried about having insufficient training time.  And with 6-8 months to prepare, I won't have to squeeze my training into a short period.

So what are the decision points for choosing a race?

• Location - preferably somewhere close to home so that if I expire, Deb won't have too far to transport the body.  Seriously, close to home would be optimal since the preparation wouldn't be a distraction and I could run pieces of the actual course.  I'm not adverse, however, to visiting someplace like Hawaii, Bali, or the eastern Caribbean given the weather.
• Size - I would think that small would be better, although I hate coming in last.  But maybe one of the mega-races would be good.  It might have better logistics, and certainly better swag.
• Time of year - maybe this should be titled "Weather".  Warmer would be good but since most of my training would be during the Kansas winter and I probably wouldn't be acclimated to hot and sweaty, warmer might become a relative term.  Let's just agree that any weather in which I don't have to wear long sleeves and can wear shorts is acceptable.  Wind, however, is highly UNdesireable.  I wonder how I can control that in a spring race?
• Terrain - Duh.  Find me a runner who prefers a hilly course for a first time attempt.
• Partner or solo - Since I have done virtually all my training solo, this is a choice that will be easy.  I'm going solo.  Unless anyone wants to join me.

Any other considerations?