Running (in marathons) has taken up a new level. The craze is like badminton several years ago.
Running is perhaps one of the least expensive sports there is, for a beginner . All you got to do is get a good pair of shoes plus clothes that will not feel heavy and make you sweat buckets, you are good to go.
Investing on a good pair of athletic shoes like mbt shoes or running-specific shoes is a good move.
One can get those wrist watches for time, heart rate monitor, running GPS/camera/camelbacks, music players, sunglasses, at a later stage. This is just my opinion though.
You can run a few blocks in your neighborhood early in the morning or early evening, or even during weekends, no need to pay for any membership fees. Be careful with stray dogs though 
You can read a lot of websites, talk to people who are into the sport and even join running clinics.
There is a website that lists the schedule of marathons one can join. It is no surprise that two-three or even more are happening every week.
Why, there is even a website that lists the songs in the play lists of runner.
Talks to self: “So, wake up early, gear up and go!” 