13.1 Marathon Chicago Official Website

Ray C.
Chicago, IL

  (06-14-2010)

"Overall, I thought that this race was great!!!

Pros:
1) Course: the course was good as it showed a beautiful side of Chicago, that I have never seen before. The course utilized the Lake Shore path instead of the Lake Shore Drive, which offered runners a choice between pavement and crushed limestone. Plus the course was closer to the lake, thus providing more lake breeze relief.
2) Volunteers: This was the first race I have ever done where the volunteers throughout the race yelled and cheered for you by your first name. At each water station, multiple volunteers with cheer for us, yelling our first names - urging us to keep going. This made it more personal between runner and volunteer, and I trully appreciated that.
3) Water Stations - great, and always fully stocked. It seemed that there was water and gatorade at every mile. Excellent placement of aid stations.
4) Race Size: I know this race will probably get more popular, but I liked the race size. This made for a less traffic course. I hope they keep it relatively small-medium number of race participants.
5) Post Race: Deep dish pizza, recovery food, and the blues music... what more can I say.

Cons:
1) Wave start wasnt bad, but it could be improved. At the start of the race, there was a quick narrow turn getting off from the start line. It made everyone slow down right away as we just started a couple of yards back.
2) Race Medal: I know thats its a series, but I think the race medal could be improved. I get that each series site has its own theme (shown in the ribbon), but I wish the actual hardware showed more uniqueness about them."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010