Bank of America Chicago Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Sabrina M.
Chattanooga, TN

  (07-30-2010)

"The course great... flat and scenic! There were lots of awesome volunteers and the expo was great! It was almost 100 degrees when I ran, but I this has only happened twice for this race. It was in the 70s just a couple of days before the race, so I guess it was just unlucky. My only complaint about this marathon is that they didn\'t have good crowd control. I ran NYC the year before and they did an awesome job at keeping people from crossing the course. In Chicago, I kept having to run around women with baby strollers and others trying to cross the road. It was frustrating to have to slow my pace for this. I still can\'t believe these people don\'t have respect for the marathon. Other than that and the heat, it was a great race. The race organizers did an amazing job helping spectators know where to go and how to get around. My parents came with me to see me run and they loved all the good information."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

sam l.
Chicago, IL

  (03-23-2010)

"Overall fantastic experience.
Great crowds and great scenery through the many neighborhoods of Chicago. Also a very flat course with great traffic control and course layout. The Expo prior is excellent as well. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2007

nancy t.
st louis, MO

  (10-15-2009)

"The people of Chicago and the marathon were great. The spectators definitely get you through. The aid stations and volunteers were wonderful"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

David P.
La Grange, IL

  (10-15-2009)

"The Chicago Marathon is one of the premier marathons in the world -- and for good reason. The organization, crowd support and flat, fast course make it an idea race for everyone from the first-timer to the seasoned vet looking for a personal record (PR).

This year, I was fortunate enough to be in a seeded participant corral (B). Seeded runners get extra amenities: porta-potties that have shorter lines (though still long), separate gear check and water/Gatorade. Nice!

COURSE: The first half of the course is jam-packed with spectators. The second half has several areas that are sparse, but the organizers have made some changes to bring more people into previously desolate areas. Example: there's the Charity Block Party where many charities set up cheer stations. It was awesome to run through!

The last 3 miles are mostly a straight shot up Michigan Ave. This can seem like a 10-mile stretch, so pick something to focus on! The crowd is thin here until the last mile, then they pack the sidewalks.

At mile 26, there's an overpass which is about the only elevation gain on the course, but it feels like Mount Kilimanjaro at that point. Once you make the last turn, the finish line is oh-so-close and inviting!

VOLUNTEERS:
In a word, FANTASTIC! So helpful, encouraging and happy.

SPECTATORS:
I've already mentioned the huge number and great support from spectators. If you are a spectator, it's fairly easy to find several good spots to see your runner. My crew saw me at mile 3, then walked to mile 12 (only a few blocks), then took the 'El' train to mile 19 (a great 'undiscovered' spot) and still made it back to mile 26 for my finish. And I was on 7:55/mile pace.

FINISH AREA and MISC.:
When I crossed the finish line, I must've looked pretty ragged. Immediately, two medical assistants asked how I was. When I admitted to seeing stars, they got on either side of me, put an arm around me and helped me get to the Gatorade station. They made sure I was feeling fine before the left.

The finish area is long, but that helps prevent bunching up from the 33,000 runners who finish. Again, the volunteers handing out medals, beer, bananas, etc. were all wonderful.

I run for the American Cancer Society (ACS) DetermiNation charity runner team. Most of the charities have a tent in Charity Village, which is another great perk. There are separate porta-potties, gear check, changing areas and medial services for Charity Village. Also, many charities have their own amenities. For example, ACS grilled hot dogs and burgers, they had a DJ, massage therapists, a special 'Finish Line' banner and photo backdrop, and confetti guns!

WRAP UP:
The Chicago Marathon is great. I've run it 6 times now (have also run the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C.). This year, I broke my 9-year-old PR, finishing in 3:28.42, qualifying me for Boston! "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Melanie B.
LaVergne, TN

  (10-14-2009)

"I ran this as my fifth marathon and can hands down say it's been my favorite.

The whole race feels like a huge party. In the first mile, we ran under a huge overpass. All the runners started yelling, and the roar from it was unbelievable!

There are TONS of spectators, and I found that wearing my name on my shirt and letting them cheer for me by name was super helpful.

The course is pancake flat other than having to run over a few bridges, but you hardly notice the small incline. You run through a lot of different parts of town, and I found it all to be quite beautiful.

You're always surrounded by people, but I never felt overwhelmed by all the runners or anything. You have to be a little more careful at the water stops, but I never had any issues getting in there and getting what I needed and moving on.

I managed to PR by over 20 minutes on this course, and I think a huge part of it was because of all of the crowds. Your adrenaline keeps you going even when you're tired.

I recommend this race to anyone, and I will definitely be going back again!

They also have a pretty amazing expo with tons of booths and awesome products to sample and buy. I even got to meet Deena Kastor and Dean Karnazes!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Sue G.
Chicago, IL

  (10-13-2009)

"The weather was a little cold this year (freezing temps at the start) but that did not stop spectators from coming out and cheering us on. Amazing, enthusiastic crowds, 8-10 people deep behind the barricades in many places. Beautiful course, flat and easy with plenty of aid stations. A perfect experience for my first marathon. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Claire W.
New York, NY

  (10-13-2009)

"Flat and fast indeed - a PR for me by more than 12 minutes, and a BQ for my training partner! Gear check at the start was tough to get to - 45,000 runners squeezing through one fenced-off entrance - but was close enough to the start corrals that it wasn't too painful to part with warm clothes. Excellent crowd, good music, awesome energy, gorgeous city. Really friendly and accommodating volunteers. Special thanks to the all-male cheer leading squads in Boystown!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Chanthana T.
Chicago, IL

  (09-21-2009)

"Much better with the organization! Once again, it was warm. But remember, we can't control the weather! This year, the race organizers developed an alert system (green flags = great conditions, black flag = stop racing/bad conditions!). There were 20 aid stations - whoa! As usual, spectators were AWESOME! I highly recommend putting your name (in my case, I used my initials) on your shirt to encourage lots of personalized cheers. "Go CT!"
The course to the North is the best because the crowds are so big and we run through my neighborhood. It's a flat, fast course and draws lots of elites."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008

Chanthana T.
Chicago, IL

  (09-21-2009)

"HOT! We all will remember this as "marathon meltdown". It was my first full marathon, and we were all watching the weather so carefully and hoping it was just a joke. We can't control the weather, but we can control how to deal with it. My way to deal was slow down and set my goal of just finishing. Sadly, I didn't get any hydration from the aid station until we were on Stockton Dr (mile 6?)... it's been all a blur. I hit the wall at mile 18 and pretty much ran/walk the rest of the race. *sigh* But I was happy to finish healthfully (no medic tent for me).
I was SO THANKFUL for the spectators who offered their cheers, water, ice, high fives, smiles, encouragement. Chicago, I love you!!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2007

Christina N.
San Francisco, CA

  (08-17-2009)

"I love you, Chicago Marathon!

Yes, I ran in 90 degree heat. Yes, it was 90+ degrees for the majority of the race. Yes, I was always in a huge crowd of others. Yes, I was bumped into, elbowed, and had to pass many who walked on the left side. Yes, it was the best race experience of my life to date.

The crowd support is like no other. Aside from a few stretches, the crowds are large, enthusiastic, and loud! The start line was blaring Born to Run as I embarked on the 26.2 ahead, and a group of people were playing Chariots of Fire around mile 17. You can't beat that! In 2008, the race was well organized, well stocked with water, sports drinks, medical tents, and countless volunteers. The course was entirely flat. The expo was huge, and perhaps the best I've been to. Plus, Chicago is an amazing city with so much to do and see!

I will definitely run The Chicago Marathon again in the future. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

l d.
,

  (08-06-2009)

"I "ran" this race in 2007, the year it was canceled mid-race. I didn't have any issues with water on the course like many complained about, but I had decent corral placement and that could have made a difference. Great run through the city of Chicago as long as the heat cooperates."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2007

Juliana P.
Columbus, OH

  (08-04-2009)

"Great crowd support. The race itself was a bit crowded but overall it was a fantastic experience."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Anne W.
Winfield, IL

  (08-03-2009)

"The Chicago marathon is fantastic for one primary reason - the crowds! Everywhere you go (except for a short jaunt near Comiskey Park) is full of cheering crowds. It's a fantastic way to see the people and the neighborhoods from the city. I plan on going back to it in 2010."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2007

Karena Q.
Washington, DC

  (07-23-2009)

"By far my favorite marathon so far! I chose to run Chicago since I've never been to Chicago AND I heard it was a flat, fast and fun race. All true!

The expo was HUGE and full of fun vendors. They had great marathon gear - nothing cheesy or in obnoxious colors. Plus, the Nike store let everyone know they would be selling finisher gear at the post race celebration!

Race day was a lot hotter than I anticipated but there was plenty of water, gatorade and sponges to go around. The spectators were AWESOME. I couldn't believe how many people came out to cheer - there wasn't an empty spot to be found!

Stayed at a hostel a block or so away from the start and I definitely recommend that future participants check it out! It's the Hostelling International Chicago and the facilities are clean and reasonably priced! I was in a 6-bed room and all but one was running the marathon. Plus, since so many runners opt to stay at the hostel, they offer a pasta dinner the night before :)

I highly recommend this marathon for first timers AND seasoned marathoners!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Phil S.
Petaluma, CA

  (06-19-2009)

"Crazy Chicago weather, but everything else is top notch. Other than the 2007 heat debacle, it's the best organized race around. It's a great tour through the city and the crowds are amazing."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 1999

Jason S.
Chicago, IL

  (06-11-2009)

"This is a world-class race with 40,000+ participants in a beautiful city. Course is pancake-flat. Spectators in excess of 1 million people from start to finish. You pass through many of Chicago's finest neighborhoods. The last 6mi of the course leaves more to be desired. Weather is always unpredictable this time of year. I've seen it flurry and seen nearly 100-degree temps."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2005

Vickie L.
Cary, NC

  (06-10-2009)

"This is a large marathon, about 40,000. The course is flat but I have to say a bit boring. It's pretty windy and cold - you start very early in the am in October. The crowds were only fair, probably because it's cold and early. It's well run but I didn't enjoy it."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2004

Gregory L.
San Francisco, CA

  (05-05-2009)

"This Chicago Marathon was my third marathon overall, and second time specifically doing Chicago. The race lives up to its reputation of being one of the flatest and fastest courses. Add a great supporting crowd, 40000 other people, and you've got a great day to run!

The marathon typically takes place sometime during October, so expect some pretty cold chicago weather. The raceday temperature in the morning was in the high 30's, and there was even a bit of hail coming down the day of the race. The start is in Grant Park, so if you're coming from out of town there are plenty of good hotel options close to the start and finish. Being that the race literally in Chicago, there are lots of great options for food, entertainment, etc. I'd recommend Gibson's Steakhouse for a great post (or pre) race meal.

Raceday was like most races, up before the sun even comes out. The start area can be a little chaotic, so I'd recommended getting there with plenty of time to get yourself situated. I wore a bunch of throw away clothes to start the race, but because it was so cold, I didn't get down to my normal running gear till close to mile 12 or so. You get to go through most of the big chicago neighborhoods and run through streets normally clogged up w/ cars, which is awesome, and the support and sheer size of the race is amazing.

Defintiely one of my all time favorite marathons because of it's size, location, and good old mid western hospitality. Next time I'm back in Chicago in the fall, I definitely plan on doing this one again.
"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2002

Ed C.
San Francisco, CA

  (04-29-2009)

"I ran the Chicago Marathon twice. The first time in 2004 followed by 2005. It's a great race for beginners considering the relatively flat course. There is a tremendous energy that comes when you see a crowd of thousands cheering and supporting you. With the exception of the recent race where it was shortened due to a heatwave, I found this race ideal to run in because of the temperate climate. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2005

Raymond L.
Glen Rock, NJ

  (04-27-2009)

"The Chicago Marathon is one of the fastest tracks due to its relative flatness and as such is used by many runners (faster than me) to qualify for races such as the Boston Marathon. Also, due its relative ease, it is perfect for the novice or “beginning” marathoner or as a long run for the ultra marathoner.

The race is very well organized and the race is run with the usual Midwest considerate and competent efficiency. All of the facilities such as the plentiful porta potties and hydration stations are enthusiastically manned and the weather is usually cooperative. If you run it, keep in mind that the Chicago Hilton Hotel which is right outside of Grant Park, the starting and finishing point of the race, is very runner friendly, offering shelter, rest rooms and even towels for all before, during and after the race. They are really terrific. Finally, if you are interested in running it, be sure to sign up early because registration is first come, first serve and it always sells out!!

While in Chicago, be sure to visit Gibson’s, my all time favorite steakhouse.
"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2002