Chicago Quarter Marathon

Chicago Quarter Marathon

Chicago Quarter Marathon

( 5 reviews )
80% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Chicago,
    Illinois,
    United States
  • April
  • 13.1 miles/Half Marathon, Other
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Heather

Chicago, Illinois, United States
109 87
2016
"Smaller race - 6.55 miles on the LFP"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Heather 's thoughts:

The Third Annual Chicago Quarter Marathon was held in Chicago on Saturday, March 26, 2016. Weather in Chicago was fantastic for a race: low- to mid-40s and sunny with about 7mph winds. Maybe not ideal for some, but I loved it.

PROS:
+ Through January 25, you received FREE packet shipping for $50.25 (Through February 25: $50.25 (option to add packet shipping for $10) and After February 25/Race Day: $60.25)
+ Packet pickup held at Road Runner Sports Chicago March 19 10am–6pm and March 24 10am–8pm
+ Full-zip red cotton sweatshirt with embroidered logo - nice quality and very soft with two pockets
+ Finisher medal
+ 9:15am start time
+ Allow you to change your jacket size up until Jan 8 - they didn't reveal the jacket until after some had already registered and it wasn't gender specific, so some people might have wanted to change.
+ Start outside of Soldier Field - easy to access via CTA or parking was available at Waldron Deck for $20
+ Course wasn't too congested, even though the start had no corrals or pace line-ups
+ Course went south along LFP and then back north
+ Mile markers and clocks
+ Energetic, motivating, friendly volunteers
+ Post-race snacks included banana, bottled water, and KIND snack bar (your choice of I think three flavors)
+ Bands at post-race
+ Easter Kids' Hop - kids 10 years and under at 10:45 for $7 - each registrant received a t-shirt, treats, and a visit from the easter bunny

CONS:
- There were 3 water stops, but since course was up and back it was like having 6. Each stop had 1 table with lots of volunteers. After the first one at about mile 1, there wasn't any water/cups left at ANY of the stops even though there were plenty of volunteers still around. This didn't matter for me, because I bring my own hydration (partially for reasons like this), but I felt bad for my mom who could have used at least one cup mid-way through. At the turnaround I saw there were a ton of people behind me, which meant none of them would get water either. They need to rethink their strategy for next year. I get it was only 6.55 miles, but not many people need water at mile 1, they probably do around mile 4, so it was unfortunate to see this happen, especially since I thought the rest of the race was managed well. I was getting nervous that they would be out of water at the finish too, but luckily still plenty of treats for the remaining finishers it looked like.
- Didn't bother me, but I'm sure it bothered others that there were no pacing signs for people to line up in the proper spots. I was towards the back and it seemed ok once we started - it thinned out quickly enough and I didn't see too much pushing, but I know there are always those that prefer there to be a specific line-up, so figured it was worth mentioning.

Recap on the blog with more personal details: http://www.heatherrunsthirteenpointone.com/2016/04/chicago-quarter-marathon-recap.html

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