• Chicago,
    Illinois,
    United States
  • July
  • 3 miles/5K, 6 miles/10K, 13.1 miles/Half Marathon
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Jordan

Chicago, Illinois, United States
21 21
2013
"More running than rock, but taht's not a bad thing"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Jordan 's thoughts:

The turn onto Michigan avenue is one of the most memorable running moments of my life. There is more joy, love and celebration in that cheer section than you might see all year and because of that, this race is more than worth it, it's one you should plan to do every year you are able.

It was my first major expo, the food trials, products and general information was incredible. Every turn was a new protein bar to try or a new bit of compression gear, ultimately I was able to skip lunch because I was overloaded on samples. The sheer size of it in McCormick place is impressive, but also is a great reminder of the size and spirit of the running community. The lines, because there are definitely lines wherever you go, are are full of chatty runners discussing everything from pacing to their plans for post run dinner.

The actual course serves as a trial for those running the Chicago marathon, but also a running tour of the city, you start outside Grant Park and make your way over the river, winding through Chicago's popular downtown hot spots and lesser known areas. There are aid stations well spaced out and cheer stations intermittently from multiple organizations and family members. If you're expecting a whole lot of rock and roll, you might want to lower your expectations. The loneliest quietest stretch comes when you are heading south on the course, there is a long stretch where the only sounds you will h ear are teh pants and footfalls of other runners, but it livens back up for the home stretch. From a traffic officer proudly yelling "you're almost there, welcome to the south side" to the final push past Lake Shore Drive, the end of the race is a monster that will test your resolve and training, but it's worth it.

While any chance you get to run in Chicago should be considered, the sheer size and overall quality of this race demands that you find a way in.

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