This was my fifth consecutive year running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, which now gives me Legacy Status, meaning as long as I finish five in a 10 year period, I will have guaranteed entry rather than hope for a lottery spot. That right there, my friends, is a huge win! I've been lucky to get in these past five years, and it's all smooth sailing from here on out!

This review is specifically about the 2017 race, but includes my perspective over the past five years.

Race Registration: Like most of the World Marathon Majors, registration is by lottery system. The lottery typically opens the last week in October and is open for about a month. Successful lottery applicants are notified in mid-December, and their credit cards are automatically charged. Bib transfers are not allowed, so if you are applying for a lottery spot, plan to pay for it whether you wind up running the race or not.

Pre-Race Notifications: Once notified of successful registration, there is a bit of a lull in information received. Starting in May, however, monthly e-mails are sent with important updates about the race. Links to training plans are provided along with lots of other useful information for planning for race day. More frequent e-mails are sent in the final weeks leading up to the race.

Parking/Hotels: It’s Chicago. It’s expensive. We splurge on hotels since it’s such a big event, but you can stay off the beaten path for much less $$$. Parking is expensive (it’s Chicago!), so public transportation is your best bet.

Race Expo: I have run a number of races in the past five years, and the Chicago Marathon Expo is by far the best. Held at McCormick Place, it is absolutely huge, which can be overwhelming for some. Shuttles are available to transport runners from several area hotels. Parking is also available at McCormick Place, but it is an ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE trying to leave the parking garage, so plan to either shuttle or Uber/Lyft your way there. You will thank me later! The expo itself is well organized and laid out, with ID verification at the entrance and packet pickup at the back of the huge hall. With 40K+ runners, the process is surprising streamlined and goes very quickly. Lots of vendors are there displaying their products, with a number of booths designed to educate runners and help them succeed in their race goals. There is a Nike Pace Team booth where runners can discuss their goals and match up with the right (free) pace team.

Race Swag: Runners receive race shirts that come in either men’s or women’s sizes (waaaaay better than drowning in a unisex shirt!) There is typically nothing very special about these shirts, but they are of good quality and the color and design vary from year to year. A very nice feature of this race is that stations are set up for shirt exchange in case what you ordered doesn't fit. Other than that, there are just a few coupons and samples (like gummy vitamins or band-aids) in the swag bag. Many runners miss the free posters that are available at the entrance to the expo. Artists are commissioned each year to come up with an original design depicting the race. Some people love them; some people hate them. I have all of mine framed in my home gym.

Race Morning: There is a security checkpoint for all runners entering the course. Security is not as tight as one might expect for such a large venue. Lines move quickly and corrals are clearly marked. Security does not seem too strict in terms of people lining up in the wrong corrals. Photographers are everywhere at the race start, and there is music blaring with a typically fun announcer keeping the runners energized before the race.

The Race: Runners go off in waves according to corrals, so those at the back of the bus can expect to cross the starting line a good 15 to 20 minutes after the official race start. In the interest of time, I won’t include the details, but the race course winds through 27 distinct neighborhoods of the city. Having lived on the West Side of Chicago the first 25 years of my life, I absolutely love this 26.2 mile trip down memory lane! Some of the highlights include running through Chinatown, Pilsen, and Boys Town, where you will experience some of our best cultural and ethnic flair! Chicago is known for its flat course, so there is very little elevation throughout the race. But in a cruel twist, as your make the final turn onto what is known as Mount Roosevelt, there is a steady incline for the last quarter mile or so before you make it to the finish.

Porta-potties/Aid Stations/Security: Plenty of each…’nuf said!

Spectators/Fan Support: Nothing will ever beat this. An estimated 1.7 million spectators cheer the runners on throughout the course! Spectator support is a bit sparse between miles 22 and 24, but other than that, people are lined up elbow-to-elbow supporting runners throughout the race. Expect to be offered water, candy, pretzels, tissues, and even beer from enthusiastic spectators along the entire course!

Post-Race: Exceptional. Almost immediately past the finish line and after having your finisher’s medal placed around your neck, you can pick up your ice-cold Goose Island beer, along with a bag of goodies to help replenish yourself. Of course there is water, plus a good number of race photographers available to take those post-race finisher photos.

Race Management: Top notch. After 45 years, every detail is well-managed and down to a tee. I suppose people will always find room for improvement, but pulling off such a huge event where there are many unknowns (there can be a 40 or more degree temperature difference from year to year) is no small feat. I commend everyone involved, and am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the race for the past five years!