This was my first marathon and an awesome experience. You get to see many of the highlights of Chicago. Also, the aid stations are great, every person there really acts like they want to be there. There are spectators throughout the entire race cheering you on. A downside is that the race is very large and if you don't have a seeded position, you may be starting the race up to forty minutes after the actual start of the race. However, I don't think that should be a deterrent for someone who wants to run this race. Everyone should have the experience to run Chicago.