The Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon

( 250 reviews )
99% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Chicago,
    Illinois,
    United States
  • October
  • 3 miles/5K, 26.2 miles/Marathon
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Agnes

Columbus (formerly Chicago), Ohio, United States
33 6
2014
"EPIC race - The Bank of America Chicago Marathon"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Agnes 's thoughts:

On 12 October 2014, I ran my first marathon. What an amazing experience. Although I was plagued by injury the whole summer and I didn't finish in my ideal time, I still managed to cross that finish line and earn a medal. I encourage everyone to run a marathon at least once in their life and the Chicago marathon will be a great race to run.

Some highlights:

Expo -
.....a really fun experience to get the runners pumped up for race day
......it was very easy to pick up the race bib and t-shirt. Volunteers will guide you to the right spot.
......lots of photo opportunities with the Chicago marathon sign as a backdrop
....BIG but not too overwhelming. You could easily and comfortably walk around the expo to get all your free samples of snacks, drinks, energy chews, energy gels, etc
.....there were lines at some of the popular areas such as NIKE but I only waited in line for about 15 minutes. Other lines may take longer

Start corrals
.....it is pretty easy to find your corral. Just follow all the directions and arrive early. Plus, you will be given a race booklet a few weeks before the race (it will be mailed to U.S. residents) or you can get one at the expo. Make sure to briefly skim or read the whole booklet because it has important information for race day
....once my start corral closed, I waited for about 15-20 minutes before my section could leave. I recommend bringing a jacket and/or old pants to wear as you wait to start running because it was a bit cold in the morning. Before starting, you will be able to throw off your old clothes to the side and those clothes will be donated to charity.

Course -
....a beautiful 26.2 mile tour of the city of Chicago
....you'll pass neighbourhoods that really reveal the charm of the city
....my favourite neighbourhoods were Lincoln Park and Pilsen
.....the crowd along the course are sectioned off so they do not interfere with the runners
.....the crowd support was wonderful - so many cheers . I saw a 2 friends holding signs and cheering for me at the course and that gave me the extra motivation to continue running

Bathroom plus Aid and Water stations
......plenty of assistance along the course if you need the bathroom, need medical attention, or water/Gatorade
.......at the water station, the gatorade came first then water. So keep running through the gatorade until you reach the water.
.......water/gatorade came every 2 miles or so
.....sometimes there were lines to use a Porta Potti. I only waited once in line and that was for about 5 minutes long

Race Swag
......you will receive a dri-fit T-shirt at the expo that has "Bank of America Chicago Marathon" printed on the front. This year's t-shirt was grey and simple
---the MEDAL looked great.

Post race
....I didn't get to attend the post race party because I had to leave right away but I heard it was fun
.....the race organizers give our snacks/water at the finish. I think there were bananas too.

I thank all the VOLUNTEERS for putting together a fantastic race. I really had nothing to complain about plus by mile 18, I was already in pain (left knee issues) so I didn't have time to think...haha.

Go ahead and #OWNCHICAGO in 2015. You won't regret it.

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