This was my very first marathon. I've been saying it's my last, but its because running a marathon is the hardest thing I have ever done. The energy you get while running this race is simply indescribable. You get such a high and running through each neighborhood is a different experience. The north-side is crazy packed with fan. UIC has the coolest drum line right out front of the university. You get to see the best dancers in little Mexico as well as little Korea. The chicagoans really enjoy supporting their marathon runners. If I ever decide to run a marathon again, hands down this would be the one. Everything about this race was great from the expo, to the swag. You can also get to any part of the marathon course using Chicago's public transit. Great, great race!!