The Chicago Marathon is how every marathon should be facilitated.

PROS
- Extremely well run expo. Plenty of space for all the vendors, bag pick up and t shirt swap were well organized. Parking is a little far but that's always the case at McCormick.
- Security on race day is well run. Given the side of Grant Park, everything is well marked and organized smoothly
- Start corrals seemed to be well thought out, most of the people I was running with had a similar pace
- The course itself is flat and fast. Weather was beautiful and crowds were amazing! The course takes you through the best parts of Chicago.
- Post race flow was smooth. It takes a while to get out of the finishing gates but everything is well organized, and you are placed right by the bag pick up once you're out

CONS
- Post race family area can get crowded. Cell service was poor so if you don't have a meet up spot planned, it might be difficult to reconnect with friends and family!

Overall a great race that highlights the great parts of Chicago. Would highly recommend it for first time marathoners.