Whether you are chasing a Boston qualifying time or looking for a personal best at any level, the energy of Chicago will guide you to a finish. Similar to NYC, the Chicago Marathon winds you through different neighborhoods without ever taking you out of the city--Absolutely wild. The first 8 miles will fly by as you run through downtown. Your eyes will be plastered on the buildings and your ears will be fill by countless spectators cheering for you. As you explore different neighborhoods of Chicago, you see vignettes of the many cultures that make Chicago what it is. As you come in to the home stretch, make sure you save some power in your legs because you'll finish the race on a slight incline!

Afterwards, the post-race festivities are top quality. If you decide to make the trek down to the Nike Store on Michigan Ave, they applaud you on the way in the store. So cool!

Only critique: given that Nike was the main sponsor of the event, I expected a better race shirt. Other than that, no complaints!