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Latest reviews by John
John recommends this race
(2014)
"2014 Chicago Marathon Review from a Marathon virgin."
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This was my FIRST marathon. It was an absolutely incredible experience from start to finish.
The communication from the marathon was more than adequate. The Expo was great. Very easy to get through and get what we needed for the race.
I was very impressed with the course and the crowds. There weren't too many times I didn't see someone cheering for us along the entire route.
It was a little crowded at the beginning but thinned out nicely by the 2nd mile. After that I didn't have to slow down because of too many people. I did do a fair amount of weaving in and out to keep my pace, but that's okay. I was in the right corral. My finish time was within 9 seconds of what I predicted. Not bad.
I also volunteered for the EXPO and worked in the Information Booth for 2 shifts.
Everyone associated with the race was exceptional. I really didn't have a bad experience anywhere or at any time.
I would highly recommend running the Chicago Marathon and plan to do so again next year.
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John recommends this race
(2014)
"Third of Four Half Marathons This Summer"
Overall
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Last year, I ran the Hyundai 5k while my friends ran the half, since I was nursing an injury. This year I was able to run the half.
Very impressed with the race. I thought it was very well managed. It went off on time, and the course was well marked. A bit crowded at first, but that's okay. The stretch on Lake Shore Dr. was wonderful. I was worried about the new black top, but it turned out that it was fine.
The post race party was a bit too crowded for my taste. We didn't even try to get into the beer area it was so crowded.
Times popped up right away.
I loved the fact that my name was on my bib. Heard my name a few times during the race, yelled by spectators.
Overall, great experience. I will be back next year.
John recommends this race
(2014)
"A River RUNS Through It."
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Overall, I really liked this race. We shared the first 8 miles with the marathon runners, and then a few spots past that during our 13.1 miles. The running along the Mississippi was very picturesque. The course was relatively flat with the exception of the first 3 - 4 miles. I really enjoyed the run across Arsenal Island. The Army Depot is normally not accessible, and running past the 2 national cemeteries was an added bonus. There were a few spots where the recreational paths were torn up with loose gravel and uneven footing, but they were mostly on the army base. The only negative that I saw was that there weren't enough aid stations. After we finished, we cheered on our friend who was running her first marathon. It got hot and I felt bad for those who were still out running in the heat with not much support and hardly any people to cheer them on.
John recommends this race
(2014)
"With a Beer Garden at the Finish Line"
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Overall, I was very happy with the race. 840 participants. These were serious runners. I didn't see any walkers, and only one tutu. My age group is M 55-59. I had a time of 2:04 and finished 19th in my age group.
A double loop at the beginning then an out and back after that. A bit crowded at the start but it thinned out pretty quickly. Water/Gatorade stations were about right. They provided no fuel during the race.
The after party was great. Full breakfast for you and your friends, and all the beer you could drink. They actually announced during awards that they had cracked their 10th keg. Another race record apparently.
Pretty flat overall. No streets to cross. All inside the park, or along a trail that went under the city streets.
Neat atmosphere. I would definitely do it again.
John recommends this race
(2014)
"I Rocked Those Hills !!"
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I have run in over 50 races from 1 milers to half marathons. I LOVED this event. Drove from Chicago the night before and stayed over. The community goes all out for this.
The big hill at the beginning wasn't as hard as I anticipated. I ran the whole 7 miles. Walked through 1 water station.
It was crowded. However I had no illusion I was going to set any hype of speed record. I enjoy dodging and weaving though the crowds. Ran most of the Kirkwood Rd. Stretch in the grass in the boulevard.
The whole course was alive with people watching. Someone had staked down 3 large tarps in the boulevard and had water on it. It was a huge slip and slide. I saw several running hardly breaks ride as they dove through it.
They gave out a simple medal because it was the 40th anniversary.
The post race party was crowded but it was awesome. Fruit, munchies, beer was all plentiful. The Michelob Ultra was free and you could drink as much as you wanted.
This was the first time I had run it. I will definitely go back.
A great experience.