This was my first marathon experience EVER! I actually worked for a company that sponsored the event and got a free ride to it (and at the time I had no idea what that meant and that Chicago was a World Major Marathon). I now know what that meant and it truly was a great experience! I had some special treatment at the company tent right at the finish line and with a feast at the start and end of the marathon, but even without all of that, it was a truly amazing experience! Everyone must run this marathon at least once in your life time :) Assuming you're here because you run marathons!