Back to Lakeshore Marathon Information & Reviews
A Runner from Singapore
(4/22/2002)
"A windy and wet race" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 There were insufficient markers. The markers that WERE laid out were sometimes misleading. The wind might have blown the markers so that the arrow pointed another way instead. I believe I was the last person on the course so there was no one to guide me and i got lost for a time, which was a terrible feeling when you are just desperately trying to finish the course. It was very cold. Maybe the race should not be held so close to the waves as sometimes the waves splash onto us while we are running. The volunteers, however, were fantastic and they made the race a success for me. There should also be more mile markers. | |
disappointed runner from Chicago, IL
(4/22/2002)
"First and Last time!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 The course was awful. I wonder if anyone from the race organizer's office actually saw what they made us run on, especially on the so called 'new' Lakefront path east of Waveland golf course (yes, the part where we had to jump down off the 5 foot concrete structure). The weather was rainy, cold, windy & wet....a typical Chicago day in April. The mileage markers at miles 13 and 23 were nice, but what about the rest of the course? The post marathon fruit basket was nice, but how about some real post marathon food. We paid enough for the entrance fee, didn't we? The only good thing that I have to say is that the course volunteers were great! Kudos to them! | |
A Runner from Columbia, SC
(4/22/2002)
"Beautiful Day" (General Comments)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 This race was like a mini-ironman. At one point, it was about 38 degrees and I was being attacked by wind and water from the lake. This was a very scenic course, but there were few mile markers and there were several spots where you could've made a wrong turn without directions from spectators. $85 dollars is not cheap by race standards, especially when the support staff are all volunteers. I expected a little more in the way of organization. The post race massage guys didn't show, but some great chiropractors were there. The pre-race expo was not impressive for a large-city marathon. I know the weather was unusually cold, but some pre and post race warm up tents would have been nice. Thanks to the great people of Chicago who came out as volunteers and spectators. | |
A Runner from Bolingbrook, Illinois
(4/22/2002)
"Great course--terrible organization" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 Being from Chicagoland, I knew I was risking weather like we had--knew the wind could definitely be a factor, and it was! Can't control that, but lots of things could be done better. This was my first marathon, but I have done many races, very few this bad! Web info was scarce and late; hardly any mile markers; not enough volunteers on course between water stations. While the lakeshore is terrific for running in general, there were a couple places where the terrain was bad--and running on the walls to keep from getting hit from the lake waves was also tough. Kudos to all the volunteers who did a great job on a horrible day--without them the race would have been a disaster. The expo was a joke; when I finished (very late) the only food available were whole oranges (not cut up to eat); and dried fruit. And, this was the first race you didn't get your t-shirt until you finished--for that much money, I want my t-shirt no matter what. I don't think I'd do this race again if it survives, due to organization, not weather. | |
IRUN42K from OH
(4/22/2002)
"nice course, economic ripoff" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 I tried to register 3x in December using 2 credit cards, no success. I contacted to organisers, no response. In January, when the entry fee had increased to $85, I registered first try! I again contacted the organisers, again no reply. Coincidence? I don't think so. The volunteers did a great job in very cold windy conditions, the course was well indicated, but for $85 dollars I expected more mile markers than 3, 6, 7, 13.1, 25 and 26.....didn't they have enough money? At about mile 10?11? or ?, runners should not have to climb onto a 2foot high wall then jump down 4 feet in order to continue the race. As for the Expo? What Expo?The organisers should have run the new DC Marathon to see what a new race should look like. | |
A Runner from Milwaukee, Wisconsin
(4/21/2002)
"The Windy City Proves Itself Again" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Mix a little rain with a little wind and some great fans, neat scenery, and a good cause and the end product is the Lakeshore Marathon. It was a class-act. The only complaint I have is the lack of mile markers. We middle-of-the-packers, need the mental stimulus of knowing what we have accomplished and what lies ahead of us. Overall, I was quite impressed with the organization and the spectators. | |
A Runner from Belvidere, Illinois.
(4/21/2002)
"VERY DISAPPOINTED" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 The course was laid out very poorly. The expo? was a joke. A sign up fee for $75? For what? I won't complain about the weather because you have no control over that and I felt sorry for your voulunteers; they deserve medals for braving the rain and cold. | |
A Runner from Wisconsin
(4/21/2002)
"Few mile markers, wet muddy course, Reg $$$" (General Comments)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 My biggest complaint was that I never knew where I was on the course. I think I saw 2 mile markers. There was a clock at the half way point. The wet and muddy course is understandable. You can't control Mother Nature. The race did start right on time. The registration fee was high ($95). The info on the Web site was inadequate. I don't think I'll be back if this race survives. | |
A Runner from Chicago, Illinois
(4/3/2002)
"Great Race for Views, Easy Terrain and Weathe" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This is going to be a phenomenal marathon due to the flat terrain, phenomenal views and great running temps. I have been helping a friend train for this marathon along the course and you will genuinely enjoy running along Lake Michigan and through the parks here in Chicago. Since this is the first time the race will be run I can't comment on organization. |
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