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☰
Chicago Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Chicago Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.7 
Organization 4.3 
Spectators 4.9
Number of comments: 949 [displaying comments 191 to 201]
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P. H. from IL
(10/17/2009)
"One Great Race - Thousands of Great Spectators" (about: 2009)
4-5 previous marathons
| 3 Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It started out cold - and it never warmed up much. That was much better than the past couple of years, when the heat was punishing, and better than three years ago, when a slushy mess was coming down at the start. Anyway, what makes this race incredible was the support from the volunteers passing out water to the spectators looking me in the eye giving a big smile, the cowbells, the oranges in Pilsen, deafening cheers from Roosevelt to Columbus to the folks at the end putting on Mylar blankets and getting me to a warming tent. I cannot say enough good things about them - at least I got to keep my legs warm by running. These fine people came out in spite of the cold. | |
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C. B. from Rolling Meadows, IL
(10/16/2009)
"Amazing race!!!" (about: 2009)
3 previous marathons
| 2 Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 After running my first marathon in Chicago '07, I was hesitant to do another Chicago Marathon before I saw that the race organizers could be better prepared. After seeing the same heat in '08 without the terrible consequences, I decided to register for Chicago '09. This was probably the best decision I have made all year. The course is fast and flat, aid stations were plentiful and well-stocked, I stayed hydrated through the entire race, and the crowd support was NEVER lacking. The only thing about running Chicago is that the race is very crowded. I ran with the 4:30's, and the crowd started to split up late in the race (mile 19). I did not plan on running another Chicago Marathon for awhile (as I am looking at other states), but after such a positive and exciting experience this year, I will feel sad to NOT be doing Chicago in '10! Great job, Chicago! | |
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B Peabody from Roswell, GA
(10/15/2009)
"Thank You, Chicago!" (about: 2009)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Everything about this race is top notch - the volunteers, the scenic course, the thoughtful touches, the beer - uh, carb replenishment at the end, the smooth start, abundant porta-potties, and the aid stations that spanned two city blocks. And then there are all of those vocal, supportive spectators - 1.5 million-strong. OK, the weather was brisk, a marked change from the previous two years' running, but all that was forgotten in the warm reception I got on the course, in the corrals and at and beyond the finish. This is the finest race I have yet been part of. Thanks to all of the Chicagoans who made this race spectacular! | |
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J. P. from New York, NY
(10/15/2009)
"Overall a great race - just a little too cold" (about: 2009)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my third marathon and my first Chicago (I've also run NYC and Boston). Chicago is a great big-city race and it's a fantastic course on which to run a PR. People weren't exaggerating when they said it was flat and fast! Pros: Spectators were great; there were plenty of water stops and snacks along the way; getting through the finishing area was easy; the start and finish in Grant Park were easy to get to and from. Cons: The transportation to the expo really sucked (45-minutes wait), and once we arrived at the expo, we had to walk all of the way to the back to pick up our tech shirts and bags. The course itself had a lot of sharp turns, which sometimes became congested. The weather in Chicago in October is also very unpredictable - last year it was in the 80's and this year it was only 40 degrees by the time I finished. | |
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C. B. from Baltimore, MD
(10/15/2009)
"THE BEST!" (about: 2009)
3 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I can't imagine a better marathon - it was SO well organized, with THE BEST spectators and volunteers! I was the least prepared for this one of any others I'd done, BUT it was still the BEST! I loved it and want to do it again next year! | |
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R. T. from Chicago, IL
(10/15/2009)
"Another year, another spectacular event" (about: 2009)
4-5 previous marathons
| 4-5 Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 All five of my marathons have been in Chicago, even when I lived elsewhere. I think it is such a spectacular event and so well-organized that I am wary to try something that might not measure up! I love the energy and am amazed every year that such a large race can be so fun and conducive to a PR. My one complaint is the seeded gear check. I felt fortunate to check my gear so close to the start corrals, but after the race I found myself in a wrap-around line for an hour to retrieve my bag. It stands to reason that a lot of the runners in the same seeding will finish at the same time - perhaps stagger the bib numbers? The shivering while waiting was more painful than the race! Still, kudos to the organizers, volunteers, city, and fellow runners. I will be back. | |
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J. B. from Hamburg, Germany
(10/14/2009)
"It was awesome - in spite of the cold" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my 14th marathon and my fourth in a row in Chicago. After the heat disaster in 2007 and some knee problems in 2006, everything finally went well in 2009. I set a new record: 3:14:34! I got the Boston qualification and will be back next year! | |
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M. G. from Arizona
(10/14/2009)
"Chicago still delivers year after year" (about: 2009)
50+ previous marathons
| 6+ Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Whether this is your first Chicago, you're here again, or it's your first marathon ever, you can't pick a better race. An army of friendly volunteers, a well organized start and finish, a race that starts precisely on time, course amenities in biblical proportions, and a flat trip through 29 neighborhoods - what's not to like? Media coverage is extensive, a million-plus watch from the sidelines, and Midwest hospitality never fails. This race is the one you'll embrace forever. Sign up early; all 45,000 slots go by mid-April. Thanks to everyone in Chicago again. | |
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P. B. from Atlanta, GA
(10/13/2009)
"Outstanding" (about: 2009)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Hold your heads up high, Chicago. You didn't get the Olympics, but you put on a world-class marathon. Thanks to all of the volunteers who made it possible! | |
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K. D. from Chicago, IL
(10/13/2009)
"Chicago Native" (about: 2009)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I was at first a bit nervous entering the 2009 Chicago Marathon, considering how I had heard that it was very overcrowded. I was VERY pleased to find how much space I had to run and all the support along the way. I could not imagine all of the work and organization it took to host this great event - and it was excellent. I loved all the neighborhoods and being from Chicago,it was even more exciting to see all of the diversity and life in the city. The cheers truly provided an adrenaline rush the whole way. I would recommend this marathon to anyone. You will run a solid time considering how flat and fast the course is. It was my first marathon and I think I will do it again down the road. My only recommendation is to select one spot for your family and friends to look for you. The sidelines are abundantly crowded, and if you don't have a designated spot, you will be sure to miss each other. Besides that, enjoy it - it is a blast! Be prepared for any weather conditions... after all, it is Chicago! |
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