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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 641 to 651]
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R. P. from Buffalo, New York
(6/4/2005)
"Great 1st-time marathon experience!" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran Chicago as my first marathon and it was amazing! I ran with the 4:15 pacing group, and ended up pulling away from them - heavy crowds made the first few miles too slow, then we were racing to keep on pace. The crowd was great, the amount of runners present was energizing. The only downside was the shoulder-to-shoulder running for almost 10 miles before there was any room to move. There was plenty of water, Clif Shots, Gatorade, etc. I would definitely do it again, but only with a preferred start so it wouldn't be so crowded. | |
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A. M. from Ontario, CANADA
(5/22/2005)
"incredible" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is the "gold standard" for marathons. The organization, support, spectators, route were the best one could ever hope for. The citizens of Chicago were friendly and hospitable. I enjoyed the scenic and flat route. Getting a Michelob in the finish chute was nice too! Bring a big wallet though - Chicago is not cheap to visit! | |
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S. S. from Midland, Michigan
(5/21/2005)
"Excellent!! A Must-Run!" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 First marathon I've ever run, and I knew as soon as it was done that I would run 2005. Fans are awesome, race is awesome, the city is always incredible! If you love to run city races, this is one you must do! | |
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J. Y. from Chicago, IL
(5/20/2005)
"Fans excellent, mood/weather awesome... my 1st!" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I felt everything about this marathon was first-rate (though it was my first). I had a great time. Never felt there weren't fans cheering me on. From Boystown to Pilsen, there were people screaming for me and I sort of half walked/ran/crawled my way to the finish line. Running the course was excellent for me because I got to see most of the hoods of Chicago (Gold Coast to Boystown to Pilsen to Chinatown). It was well laid out. The race could be improved though. There was an absolute lack of porta-potties along the course. I'm not for public urination or seeing others do it but I had to go next to a school because there weren't enough porta-potties and I didn't want to wait an hour for one. I also felt the course could have gone more north and thus finished at the Fountain. Instead, what it did was go south towards Pilsen and then back north to the Fountain. It was sort of depressing to pass where I knew I would be finishing to go south. Also, running through Wrigleyville would be awesome. Would love to run right next to Wrigley Field. Hint: Just walk the first mile; don't even bother running because it'll be too crowded. | |
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A. W. from Denver, CO
(5/2/2005)
"2004 Was a Great Race" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the 2004 version, and it was a great experience. The previous marathon that I ran was met with indifference by the spectators--not so in Chicago. There are huge crowds in most places, and they really pump you up. Later in the race (Pilsen, the UIC area, and especially Chinatown) the crowds did wonders for my flagging energy. Water and Gatorade were great on the course. It would be nice to have more gels, or at least, put them prior to mile 17 where people could actually get some benefit from them. The finish is great, but like most of the race, crowded. I finished less than 2 minutes behind a friend and was 500 places behind him. The medals were great. A COUPLE HINTS: The expo at McCormick Place is huge, but if you get there early, there were no lines for packet pickup. It was $15 to park, however. Due to someone's foresight, we participated in something called the 'Team Challenge.' I think it was $20 extra and you get a big tent pre-race, breakfast, many uncrowded porta-potties, gear check, and a huge meal after. And it's all right next to the start. Best $20 I've ever spent; it made the pre- and post-race so much more relaxing. Another tip is to make sure to reserve a cab the night before to take you to the start, and don't plan on being able to find any cabs for hours after. I'm taking the year off to do the Marine Corps, which is the same time of year, but I'll definitely be back to Chicago in '06. | |
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STSCS(SS) Sid Busch,USN(RET) from Goose Creek SC
(4/24/2005)
"What a Marathon" (about: 2005)
50+ previous marathons
| 6+ Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 9th Chicago, and 126th overall, and I will be doing Chicago till I drop. The city, the weather the volunteers and the crowds are second to none. I only have one regret, that the American Airlines Fun Run which took place on the day before the marathon was dropped; it was a great way to stay loose and have a fun run around the lake area and meet fellow marathon runners. Please bring it back. | |
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M. T. from Pittsburgh, PA
(4/21/2005)
"One of my favorites" (about: 2003)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've run quite a few marathons, but Chicago is the greatest. The crowds are terrific and the course is flat and fast. If your looking for a Boston qualifing time, try Chicago. That's were I qualified and heard many say the same at Boston 2005. Give it a try, you'll love it. | |
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L. V. from Dallas, Texas
(4/11/2005)
"A big-time fun marathon experience" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 As everyone knows this race is huge and will live up to all of your expectations. I have run this race twice and have loved it both times. It is a flat, fast course, but if you are a mid-packer don't plan on a PR. The course is great and the city truly supports it. The expo is big time fun with lots of goodies and running celebrities. The city is wonderful, so be sure to add a few days to go sight-seeing. | |
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Andrew Jex from London, England
(4/4/2005)
"One of the very best marathons in the world" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 If I didn't already know how seriously marathon running is taken in the USA, then hearing The Star Spangled Banner sung by one of the competitors before the start left me in no doubt. 30,000 plus competitors stand to attention, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. After that, there's no let-up in the excitement and enthusiasm. One million spectators, a scenic course in one of the most beautiful cities in the world - if you only run one marathon in North America, make it this one. And take time to see the city at a more leisurely pace afterwards. | |
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A. S. from San Diego, California
(4/4/2005)
"The best race in the USA!" (about: 2002)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Chicago is the best race I've run overall. I've also run Big Sur and New York City, and while those both have great courses, they are not as well organized as Chicago. There is literally no wait to start at Chicago, just walk to the corral and you?re off. NYC has a huge wait at Staten Island before the start, up to 5 hours, and also a very late start time, two things that are definitely not as runner-friendly. BSIM also has a cold wait, 1-2 hours, at the start line. |
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