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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 701 to 711]
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N. T. from yorkville, Illinois
(10/13/2004)
"Wow, what a rush!!!" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What an energy rush you get off the crowd rounding the Roosevelt Bridge towards the finish. Great course, and the fans were spectacular. | |
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M. S. from San Francisco, California
(10/13/2004)
"Could not ask for anything more!" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I picked Chicago for my first marathon based upon reviews I had read. Everything everyone says about it is true. The course was great and the volunteers and spectators were truly awesome. I would run this marathon again in a heartbeat. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars! | |
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K. T. from Pittsburgh, PA
(10/12/2004)
"A great experience, but getting too big?" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon. I trained consistently and am in reasonable shape so I fared okay over the whole distance but still appreciated the lack of hills! The crowd was indeed great, and my overall experience was pretty positive. But at 40,000+ runners the thing seems to be reaching its limit, if not already too large. For example, the crowds at water stops became really tricky and chaotic and it was really difficult for a beginner like me in the middle of the pack to find and keep an even pace, what with constantly dodging other runners in the crowd - especially in the first 25K. I consciously tried to avoid using up energy for this, but in the end I was still forced to waste a lot on just basic crowd management/avoidance. I'm glad I did it once, but my next marathon definitely won't be nearly that large. | |
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A. S. from Yucaipa, California
(10/12/2004)
"WOW, what an event!" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Crowd support is incredible--I'd heard about it, but experiencing it is something else. What a way to see so many areas of my favorite city in one day. Ann and Ed were great pace group leaders. Thanks so much. | |
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Mark Gershman from Scottsdale, Arizona
(10/12/2004)
"Still the #1 large race in the nation!" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Most marathoners have a race or two in particular that they repeat for various reasons; I was reassured once again why I have returned to Chicago--it simply is THE best large race out there--no one comes close. Despite 40,000 entrants, everything goes off without a lot of hiccups. This race is especially well-suited for first-timers (this year 14,000+). You won't find friendlier and more helpful people anywhere. The expo handles the large crowds well. Packet pick-up is a breeze. They patiently take the time to make sure you like the size shirt you choose (terrific design, too). The staging area is well-marked and monitored. The course is pancake flat with many slight downhills thrown in. Spectators number over a million. The media and City of Chicago knows there's a race in town--they embrace it. Water stops (in biblical proportions)--with Gatorade offered before the water tables---have friendly volunteers that hand it to you with enthusiasm. Neighborhoods come out in full force to cheer you on. Mother Nature adds her autumn palette to make it even more inviting. The finish area is also efficient in execution despite the onslaught of 33,000+ finishers--they congratulate everyone and they hang the medal (high quality) on you. Post-race goodies and beer(!) are plentiful. Yep, they've got one fine-oiled machine. There are endless options for the pre-race meal and many hotels are located within walking distance of the start/finish line. Bonus points also go to the competitive and preferred corrals. If you qualify, you can line up in front of the other 80% or so entrants. Their website keeps current and results are posted quickly. The amazing part is they charge about $70-$80 for this--an extraordinary value compared to what else is out there. When you're looking for THE big race to run; this is it. Don't compare it to other smaller, intimate races--but with their Midwest hospitality, you'll feel like it's a hometown event. Sign up early; it has sold every year for the past few years--and book a room now! | |
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S. T. from USA!
(10/12/2004)
"Great course, but organization a bit lacking." (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 The course was as good as could be in Chicago! Flat, and scenic. But, was disppointed that they ran out of my size race shirt. Perhaps a minor point, but the race closed several weeks ago - they could have gotten it right, especially for the price they charged. Crowd was great, and very supportive. | |
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J. W. from Chicago, IL
(10/12/2004)
"Great for First-Timers" (about: 2004)
First Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my debut marathon and I couldn't have asked for anything better. I was nervous before the race, but the spectators for the first half are outstanding. I didn't like the fact that the last half of the course went through the South Side, which had minimal spectators in parts (which I'm told is historically a problem), but the spectators start to reappear in the last 2-3 miles. But I ran most of the first half of the race on the spectators energy. A must-run marathon. | |
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W. S. from LaGrange, IL
(10/12/2004)
"One wild ride" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 2 Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Aside form the typical accolades (which you'll read plenty of elsewhere) I have one to add: The post-race party is wonderful. There should be a rating for this category because I would also give it five stars. Free food, two free beers, and an excellent band at the grand ballroom of navy pier. Don't miss it. As for the race, yes its crowded but really would you expect it to be otherwise? It wouldn't be Chicago without the crowds, and who in their right mind seeks isolation in a big city? Besides, there ARE ways around it. If you qualify, apply for a preferred or competetive start. This will cut the size of YOUR marathon down to 3-4 thousand or so. Big difference. If you don't qualify, make sure you get to the start corral EARLY. Know your time and line up with and follow the appropriate pacers. The fans are wonderful and I was especially appreciative of the ones through UIC, Taylor Street, Pilsen and Chinatown. I was in a great deal of pain by that time and the cheers and music really helped keep me going. Also a big thanks to the Polish runner's association - their efforts to liven up the West side stretch and the polka band added some badly needed relief. All in all, a great day, a great race, in a great city, and if you haven't yet done it you owe to yourself to run it at least once. The course takes you far off the tourist track, so you'll see places that visitors don't often see. | |
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Rick Kenney from Toronto
(10/12/2004)
"Super crowds, well organized, a little congested" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 If you are from out of town, fly in on the Friday as the traffic from O'Hare is crazy! Take the 'Airport Express' shuttle to save on cab fare. I was worried that the start would be way too slow. I usually run an 8:00 to 8:30 mile off the start and I was at 8:17 at mile 1. It took 5 minutes to get to the start after the gun went off (I lined up at 8:00 pace in the open field). The crowds were fantastic - the entire distance was filled with encouraging supporters. Folks from Chicago are great - they should be proud of how well they cheered. There were a lot of turns on the course and it was tough not to slow down on the corners. The water stations were very crowded. I would suggest they stagger the left/right stations by 100 or 200 yards so that runners can steer clear when they want to skip a station. Overall though - I can't say that the traffic would prevent a PB if you navigate well. BTW - the #3 King bus takes you from Magnificent Mile on Michigan Ave all the way to the expo at McKormick Place. No need to ride a cab. Run this race - you'll be glad you did! | |
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Bryan Saunders from USA
(10/12/2004)
"Organized, Friendly, Fun, Flat" (about: 2004)
3 previous marathons
| 2 Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran this as my first two years ago. The city is electric. The people are great. From the CTA to the race organizers and volunteers. The course is full of people cheering on complete strangers. Plenty of water and Gatorade stations. For first timers to ten timers this is a great race. Put your name on whatever you wear. It helps. |
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