I will admit that this is only the second race of this size I've ever run, and both times I've run a large race I've been disappointed in both the start and finish line organization.

In this case, although the start line was really chaotic, I was mostly disappointed in the finish line. Spectators were unsure of where to be, the post-race food and drink were too far away (and not clearly labeled), and the area surrounding the food, drink, and massages was WAY TOO congested (and there were no Mylar blankets available). Also, I was very disappointed in the finish-line race photography.

However, the course itself was great and there were spectators the entire way for the half-marathon. The course volunteers were wonderful and I appreciate everything they did.

Overall, the race went very well. The weather cooperated, the course was well-marked (despite my concerns about covering Green Street three different times), the aid and course officials did a great job, and it was very exciting to finish at Memorial Stadium.

My suggestions (and those received from people during packet pick up):

- Add shuttles between the marathon relay drop points. Many runners were concerned about getting to and from the relay switch points
- Provide plastic fasteners for ChampionChips rather than having us tie them to our laces
- Better organization at the finish line - there was a mob of people but no real officials, so I didn't get a picture or any real aid after the race finished

Otherwise, it was a great day! I will definitely be doing it again!

Congratulations to the race director and all others involved in the planning and execution of the inaugural Illinois Marathon. Job well done!

Great course. Awesome stadium finish. Superb pace teams. Excellent website with detailed maps and race info. PERFECT field size. Not too big, not too small. A true runner's race.

My only suggested improvements would be:
1) If you increase the field size to 15,000 runners, PLEASE consider different start times for the full and half. This year's field size made for a comfortable start and very enjoyable race. Adding even more runners will result in a crowded start and increase congestion throughout the race.

2) Mark the location of the gear check on the course map, and have better signs on race morning. There were many runners that walked to the start line, only to learn that the gear check was located a couple blocks up north.

3) Have the start line porta-potties positioned so that the lines form on the lawns rather than in the street.

Thanks, and "C U" next year!

Initially I should say that this was extremely well-done for a first-time event, but as with any new race, there are areas that need improvement. Pluses: 1) Very flat course (but inexperienced runners need to know that flat races are hard on the thighs if you train on hills - just be aware); 2) Wonderful community support and friendly volunteers; 3) Plenty of water on the course; 4) Great parking.

Drawbacks include the really awful post-race experience. I understand the need to leave the field; I have run many races that finish in a football stadium, so I don't mind walking up the stairs, But the tiny area for post-race food was way too congested and should have been spread out in this really large stadium venue or moved outside. Also, it should never have been placed immediately next to the bag pickup area. I never got any food, although it looked like they had good choices! They should also have a family meeting area (it took me an hour to find my fellow runners) and better instructions for spectators. I WILL come again, anticipating that the kinks will be worked out. Good marathon!

For a first-year event, this was great. There were a couple of improvements - (1) PORTA-POTTIES at the start... maybe relocate them or at least turn the line away from the start corral; (2) after the run, the climbing of the stadium stairs wasn't much fun (I'm not sure if there is a correction for this because the finish in the stadium is cool and you do have to exit the stadium somehow); and (3) there was a bit of confusion at the packet pickup for the day of the event. I'M NOT COMPLAINING AT ALL, THOUGH - this was a nice run and very well done for a first-year event. I likely will try to work the full marathon into my schedule next year.

What made this marathon truly excellent was the accessibility of the course to spectators. My family was able to see me several times throughout the course without fighting crowds or walking long distances. There was plenty of parking at the start/finish for spectators showing up after the start, and restaurants/coffee shops, etc. for them to take a break while I was out on the course. They were able to relax comfortably and enjoy a great view of the finish at Memorial Stadium. Any minor shortcomings of the event or course layout, in my opinion, were well worth it to accommodate them. As this event will surely grow over the years, I hope this aspect of this great event will not be compromised.

Simply put: a great marathon experience. The course is flat and was well marked and well supported. The volunteers were outstanding. Everyone was friendly and encouraging. The police were helpful, and traffic control was not a problem. The entire event from packet pick up to medal pick up was well organized and well done. The finish in the stadium was fun. There was plenty of post-race food available, and I was one of the later finishers! Congratulations, Mark, on a job well done.

This race was so excellent that I don't have words. It's like everything was thought of... very well stocked aid stations, great finish line, great start line, porto-potties everywhere, etc. Flat course, enthusiastic spectators - the community has already embraced this race. I will definitely want to do this race again.

The medal was by far the best I have ever received. The tech shirt was nice. Really nice course with an amazing number of spectators for a first-year event. There were a lot of porta-potties on the course and at the start; although, the porta-potties at the start should be re-configured. Cyclists on the course were very supportive and helped any runner in need. The local race director was great about replying to emails. The expo was small, but picking up my bib and shirt was a breeze. It would have been nice to see or hear from the local race director or some committee members at the expo. My only complaint would be the timing chip. The chip package said we would be charged $30 if it was not returned, but the announcers said the chip was ours to keep. This is a must-run race.

This race was very well organized and the volunteers were very nice and attentive. It was very COOL to finish in the stadium and being on the JumboTron screen. I gave spectators a 3 for low attendance; the ones that did show were supportive.