May 16, 2024
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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 71 to 81]
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B. W. from Manitoba, Canada
(10/25/2013)
 "Great event" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 First time running Chicago and really enjoyed it. A few minor issues though. I realize that security is there for our protection, but they really kept spectators away from the runners in some places, especially the last 2 miles and down the home stretch, too bad. The road was also a little rough in places and based on the number of people around you all the time, can make the potholes a little tough to dodge. Where they could get to you, best spectator support that I have ever seen (heard). Awesome. | |
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B. S. from South Jersey
(10/21/2013)
 "Better than New York, Awesome Race!" (about: 2013)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 50th marathon and I'm so glad that I chose Chicago. This was my first trip to Chicago and the city is very clean and friendly. Spend the extra $$ and stay down town. City is very walkable. We spent Saturday at the top of the Willis Tower and on a cruise on Lake Michigan. The race was great. Easy corral start, course has a lot to see at every turn, weather was perfect. The race shirt, however was an uninpressive single color silk screen on a short sleeve tech. The medal was just ok. The post race party was the best I've experienced. 312 Ale was very tasty and the band was very entertaining. Grant Park is a great staging and finish area. All the fun of NYC without the logistical problems. Do this race at least once! | |
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L. F. from Duluth MN.
(10/20/2013)
"you will feel like a ROCK STAR" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Do this marathon even if you think it may be too big for you it is a great experience I could have shaved 15 min. off my time if I wouldn't have stopped for the bathrooms. Lines were too long the runners won't thin out much don't expect it and the crowd is unbelievable wall to wall people I ran this a while back but, have not forgot it. Would like to do it again but, so many other marathons. Also, got a great medal!! Ran with 3 friends we all had a blast! | |
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J. R. from Atlanta, Ga
(10/17/2013)
"Awesome! Exceeded my high expectations!" (about: 2013)
2 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great expo, great course, great organization, great support, great city. Loved the race, just felt so good even with my training being interrupted. Only thing that was marginal was the food box at the end. A must do race. If you do one marathon in your life, it should be Chicago (I have done Big Sur, this is far better!). Thanks to all the volunteers, organizers, and sponsors, job well done! | |
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V. G. from Calgary, Canada
(10/17/2013)
"So many people that you can't keep your pace" (about: 2013)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Excellent organization, very entusiatic fan support, safety unique and at the same time not oppresive. If you select the wrong corral you are dead, no way to overtake people unless you go from side to side. | |
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O. D. from Washington state
(10/16/2013)
"Great course for first time marathoner" (about: 2013)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The course is nice and flat and is laid out throughout various neighborhoods of the city; lots of spectators along the entire course and some entertainment; the distance between facilities (water, medical, bathrooms) along the course is perfect - I did not use any of my own refueling supplies; very well organized event especially considering the number of participants. Loved it! | |
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K. M. from Aurora, Illinois
(10/14/2013)
"Simly an amazing race" (about: 2013)
3 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first Chicago Marathon. I will be back. Everything was great and the weather was spectacular! What a wonderful city that supports the marathon. The runners on the course, the volunteers, the public officials and the spectators were all amazing. When people say there are a lot of spectators, they mean it. There was not an empty spot in 27 miles on either side of the roads. I will plan better next time as I spent a lot of money on parking. Public transportation is the way to go. | |
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H. L. from Chicago
(10/14/2013)
"Great Marathon in Great City!" (about: 2013)
3 previous marathons
| 3 Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Perfect weather! Supportive crowd and ambiance. Despite all new security measures it was smooth flowing without delays. Great starting line commentaries and cheering to keep crowd enthused. Cheerful volunteers at aid stations! (Thanks to all of the volunteers for their selfless service.) The route was nice and energizing too for most part. Towards the end, miles 19 - 25, the roads hugging the highways were boring and tiresome. The smell around these latter miles were nauseating too - specially on an empty stomach. The city has a great lake shore and it would be a delight to run along the Lakeshore Drive. But it is a nice marathon and would recommend it for any first timer. | |
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M. G. from Arizona
(10/14/2013)
"After 36 yrs, still THE best marathon in the USA!" (about: 2013)
50+ previous marathons
| 6+ Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This the only marathon that you will say right after you finish it, you want to do it all over again. The course, weather, and million+ crowds deliver...most importantly, the organizers and volunteers are second to none. Even with all the added security this year, execution was flawless. You won't find a better staged race anywhere. As always, packet pick-up was a breeze. The expo outstanding. The race shirt was great. Shuttles to the expo easy as pie. Race morning drop-bag, portalets, etc. all easy to navigate. The corrals were efficiently manned and the race started on time. Time clocks at every mile and at 5K intervals. 20 super-sized, consistent Gatorade/water stops, three banana zones, a gel zone, and music, entertainment, and millions of well-wishers throughout all 26 miles. Last four miles were loaded with music, more crowds, etc. to bring you home. Results posted immediately. Post-race goodies were adeptly handled - this year snack boxes, protein drinks, fluids, cold beer, bags to hold it all, ice, and as always, they hung the medal around your neck. This race is huge (40,000+) but managed better than any other out there. Every volunteer was always helpful, smiling, wishing you good luck or congrats all weekend long. Media is aware of race and covers it well. Hotels have good rates available for those placing early reservations. This year's weather was ideal - 50s/60s and the course record was broken and it was the fourth fastest time ever. The course is flat start-to-finish. I've run 70+ races and 15 of them in Chicago; can't wait for signup next winter. Put this on your list whether it's your first or fiftieth - you will not be disappointed! | |
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R. M. from Munster,Indiana
(10/14/2013)
"Best marathon in the USA" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the 2013 Chicago marathon. The whole Chicago experience gets better every year. There is enough water and sports drinks on the course for thousands of additional runners. The aid stations are almost a block long. There are no dead spots on the course. You can not stop since the crowd will continue to cheer till you start running again. The race organization was outstanding and all of the additional post Boston security actually made the race even a better experience. The course is as flat as a pancake and is a great tour of this great city. The expo is gigantic. I can find nothing negative. If you like large destination marathons, this one is the best in the USA. |
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