This was #4 marathon for me this year (LA, Big Sur, Stockholm), and impressive from the moment I signed up - - I took advantage of the Higdon Virtual Trainer program and started getting daily e-mails on how far and how fast to run each day. So I echo the compliments elsewhere on this site; nearly everything about the Chicago Marathon is 98% great. On the 2% that could be improved: I didn't see Vaseline until around mile 20 around Comiskey Park. Earsplitting rock at mile 25 in the tunnel at McCormick place. Much of the roads are run on lumpy older concrete, so leave the flats at home and be careful not to turn an ankle.

This was my first marathon, trained with the OE marathon team. Had a great time. The crowds were great and the weather was fantastic.

I'd like to thank the coordinators and volunteers for 2001. As you can see from the other comments there's an overall feeling of appreciation for all the work you do the keep things moving smoothly. I know you're always looking for ways to improve the experience so I offer this suggestion. Limit the areas where spectators can travel. I found it challenging to push my way through a crowd of spectators after running 26.2 miles so I could get my warmer clothes and go stretch. Please, consider roping off post-race areas so runners can get the liquids they need and the opporunity to stretch and have spectators meet their runners by the fountain.

This was my second marathon (the first being Philadelphia 2000) and it was a truly wonderful experience. My fellow marathoners and the crowds helped me run the course continuously resulting in a PR (4:41:03), which compared to my time in Philadelphia (6:01:12) is an awesome improvement! I will come back to run this race again but only after I finish New York, Boston and Marine Corps! But seriously, every marathoner should experience a world-class marathon experience at least once in their running career and the organizers for the event go above and beyond the call of duty to provide it. Go, Chicago!

This was my first marathon and it was the best experience of my life! The expo was fun, the city is beautiful and the crowd supprt was so energizing that I did not stop once to walk! The course was also very flat and scenic which helped me finish my first race in under 4 hours. Thank you Chicago for getting me hooked on racing!

Chicago's is the only marathon I've run, but yesterday was my third time. No endorsement's better than repeat business. Of course, I live in the burbs. Perfect for first timer because course is flat and crowds are fantastic. I've never experienced a city in any better way than this. Last year the chant runners and fans shouted in unison was: 'who let the dogs out, who, who, who who.' This year: 'U - S - A, U - S - A.' Has the country changed since Sept. 11th or what?

I just ran my first marathon yesterday, and I can't explain how much it means to have done it in my home town. Living away from Chicago now, I've learned to appreciate the people of this city even more... and the spirit of Chicago too. I knew this coming in to run, but now I know it even better!!! The fans were wonderful and supportive (Chicago has the friendliest and loudest people--they will talk to anyone!). The course was great, taking you through a wonderful tour of this magnificent city... and the organization was terrific~ I'm addicted and I plan to be back next year!! This memory will be with me forever!!

This is a great race. Perfect organization. It's amazing to me how user friendly all aspects of the race were given that more than 35,000 people run this race. Very easy to get numbers, get a good start position and get up to speed after the start gun. Plus Chicago is a great town with great people and great fans. I really enjoyed myself. New York is still more exciting with more fans(much more actually) and more buzz. It does have some difficulties being a point-to-point race that starts on an island (i.e., the race starts very late (11am), getting to the start is a drag, and bag pick-up can be tough with the crowds) But the NY excitement, even with its problems, edges out Chicago, but just barely.

Hello,
Just got back from my first marathon. It was awesome! The organization did a fantastic job and the crowd is unbelievable: supportive from start to finish until the end. Thank you to everyone, volunteeers, crowd, organization, runners.
Andrea Pertosa.
Ann Arbor, Mi.

Great course running through some interesting neighborhoods. The organizers do a fantastic job. The crowd makes running almost effortless. And the other runners are supportive. A lot of fun!