There are two marathons that have become the highlights of my fall events: Chicago and Detroit, only a week apart. Chicago is always a good time and I have decided to run it as a 'long run' before Detroit. I love the people, the neighborhoods, the great people who come to cheer us on (and their dogs who are just as cheerful!). This is Chicago, so there are some type-A folks who push and shove to get to the front of the corral - I go with the flow, and decide to have a fun run. It's definitely not a PR, but it's 45,000 people. I'm there for the spectacle.

This is the course to set your next PR. After 33 years of running I decided to do my first Chicago. I've heard that they have changed the course in the past so many times, I think they have found a winner now! There was more h20 and erg here than on two marathon courses! Very well stocked and not just with water....sponges, hoses, volunteers, very visable mile markers are just some of the perks in this 26.2 city tour. The party at Grant Park was fun and the band was good. Finishing the last 800m was truly amazing. A long stretch to the finish lined with thousands of cheering spectators. Truly uplifting!

My 1st marathon and I'll never forget it. Beautiful course, city and fans. A little too crowded at the beginning, but a great experience overall.

I ran Chicago in 2009 and thought it was amazing. This year I was disappointed in several things...seeded corrals had too few porta potties. It would of been nice to have known that beforehand that you had no chance of getting to use a porta pottie 50 mins before the race. The technical shirts were printed on white this year...who wants a white running shirt? Post race food has never been good after this race, but this year was even worse than ever. Bottled water was hot and I only got a banana. I missed out on the post race treats- tiny airline pretzel bags,a bite sized clif bar and a 100 calorie pack. They sure wanted you to drop money at the vendors in the runner reunite area. The runner reunite area was so crowded that the fire marshall wouldn't allow my husband to enter and I wasn't able to see him after the race. I think with the cost of this race and the amount of money you drop to stay in the city that more should be included. I did appreciate the free bus transportation to the expo and the expo was well organized and laid out. The volunteers were wonderful and so were the the spectators! I do love Chicago and this marathon is a wonderful experience, especially for a first timer, but I think I may stick to smaller races in the future.

This was a fantastic experience. Already eager to return next fall. Hopefully cooler temps next time. Top notch event that every runner should do

The support during the race is awesome and the expo is great. I do wish the race shirts were more unique or just go back to the cotton long sleeve shirts at least they always had a cool design on the front.

If you want to feel like a running 'rock star,' there's an annual 26.2 in Chicago awaiting your application. This race did an outstanding job taking care of runners, from the expo to the spectator-mobbed streets to the immediate (27th mile) post-race party. Imagine your fantasy of finishing a world major amid cheers and then having nubile blondes hand you cold beers. This dream comes true in Chicago.

One caveat: this is a crowded race. While most people do a good job lining up with the proper pace group, there is no hiding 45K bodies. You will be surrounded by folks (on all sides) from start to finish, and there are portions of the race where you will have to either slow down or walk owing to the traffic. Not a complaint, just a comment. More on this below.

First, the expo. It is huge and awesome. What makes it so great is that there are running store vendors with deals on a variety of products (like Gu Energy and Wrightsock) AND individual booths manned by representatives from those singular items. Plus, the isles between booth rows are huge, which avoids the 'packed-in' feeling prevalent at other expositions.

Mass transit in Chicago is great, and the Grant Park location is easily accessible, making the start of the race a breeze. No need to spend hours waiting in the athlete village because roads or bridges are closed.

Andunlike NYC's spectator-less opening two miles across the Verrazano-Narrows, or Philly's empty sidewalks at 7amChicago's race plunges runners right into the heart of the city and crowds that are three- and four-deep everywhere. It's a huge and immediate energy jolt, and one is swept through the opening miles wondering where all the people came from.

Neighborhoods that follow the city streets and a park at miles 5-6 all try to outdo each other. Again, 2- and 3-deep everywhere; entertainment; inspiration. Really remarkable. Even the western and southern portions of the run (that I'm told used to be a bit lonely) have credible numbers. The only 'quiet' portion of the race is the area right before and after Chinatown until one approaches the 24-mile mark and another massive cheer zone.

Part of what makes this such an upbeat run are the water stations that begin to appear every mile. They are all rockin,' with piped-in music and volunteers that are screaming out for you to take their cup/sponge/gel. In the exuberance, they even start drifting into the street, which further amplifies the experience. I wear my name on my shirt, and it seemed like every single person holding Gatorade or water was yelling out for me. (A female runner a few steps ahead even turned around and said, 'Gee, I should wear my name next year.' Yep.)

So, even on a warm day like 2011, one can run from (water) station-to-station, hydrating, cooling-off, and getting pumped-up before tackling the next mile.

However, some of these water stations toward the end of the race begin to resemble war zones (with mashed cups, liquids, and sponges everywhere), and there are times when it is simply not safe to run through the areas. I adjusted, but serious runners looking to push the pace may find the stops annoying.

I was not wild about the course finishit involves two turns that hide the line and a very late uphill climband the medal is just okay, but Chicago is number 1 at funneling folks directly from the tape to volunteers with cold towels to the lads and ladies with frosty beers to a massive post-race outdoor party (with live music and more beers). This is a huge upgrade over NYC which hands finishers a goody-bag and schedules an off-site evening event. Instead, the Windy City opts for a celebrate-now stay-with-us festival that can't be beat, and a ton of runners and friends remain on-site to party.

Yes, Chicago weather in early/mid October can be tricky. And, no, the course doesn't have some of the scenery of other races. But this is a world major with enthusiastic crowd support that is a ton of fun for participants before, during, and after the run. A wonderful experience.

Everything about the race was excellent. Water Stops were very well organized. The course itself was very crowded and would recommend a wave start.

I had done 7 half marathons before this (3 in Chicago) but this was my first full. At mile 15 I was already thinking of signing up again. At mile 22 I said this would be my last. As the memory of the pain quickly fades, though, I can't wait to sign up again. I've never seen a race better organized or with as much spectator support. My one complaint is the last few miles of the course are rather boring as it seems like you're endlessly running away from the finish line. If they reversed the course it would also allow for more shade during the hotter parts of the race, and more exciting scenery.

Yes, the heat sucked, but I couldn't have asked for better assistance in the form of water stations, misting stations, and sponges. The hydration station volunteers were way more into the race than I'd ever seen before - they're clearly coached well.

See you next year Chicago!

Excellent across all categories, especially the volunteers and organization. A lot of turns but you do get to see the entire city. The 2011 edition had perfect weather - OK, maybe a tad warm but a fair trade off for zero wind. Bravo Chicago!