The 2001 marathon was my second. The weather was good, the course was flat, the crowds were generally large. The marathon was good. Why not great? Well, unless you are out in front, be prepared to run in a crowd...or unable to run at some points. Not enough toliets. I finished the marathon in the top half, but encountered too many portable toliets ready to overflow...feel sorry for those running slower. The organizers could have planned better there.

The best part? The party at Navy Pier after the run. That was awesome.

The crowd-turnout for the Chicago Marathon is INCREDIBLE. I don't recall a single stretch of the marathon where the streets weren't lined with supporters. It is a very flat course through the heart of the city, but bring some jogging pants for those early morning hours before the race!!! It's cold in October in the Windy City!

During my sophmore year at college (Furman University, Greenville, SC) a senior friend went up to Chicago to run the Chicago. In following his example, I was determined to run it my senior year as well! The Chicago was my first marathon and I throughly enjoyed it! The course was flat which was nice for a first timer. The staff as well as the spectators were the best! I felt comfortable and welcomed every minute of the race! Since this was my first visit to Chi-town the race served as a great tour of the city! I'll definitely want to do this one again!

The friendliness of the race people and spectators was outstanding. The doorman at my hotel asked if everything went well in the race. My wife and I are coming back every year and running this GREAT RACE.
Bill Lawler
New York

Chicago 2001 was my first marathon. While I was slightly injured and didn't run as fast as I would have liked, it was still an incredible experience. Everything about the race was first class. It took about 2-3 miles for the severe congestion to die down (but this is to be expected in a race with over 37,000 people) but other than that it was an excellent event. I definitely plan to run it again in 2002 (along with the NYC marathon a few weeks later - assuming I get in via the lottery).

I ran the chicago marathon last year. it was my first marathon and it was the best marathon. I would do it again. The spectators are great! There are a ton of them. The entertainment is great as well.
It was very very well organized. I will definately do that again! There are many interesting people there too! 28000+ people.. you are never alone when you run!

The course is flat and ready for you to uncork a PR. The fan support was really great. Everything about this race was extremely well organized. My only minor complaint is the crowded start. I placed myself at the start according to my expected pace (and the pace I ran), but I spent the first 10K dodging slower runners. That said, Chicago is a fantastic race and you will certainly enjoy the experience.

This race was my first marathon and it was amazing. The crowd suport is one of the best features of the race. It seems as though the whole city comes out to cheer on the runners. The aide stations were abundant and the volunteers were eager to help out the runners offering water and gatorade. Going into the finish is one of the best parts. The cheering is so loud that it really gives you a burst of energy at the end. Once you came through the finish shoot, there was beer, sports drinks, food of all kinds, massage tents, etc... This race will definitely become a staple in my marathon circuit and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has never done it.

This is my 2nd marathon and I improved my time by 26 minutes!! The course is flat and entertaining. The organization was superb; water and powerade at every mile kept me well-hydrated. Great expo and lots of goodies. Weather was 39-not too cold or windy. So many spectators kept me motivated throughout the entire race. If you like thousands of people running with and cheering for you, this race is for you!

My second marathon and first in Chicago. Organization was outstanding. We had no problem running 9 minute pace the first mile despite all the people. Could start the race in waves and not limit it to 37,500 since we have a microchip and there were thousands of no-shows anyway. Great fans almost every step of the way. Huge mile split clocks a definite plus. Very flat course has the world record times for men and women. I suggest more port-o-potties at the start, and restricted starting line access based on your pace per mile like they do at the Bix 7 Davenport Iowa race. Overall a phenominal experience that I plan on doing again.