Great event for runners of all levels.

This race has a lot of first-timers and previous Chicago marathoners running it a second, third, fourth, even fifth time for good reason...it's the best-staged race going...you can depend on a well-oiled machine presenting you with a race that warmly welcomes you year after year. Your hard work and training are rewarded with a competently-organized race weekend--start to finish--and then some. The army of volounteers are everywhere to help with anything you'll need; transportation, expo/packet pick-up, water on the course, first aid, post-race food and water, chip retrieval, etc. Of course, the host city of Chicago extends that Midwest hospitality you always hear about...and Mother Nature treats you to a fall foilage show that is spectacular every October. Don't let the size of this race intimidate you; it's a grand opportunity to meet runners from all 50 states and 80 countries at every level of ability...you never feel alone or less of a runner no matter your running ability. This race has it all; that's why the word is out and thousands are running it year in and year out.

When the gun goes off, this is one phenomenal race. Excellent crowds, gatorade/water stations and overall volunteer support. The problems are logistical. If you aren't staying at the headquarters hotel, getting to the start line in the morning is a hassle. Why don't other dowtown hotels offer some sort of shuttle service? Likewise, getting back to your hotel ain't easy. We had to walk 2 or 3 miles. The other bummer is the packet pick-up/expo site is way out of the way and the shuttle bus that was offered to runners just didn't work out. One other slight gripe. This race absolutely can not handle any more runners! Even with the ultra-wide streets, it was tough getting around slower runners throughout the course. Race officials need to be more realistic about allowing 37,500 to register.

From the Expo, prerace, actual race, and post race. This is how marathons should be handled. The Expo was very good with useful vendors, course discussion, and who can forget the cows! Crowd support is great and well placed (like Mile 23 to the end) I will run this event again! Thanks Windy City!

For an event this large and to be so well organized is amazing. The crowd support is phenomenal, and the race is a pleasure to take part in. Many thanks to all the volunteers. My one piece of advice is to stake out exactly where you will meet up with your family and/or friends after the race.

I live in Chicago and I was completely taken aback by the incredible crowd support - made me proud to live here. Yes, it is large - 37,500 this year - but the course is very wide at the start giving you plenty of time to position yourself in the pack.

A great race anyway you look at it. The crowds were incredible... very few gaps along the entire course. Be prepared to feel like a superstar going thru downtown... amazing experience. Organization is top notch, and the expo and goodie bag are excellent. I didn't care for the T-shirt design, but that's the only complaint I can think of!

This is an awesome race! The spectators were the best. The volunteers never missed a beat. The weather was perfect and everyone was having a great time. Definitely worth it if you're looking for a fun race.

I would like to see better control of people placement. In others words, at the start of the race, I was affected by other runners not in the correct time zone. I had run around several runners who were much slower than myself. This slowed me down at the end because at the start, I spent a lot of time/energy dodging in and out of slower runs.

This was my first marathon and I really enjoyed the race. The crowd made the it so much better. Bravo to all the organizers and volunteers! I'll be back next year...