May 15, 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 931 to 941]
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A Runner from nashville, TN
(10/24/2000)
 "great course, great fans, but field too big!" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I ran this race for the first time this year, my second marathon. 850,000 fans, great! great volunteers and plenty of food and drink. The only gripe I have is that they don't limit the entrants; There were over 27,000 runners; I couldn't stretch out to my full stride until after mile 9, and lost valuable time. but the course is wonderful, flat flat flat! The fans are pros at this and have all sorts of visual goodies for you along the way. I would do it again, but I hope they'll consider limiting the entrants. | |
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A Runner from Chicago
(10/23/2000)
 "The spectators and volunteer were incredible!" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 There is no question in my mind of the amount of time that went into the organisation of this race. The fans were out there in impressive numbers. The volunteers were amazing. I never could have finished so well (or even finished) if it was not for all 3 giving me the momentum I needed. | |
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A Runner from Laredo, Texas
(10/12/2000)
"My Home Town" (about: 1997)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Although I've lived in Texas for the past 20 yrs, I returned home to run my first marathon. It was great; weather, people, accomodations, fun. In such a beautiful city, the course is a little boring at times with at least two switchbacks in rather drab areas. The road gets a little tight at times too, and I found myself running around people most of the way. BUT, it's on my list of races to do again. | |
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A Runner from Dallas, TX
(9/29/2000)
"Oh, What a Beautiful Morning" (about: 1999)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ended the 20th Century with this, my first marathon. Subsequently, I ran Dallas Whiterock, Austin, and San Diego. There is no comparison. The energy literally radiates from the crowds lining much of the route and gives one an extra boost. The cool weather and flat course guarantee a great experience, whether seeking a PR or just enjoying the view. | |
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Paul from Los Angeles area
(9/11/2000)
"I love this race!" (about: 1999)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Ok, I did run a PR there (by 12 minutes) so I am a bit biased. But, I have run NYC, LA, MCM, and liked this one best overall. The conditions don't get any better - cold and flat - for running a PR. The crowds are also great, as is the support along the course. The course itself it pretty interesting too. The race starts in Grant Park which was large enough to accomodate the 30K runners in '99. I walked right up to the starting position I wanted and was never held up by crowds after the start. I also really enjoyed being in Chicago. Great food, museums, shopping, and hotels. Also the best pizza anywhere in my opinion. I strongly recommend the deep dish pizza at Giordanno's! | |
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A Runner from Minneapolis
(8/24/2000)
"Chicago is my favorite to date" (about: 1999)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran Chicago in 1999 and it was the highlight of my marathon running experiences. The course is flat and really easy. You also run through some interesting neighborhoods. Chinatown was the best! Lots of fun and Chinese dragons welcoming you! The organization, especially with all of those people was superb. But I give the highest marks to the spectators. Even on a cold day they came out, in some places six people deep, to cheer the runners. It made all the difference in the world. They were a true delight. The only thing I didn't like about the race is all of the runners. I think it's just too many people now for a PR (30,000). But if you're looking for a fun, uplifting experience in a world-class city, Chicago can't be beat! | |
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A Runner from New York, NY
(8/1/2000)
"A fantastic marathon - my favorite to date" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran Chicago in 1995, before word really got out about it - and yes, I did PR there! There were only 11,000 runners, and it was smooth sailing the whole way. Maybe a bit windy (of course!), but flat and scenic. I loved running along Lake Michigan, and the crowds were lively and enthusiastic. Plus, the best expo I've ever been to. | |
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Maria Sanchez from California
(7/5/2000)
"quintessential" (about: 1999)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 You haven't experienced a marathon until you run Chicago. The city is ready for the runners. The expo is superb. All the attention of the entire town throughout the week is on the runners, from the time you get off the airplane and see all the banners hanging at the airport to the city buses painted with Chicago Marathon colors. I love Chicago. I qualified for Boston in Chicago. I HIGHLY recommend Chicago for anyone trying to qualify for Boston. The crowds are awesome. You'll never experience what I'm trying to express in this message until you run Chicago. I've run New York and Los Angeles but Chicago is the marathon to run. | |
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A Runner from Milwaukee, WI
(6/13/2000)
"Absolutely incredible" (about: 1999)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Nothing quite compares to running through downtown Chicago with half a million of your closest friends to cheer you on. Another 400-500 thousand line the last 20 miles of the course. The only lonely part of the course is between miles 22 and 24. Organizers managed to take an additional 8,000 runners last year! The flat course encourages a fast pace, but a small hill on mile 25 feels like a mountain. You go through Chinatown, past Wrigley and Comiskey Parks, along lake Michigan and of course, some of the tallest buildings on earth. If you have the choice between Chicago and anything but New York or Boston, pick Chicago. | |
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A Runner from Houston, TX
(5/16/2000)
"Fantastic event!!The city really supports the run!" (about: 1999)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Chicago did an excellent job putting on the Lasalle Bank Marathon. The organization was wonderful, the city seemed excited about the run, the locals and crowd support was great. The Finish line made everyone feel like a winner. There was excitement in the air. It was a wonderful feeling. |
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