Marathon Details - Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > IL > Geneva > Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon

Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon

Geneva, IL USA

September 7, 2024

http://www.bq2races.com

More Info:	News
Results:	2023 \| 2022 \| 2021 \| 2019 \| 2018 \| 2017 \| 2016 \| 2015 \| 2014 Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact More Info

Name:	Craig Bixler
Address:	PO Box 3955 St. Charles IL 60174
Phone Number:	630-667-6054
Email:	Email the organizers
Online Registration:	Click Here to Register Online Today!



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Reviews

Course 4.7

Organization 4.9

Spectators 4.6

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Number of comments: 92 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]

P. F. from Los Angeles, California (9/11/2023) "Perfect BQ-oriented marathon" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 OK: The course is a little monotonous. But that's the ONLY thing negative I can say about this marathon. Great organization, super-professional pacing, and while boring, even the course is perfectly built to support your BQ. Perhaps the single best thing is the elite bottle tables, where you can get your personal pre-mixed drinks and gels every three miles. This is SO valuable in preventing a bonk and allowing you to PR. I'd totally recommend this marathon. It's worth traveling to if You're serious about getting a BQ.
L. G. from Tampa, FL. (9/11/2023) "Perfect organization Will come back for another PR" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am a race director myself and have run 27 marathons around 10 countries. I know what I like and do not like in a race. This one, was by far the best race I have ever been on. Everything. From the clear communication about course, parking, hydration and fuel during race day, down to execution on race day. Really, there is not a single suggestion to improve. I love the event and without hesitation will come back in the spring for an attempt at a 3:02 marathon and personal record. The director had thought of everything. Even a bottle marking station with color tape and sharpies. I was going to do that at home with my own supplies but once I saw that station was just amazed. Pacers are flawless. I followed the 3:07 pacer and he did perfect splits of 21:30 each lap. Exactly what we needed for an even split race. After 5 laps, another pacer came, ran with us about half a lap and took over with fresh legs to secure the success of the group. I am 100% sure that without that pacing groups, I would not have achieved my Boston Qualifying race. The course was beautiful. River views and a simple rectangle to follow. I liked the bridges and the few short hills. I personally think that it keeps your legs fresh as you have a chance to use different muscles. In reality, according to my Garmin there is a negative elevation gain, so the course is flat and even slightly downhill. The VIP bottles are extraordinary. I have never seen that before. Just using that resource wisely will help you achieve a BQ or personal best. They have a person at each table pushing forward each bottle for you. Completely amazing the attention to detail. Love that all volunteers seemed happy to be there and were wearing a sharp jacket and hat. The full atmosphere is amazing. I highly recommend this race to everybody and if I could I would bring this type of high-level perfectly-executed kind of event to a city near me.
U. O. from IL, USA (9/11/2023) "Organization well-done & volunteers are stellar!" (about: 2023) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am very grateful for everyone who made this event possible and memorable for me! Outstanding team work! Well organized at each stage to make sure that runners are not only reaching but exceeding their goals; communication/information before/during/after the marathon was seamless; perfect timing on the start; volunteers/spectators were stellar; continuously cheering up making you feel like you are an elite runner; pace leaders were extremely/super supportive; very neat town, the course area is a balanced combination of shady and open giving you a break from the sun and mostly flat! I call this as a high quality service; I strongly recommend...
W. W. from USA (9/11/2023) "3-mile loop was perfect for refueling" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 3-mile loop was perfect for picking up self-prepared fueling bottle. It proved to be essential for the high humidity day. 14 min. BQ, no complaint here.
Caitlin Sterling from St. Charles, IL (9/11/2023) "This race is phenomenal! Can't recommend enough!" (about: 2023) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race was incredible! The organization was top notch, the pacers were amazing and the overall energy was awesome. I loved the flat course and all the volunteers along the way giving out water, Gatorade, and snacks. I would recommend this race to anyone looking to qualify for Boston! Thank you BQ.2 for a phenomenal race experience!
E. M. from Scarborough, Maine (11/9/2022) "Great race for running a BQ time" (about: 2022) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The race lived up to it's claim that they give you the best chance to run a Boston qualifying time. The organizers and fellow runners provided that extra motivation to run my first BQ time. A good course, well organized race, and an ample number of friendly volunteers. I had a great experience!
K. O. from St. Louis, MO (9/28/2022) "I got my BQ, but I didn't love running loops" (about: 2022) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Race was extremely well organized and race director was very engaged. Communications were great. Plenty of parking and toilets. I personally found running 8 loops to be very challenging psychologically and I would not run it again, but I did achieve my goal (a BQ!) and I would recommend this race if you are comfortable running loops. Be advised this is NOT a closed course and there are bikes and dog walkers on the same path.
K. C. from Cary, NC (9/16/2022) "This was an amazing venue and an amazing race!" (about: 2022) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my second marathon and the first time that I qualified for Boston. The venue was amazing and the spectators were so great!
R. P. from Dallas, Texas (9/15/2022) "Easily qualified for my 3rd Boston Marathon!" (about: 2022) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Just a terrific marathon, period! So well-organized, so well laid out, and so fun, this is the Marathon I want to run again and again. The Last Chance fall BQ Marathon gives you the chance to qualify for two Boston Marathons: this year's plus the following year's Boston Marathons! The 'Elite' bottles really ensure you have what you need and prefer (Nuun anyone?!), and the Pacers get you around the course on time. 'Nuff said.
L. W. from Charlotte, NC (9/12/2022) "Overall a fantastic race!" (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Overall this race is awesome for anyone looking to BQ the last weekend before registration. The course is set up great allowing you to have your own bottle station every 3 miles. The signs are easy to follow on the course with great energy from volunteers and spectators at the start/finish area. The loop course is simple with a variety of views on a flat terrain. I enjoyed this race so much! I appreciated all the emails and information prior to the race. The race director, volunteers and pacers were all so friendly and helpful. The location is easy to get to. If you're looking to qualify I would recommend this race!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]

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P. F. from Los Angeles, California (9/11/2023) "Perfect BQ-oriented marathon" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 OK: The course is a little monotonous. But that's the ONLY thing negative I can say about this marathon. Great organization, super-professional pacing, and while boring, even the course is perfectly built to support your BQ. Perhaps the single best thing is the elite bottle tables, where you can get your personal pre-mixed drinks and gels every three miles. This is SO valuable in preventing a bonk and allowing you to PR. I'd totally recommend this marathon. It's worth traveling to if You're serious about getting a BQ.
L. G. from Tampa, FL. (9/11/2023) "Perfect organization Will come back for another PR" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am a race director myself and have run 27 marathons around 10 countries. I know what I like and do not like in a race. This one, was by far the best race I have ever been on. Everything. From the clear communication about course, parking, hydration and fuel during race day, down to execution on race day. Really, there is not a single suggestion to improve. I love the event and without hesitation will come back in the spring for an attempt at a 3:02 marathon and personal record. The director had thought of everything. Even a bottle marking station with color tape and sharpies. I was going to do that at home with my own supplies but once I saw that station was just amazed. Pacers are flawless. I followed the 3:07 pacer and he did perfect splits of 21:30 each lap. Exactly what we needed for an even split race. After 5 laps, another pacer came, ran with us about half a lap and took over with fresh legs to secure the success of the group. I am 100% sure that without that pacing groups, I would not have achieved my Boston Qualifying race. The course was beautiful. River views and a simple rectangle to follow. I liked the bridges and the few short hills. I personally think that it keeps your legs fresh as you have a chance to use different muscles. In reality, according to my Garmin there is a negative elevation gain, so the course is flat and even slightly downhill. The VIP bottles are extraordinary. I have never seen that before. Just using that resource wisely will help you achieve a BQ or personal best. They have a person at each table pushing forward each bottle for you. Completely amazing the attention to detail. Love that all volunteers seemed happy to be there and were wearing a sharp jacket and hat. The full atmosphere is amazing. I highly recommend this race to everybody and if I could I would bring this type of high-level perfectly-executed kind of event to a city near me.
U. O. from IL, USA (9/11/2023) "Organization well-done & volunteers are stellar!" (about: 2023) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am very grateful for everyone who made this event possible and memorable for me! Outstanding team work! Well organized at each stage to make sure that runners are not only reaching but exceeding their goals; communication/information before/during/after the marathon was seamless; perfect timing on the start; volunteers/spectators were stellar; continuously cheering up making you feel like you are an elite runner; pace leaders were extremely/super supportive; very neat town, the course area is a balanced combination of shady and open giving you a break from the sun and mostly flat! I call this as a high quality service; I strongly recommend...
W. W. from USA (9/11/2023) "3-mile loop was perfect for refueling" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 3-mile loop was perfect for picking up self-prepared fueling bottle. It proved to be essential for the high humidity day. 14 min. BQ, no complaint here.
Caitlin Sterling from St. Charles, IL (9/11/2023) "This race is phenomenal! Can't recommend enough!" (about: 2023) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race was incredible! The organization was top notch, the pacers were amazing and the overall energy was awesome. I loved the flat course and all the volunteers along the way giving out water, Gatorade, and snacks. I would recommend this race to anyone looking to qualify for Boston! Thank you BQ.2 for a phenomenal race experience!
E. M. from Scarborough, Maine (11/9/2022) "Great race for running a BQ time" (about: 2022) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The race lived up to it's claim that they give you the best chance to run a Boston qualifying time. The organizers and fellow runners provided that extra motivation to run my first BQ time. A good course, well organized race, and an ample number of friendly volunteers. I had a great experience!
K. O. from St. Louis, MO (9/28/2022) "I got my BQ, but I didn't love running loops" (about: 2022) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Race was extremely well organized and race director was very engaged. Communications were great. Plenty of parking and toilets. I personally found running 8 loops to be very challenging psychologically and I would not run it again, but I did achieve my goal (a BQ!) and I would recommend this race if you are comfortable running loops. Be advised this is NOT a closed course and there are bikes and dog walkers on the same path.
K. C. from Cary, NC (9/16/2022) "This was an amazing venue and an amazing race!" (about: 2022) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my second marathon and the first time that I qualified for Boston. The venue was amazing and the spectators were so great!
R. P. from Dallas, Texas (9/15/2022) "Easily qualified for my 3rd Boston Marathon!" (about: 2022) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Just a terrific marathon, period! So well-organized, so well laid out, and so fun, this is the Marathon I want to run again and again. The Last Chance fall BQ Marathon gives you the chance to qualify for two Boston Marathons: this year's plus the following year's Boston Marathons! The 'Elite' bottles really ensure you have what you need and prefer (Nuun anyone?!), and the Pacers get you around the course on time. 'Nuff said.
L. W. from Charlotte, NC (9/12/2022) "Overall a fantastic race!" (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Overall this race is awesome for anyone looking to BQ the last weekend before registration. The course is set up great allowing you to have your own bottle station every 3 miles. The signs are easy to follow on the course with great energy from volunteers and spectators at the start/finish area. The loop course is simple with a variety of views on a flat terrain. I enjoyed this race so much! I appreciated all the emails and information prior to the race. The race director, volunteers and pacers were all so friendly and helpful. The location is easy to get to. If you're looking to qualify I would recommend this race!

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Marathon Details - Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon