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May 11, 2024

Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.6

Organization 4.8

Spectators 4.5

Number of comments: 90 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

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M. M. from Dallas (5/4/2022) "Great" (about: 2022) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Quality event
Scott Kasten from Milwaukee, Wisconsin (4/29/2022) "Great Race. Very Well Run" (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I signed up for this race after a ton of internet research on April marathons. The weather in many parts of the country can be iffy in the Spring, so weather was a non-factor in my decision (there's literally nothing you can do about weather!). This course presented as a flat, fast option to earn that coveted Boston Qualifier. Packet pickup was at the race start on the day before the race. The Race Director was on hand to answer any questions. This race features the ability for runners to place water bottles on designated tables just like the 'Elites' at major races. HUGE perk of this race. This gives a runner the ability to have access to their fuel of choice without having to wear a belt or pack. This alone should be a deciding factor over other races. Race morning was well-planned and seamless. Parking is located across the street from the park and volunteers help to guide runners to the race start. There are plenty of bathrooms pre-race and with the participation capped at 300 runners, there are no worries for bathroom lines. The course itself is two small loops on a paved park path (about 25 yards of crushed gravel) and then 8 larger 3 mile loops. These larger loops have one small incline but otherwise are very flat. These loops cross two small wooden bridges as the course crosses over the Fox River. There were plenty of volunteers at the two designated water stations (water, Gatorade, etc) and the 'Elite' bottle tables were also very well staffed. Each time that a runner passed through the eventual finish area, the crowd support peaked and the race announcer would call out runners by name. This was huge boost. Post hydration, food, and medical support (if needed) was top notch. If you are looking for thousands of spectators, you're looking in the wrong place. If you're looking for a very well-run race on a fast, flat course, you've found it. After all, your goal is to qualify for Boston, and there will be plenty of crowd support out there.
A. M. from Pittsburgh, PA (4/28/2022) "Well organized, FAST, and access to your OWN fuel" (about: 2022) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I pr'd at this race by over 4 minutes and beat my BQ time by 20 minutes. I didn't feel my normal pre-race nerves because it was a small race (200ish runners) 8 x's around a 3 mile loop so I could access my own fuel and hydration every 3 miles. I think this was my first marathon that I actually nailed the fueling and that's why it went so well. Also, the river is beautiful, the pace teams are VERY talented, and the supporters along the course were wonderful. My only negative would be one section of the course is on sidewalks, suspension bridges, and semi uneven trail, but at least 2/3rd of the course is on a nice smooth paved bike path.
Brett Geschke from IL - Illinois (4/27/2022) "A great, tactical course if you are going for a BQ" (about: 2022) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Race Director Craig did a great job putting together this race. Wayne and the Dick Pond Pacing Team did a wonderful job for the racers. I was happy with the communication, organization and set-up of this race!
W. B. from Illinois (5/16/2021) "Fantastic Marathon" (about: 2021) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The purpose of this marathon is to give runners the best chance possible to qualify for Boston. The organizers of this race succeeded on all levels. Thank you for the wonderful experience
J. L. from Woodridge, IL (5/7/2021) "Well put on race" (about: 2021) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 A great race with great volunteers. Lots of information leading up to the race. Very well organized. Nice partially shaded course along the Fox river trail, plenty of water stops, well marked, and a nice shirt and medal. Easy to find and plenty of parking.
M. M. from Texas (4/22/2021) "Incredibly Well Done" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I could not have asked for a better experience - wonderfully organized, great volunteers, great attitudes most of all. It was a great race and trip for me.
M. H. from Chicago, IL (4/20/2021) "The organization of this race was outstanding!" (about: 2021) 3 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The race was so well organized (esp during COVID). Volunteers were friendly and helpful. Everything ran so smoothly. My biggest critique was that there were pedestrians/bikers on the course so you had to dodge them a few times. Overall, great experience!
Yael Abouhalkah from Kansas City, Missouri (4/20/2021) "Fast, flat, loop course with excellent volunteers" (about: 2021) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The course and volunteers are worth 6 stars if I could give them here. The mostly asphalt loop course was well marked, accurately measured and almost pancake flat. Going around eight times helped me get water, Gatorade and gels in orderly fashion. Plus, runners can get into a strong and consistent running pattern, knowing where the turns, slight downhills and short uphills are. I knew exactly what the last 6 miles would look like, and for the first time in six marathons didn't slow down at mile 20. Finished with a 3:38:54, under the 4:05 BQ time for a 65-year-old male. In addition, running around a beautiful lake and over several wooden bridges broke up the monotonous feeling that could have occurred. The friendly volunteers got runners everywhere we needed to be on the morning of this pandemic-affected event. During the race, they were at every aid station yelling encouragement as we went by. As for fans, this is probably not a race for any runner who needs large crowds cheering them on. Yes, there are several stretches where fans can congregate. But this is a marathon on a trail in a park, not on a road. Organizers provided extensive pre-race information that was always welcome. Overall, I heartily recommend this marathon for anyone serious about getting to Boston.
S. R. from Naperville Illinois (4/20/2021) "it was ok" (about: 2020) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 It was little boring run no pacers so it was lonely run first few laps were confusing (not bad)

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