Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon - Sunday - Race Reviews

If I could give this race 6 or 7 stars, I would and it deserves it. bp.2 lives up to exactly what they promise: a fast loop course, incredibly well organized, treats ALL runners like 'elites', and everyone is there for the same reason: to qualify for Boston. The race organizers offered detailed email communications leading up to the event, which brings everyone to race day with ease. The loop course is basically flat (strava showed 366ft of elevation gained) and accurate to the distance (most runners finished in 26.25 or 26.3 miles, so no need to 'run the tangents'). It's a great course to bring friends/family to cheer you on while standing in ONE place, as they'll see you 8+ times. Mostly, it's a low-pressure environment. You're not battling 40k runners and fans in a big city, but instead enjoying a small 'running community' in a beautiful park outside Chicago. PRO TIP: if you use a gps watch (eg. Garmin) walk or jog the course a few times to get the location and exact pacing down. Many runners are from out of town and it takes time for the gps to get really accurate. PRO TIP 2: Geneva, IL is a fantastic little town. Coffee shops, cafes and great place to relax before race day. Book an AirBnB near 3rd St or State St.

I did this marathon in April 2021. From the beginning, the organization was top notch. They provided a fantastic experience for all of the runners that was safe, well run, and exciting. The volunteers were fantastic! I highly recommend this marathon!

This race is so incredibly well organized. All of the staff and volunteers were pleasant and helpful. They take a lot of pride in their event and you can sense that they really want you to have your best race as much as you do. I loved that there was an option for your own water bottles. The course was mostly flat and looped around a scenic lake. I hope to be back for another race in the future.

I really enjoyed running this marathon. The event and atmosphere was friendly and professional through and through. Everyone involved; from the race director,race announcer, and all of the volunteers were helpful and enthusiastic. It was exciting to run with all of the other participants as we all shared the goal to BQ. Thanks for putting together a great race experience.

This race was optimized with a singular focus on the runner looking to maximize their probability of a BQ time. From clear communication prior to the race via email/social media to course selection, course walk through, time of race, minimizing race day stress, to allowances of elite hydration bottles for typical non elite runners. I would highly recommend this race to anyone looking to get a BQ or to maximize their hard earned training.

Great experience for my first marathon. The spectators/volunteers were lively and the course was really pleasant.

All things considered, this was incredibly well done. Wave start (due to the pandemic) was easy to follow. Plenty of support and help throughout the day. Course was well marked and the aid stations were well placed and well kept. All of the volunteers were encouraging, helpful and friendly. The course had more incline than I anticipated given the description but was still pretty flat. Pretty good post race food. I was able to punch my ticket to Hopkinton and this race made that process as easy as possible. All I had to do was run (no small feat).

race was exceptionally well organized and everyone involved in race was so nice and encouraging. The loop course is a great way to run fast. the course has just enough grade variation to keep things interesting while still being a 'flat course'.

Superb job from registration on-line through race day. Volunteers were enthusiastic and helpful. I don't love running a loop course but in this situation it was the best option and the team made it work superbly.