Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon

This race was an absolute blast. I loved that everyone had the same goal - qualify for Boston. The first two loops before the big 8 loops had some tight turns where things had to slow down a little, but luckily is was in the beginning and we got it out of the way first. The aid stations were perfect, the elite bottles were perfect, the day of the race was perfect, the spactators and race organizers were perfect, and I even ran 16 minutes faster than my BQ standard, and PRed by 10 minutes (this was my third marathon). I would highly recommend this race. My only quarrel was that the path was still open to the public, so I had to dodge some recreational runners and bikers as the day got later. It did not slow me down at all, but when you are on mile 23 of a marathon and have to think about moving out of someone's way, it got on my nerves a tiny bit. I am so thankful for this racing staff for providing a great race with a great course! Thank you Last Chance BQ2!

This was my third marathon ever and I won the race with a PR of 2:37:53, seeded time (2:58:25-Chicago Marathon 2023). The course was clean because there were no major cracks on the pathway, the organization team did a great job picking up plastic cups and litters from the course, and there were trees all around the 3mile loop course that provided plenty of shade throughout the race (not to mention the beautiful river that you crossed over every lap). There was a biker who led us through the first three loops (2 small ones and 1 big loop) and there were clear directions. The course was simple: 8 major loops with 2 small loops at the beginning and it is all pretty much flat. The course is powerful because of the amazing spectators, and organization especially when you start to feel fatigued, they pick you up with their encouraging cheers; the elite water bottle station made the need to refuel easy on the mind; even the 90 degree turns weren't as bad as I thought they would be. It was a blast! Thanks to all who work to put this exceptional race together. Boston here I come!

Great course with so much positive energy! Very pretty loop, I was worried I would get bored doing the loop but that wasn't the case whatsoever. Highly reccomend