Sep 19, 2024
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Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.8 
Organization 4.9 
Spectators 4.6
Number of comments: 99 [displaying comments 61 to 71]
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C. B. from Chaska, MN
(9/26/2014)
"Great race, laps not an issue" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 19th marathon and I have never written a review on this site but this race deserved it. If you are looking for a race to qualify for Boston this is the one. All facets of this race were top notch. I was a little concerned about run 8 laps but you end up following the mile markers more than counting the laps and forget about it. The best feeling is when you get to mile 20 you know exactly what you have in front of you, no surprises. I plan on doing the race again! | |
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Andy Chen from St. Charles, IL
(9/23/2014)
"The Best Boston Qualifier. Period." (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have tried again and again to BQ for the last 11 years. I've tried big races, small races, out-and-back courses, point-to-point courses, flat courses, and courses with gently rolling hills, and come very close to BQ many times. In the end, the Last Chance BQ.2 is the one that got me under the BAA standard to toe the line in Hopkinton. This race's field is limited to a small size, which means you WON'T feel crowded on the course, and you WILL be treated like an elite athlete, complete with elite water bottle tables. At the same time, you don't need to worry about the race feeling too small, because the 8-loop course lends itself to solid pacing and enthusiastic fan and volunteer support. Finally, by hugging the shorelines of the Fox River, there is just the slightest variation in elevation as you run the scenic 3.2-mile loops. Although I happen to live locally, a quick scan of the results will confirm that it warranted a trip from out of state for numerous runners. Treat yourself to this run and go for a BQ (more than 60% succeeded!), a PR, or just a great marathon experience. | |
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C. C. from Noblesville, IN
(9/22/2014)
"FABULOUS AND AWESOME EXPERIENCE!!!" (about: 2014)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a fantastic experience for my first marathon ever (at age 63, I figured it was now or never!) and one that allowed me to qualify for Boston! Thanks to the organizers, volunteers, timers, and all of those who helped make this a marvelous day! The course was beautiful, the cool temps invigorating, and the loop layout enabled us runners to appreciate the scenery, the smiles and encouragement from the volunteers and spectators, and to truly focus on reaching our own personal goals! I would highly recommend this race to those wanting to make the dream and focus of a path to Boston become a reality! Cheers and kudos for The Last Chance BQ.2 Chicago Marathon!!! | |
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S. S. from Geneva, IL
(9/19/2014)
"The Marathon with a friendly personality" (about: 2014)
4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race was my first Marathon race competition in 19 years and my fifth overall Marathon. While I did not BQ with my performance (missed by 4 minutes or if I was 3 weeks older I would have qualified for 2016 with 6 minutes to spare) I did run my best marathon and best race of a lifetime by shaving 10 minutes off my prior best marathon time when I was 31 yrs old and now I'm 53. This race was well organized, and because it was small had a feel to it that you were visiting with a group of friendly next door neighbors that were volunteering to assist you in any way possible from the top to each individual and even though I did not know 1 person before the race there was an ambiance of we are all in this together and have the same goal to strive our best to qualify and/or run our best race possible. Although some like me did not qualify which was the goal, I can't say one negative remark about the race and there was an atmosphere of incredible support, positivity, fun and lots of smiles, and laughter. I was impressed it was a relaxed race atmosphere even though the runners shared tremendous focus and determination there was also a small town feel of friendliness and fun. Many thanks to the incredibly capable pacers, unselfish volunteers and Craig and race organizers for a job superbly well done. See you next year as I have some unfinished business to wrap up in Sep 2015 when I return to this marathon. Between now and the next BQ, I will focus on maintaining injury free health status, enhancing training and striving to get better as a work in progress to qualify for 2016. Many Thanks :-D | |
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J. T. from Florida
(9/19/2014)
"AWESOME!!!! DO IT!!" (about: 2014)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This really was my last chance for Boston 2015 and couldn't have had a more perfect course, organization, weather to make it happen! Thank you BQ.2 I'm officially in for 2015! :) | |
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Amanda Perry from Arkadelphia, Arkansas
(9/19/2014)
"My favorite marathon to date!" (about: 2014)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I want to say thank you for this race! The course was perfect, the support was there, the pacers were amazing, the quality of the shirts and medals and even race bibs are something to write about! So well put together! I will recommend to those who are in the spot I was in this year. Oh! And thanks for ordering the perfect weather ;) | |
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W. W. from Memphis Tennessee
(9/18/2014)
"Great concept and flat, fast course" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Overall this was a great well organized race. The start time of 6:30 am was perfect - at first daylight but insuring finishing before the day got too warm. Luckily the weather for 2014 was ideal - 43 to 48 degrees while I was running with minimal wind. The loop course was flat and scenic - very pastoral! The volunteers and race organization were phenomenal. 2 water stops per loop which meant 16 total water stops. The availability of Clif gels each lap was a bonus. The water bottle tables were well organized and worked perfectly. Course monitors were encouraging reminding you to stay relaxed, concentrate on your form and focus on the runners ahead of you. Pacers were nice and helpful to have. The pace groups being 4 minutes below your BQ provided a nice cushion and the ability to really catapult yourself to a nice BQ if you sped up for the second half of the course. My only complaint is that according to course map there were supposed to be a table with bananas on the course - didn't see a banana til the food table after the race. Also would be nice to have rice cakes post race and not just bagels for people who desire a gluten-free option with their peanut butter. Since I BQ'd by almost 10 minutes, PR'd by 40 seconds, & negative splitted by 4 minutes, of course, I was elated! I will definitely keep this marathon on my list and recommend to friends who want to BQ! Great concept and execution by the volunteers and race director! Kudos for providing a quality event. | |
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M. J. from Daytona Beach, Florida USA
(9/18/2014)
"Excellent and well organized" (about: 2014)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Absolutely superb organization and all involved in making it a sweet success! From the volunteers to the organizers of this event was stellar! This was only my 2nd marathon and my experience was great! The course, the water stations, the gel stations and the medals and the food everything perfect and well worth the trip!! | |
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J. W. from Dixon, Illinois
(9/18/2014)
"Kudos to great organization and volunteers" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Pacers (Dan and John) were awesome. They were to pace our group to a 3:36 finish and my personal time was 3:36:02. Beautiful day, scenic course, and great support from aid stations and spectators as well as fellow runners. | |
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JOSEPH PULLIAM from Kentucky
(9/18/2014)
"Best Way to Get to Boston!" (about: 2014)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great course. Great organization. Truly made you feel special.Having the option to use your own bottles was awesome. Volunteers were great. If you're looking to qualify for Boston, there is no easier way to do it. |
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