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☰
Chicago Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Chicago Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.7 
Organization 4.3 
Spectators 4.9
Number of comments: 949 [displaying comments 131 to 141]
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L. V. from Chicago, IL
(10/12/2011)
"A wonderful first race" (about: 2011)
First Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I had done 7 half marathons before this (3 in Chicago) but this was my first full. At mile 15 I was already thinking of signing up again. At mile 22 I said this would be my last. As the memory of the pain quickly fades, though, I can't wait to sign up again. I've never seen a race better organized or with as much spectator support. My one complaint is the last few miles of the course are rather boring as it seems like you're endlessly running away from the finish line. If they reversed the course it would also allow for more shade during the hotter parts of the race, and more exciting scenery. Yes, the heat sucked, but I couldn't have asked for better assistance in the form of water stations, misting stations, and sponges. The hydration station volunteers were way more into the race than I'd ever seen before - they're clearly coached well. See you next year Chicago! | |
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D. P. from Ashburn, VA
(10/12/2011)
"Great" (about: 2011)
6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Excellent across all categories, especially the volunteers and organization. A lot of turns but you do get to see the entire city. The 2011 edition had perfect weather - OK, maybe a tad warm but a fair trade off for zero wind. Bravo Chicago! | |
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Robin Grover from Alexandria, VA
(10/11/2011)
"Overall, an outstanding race." (about: 2011)
6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my ninth Marathon and it was the best organized, especially given that the race had 43,000 runners. I signed up for it after reading the reviews here, which were overwhelmingly positive - I thought part of it must be exaggerations due to hometown pride. Instead, they were right on target. The positives? Tremendous crowd support (nothing like running under the packed Grand Avenue footbridge with the howling support of thousands echoing through the canyons of the North Loop); remarkable turnouts like 20 band members playing various instruments alongside the avenue in Old Town; people shouting encouragement with megaphones). My marathon took a half hour longer than usual (I don't do heat well, it wasn't humid but it was sunny and the clock in Chinatown said 85 degrees) but that wasn't the fault of the race organizers. Thousands of enthusiastic volunteers, all with smiles and encouragement; overall a great flat course through scenic parts of the city; the best and biggest Expo I've ever attended; extremely well-organized packet pickup; plenty of water and Gatorade; and a great rock band at the post-race party. My hotel was full of positive, interesting people from all over the world. The negatives were very minor: the design of the tech shirt left something to be desired (the ones for sale at the Expo were a lot more interesting); organizers should consider extending the carpeting they laid down one-half wide on the metal lattice bridges to the full width (the run on the steel latticework is tough on your feet, don't know how the barefoot runners did it); and I agree with the review that said that the miles out past the United Center (13-17) could be best diverted to the lakefront. But these are minor; overall, it was an outstanding event and many thanks to the organizers and the people of Chicago! | |
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J. S. from Portland, OR
(10/11/2011)
"B of A MONEY GRAB!" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 4 Of all the 12 marathons I've run this is by far the 'cheapest' in terms of giveback to the runner. I paid close to $140 and received a $5 T-shirt that isn't fit for a third world country. There were no pre-race food or water given out unless you are a B of A preferred member. no shuttles to the start, the port a potties were too far way from the start coralls, and unlike NY marathon, they cram 40,000 people onto the same street. You can't get into your pace until 13 miles in. I just got back feeling like I was robbed. Should be a great event, but the organization screwed it up by making it completely obvious they care nothing about the runner, only making money! Complete disappointment | |
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D. L. from Simpsonville, SC
(10/11/2011)
"Awesome experience" (about: 2011)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I can not give Chicago enough praise for my experience in the 2011 marathon. It was easy to get around the city and there were plenty of volunteers who enthusiastically provided assistance when needed. The fan support was amazing. Despite what I had read about low volume in the later part of the race, I found the street was lined with people the entire course. There were plenty of Gatorade and water stations with volunteers announcing what they were handing out. The course was fast and flat except for a handful of very slight hills (over or under passes). The packet pick up was easy and quick. I didn't find the expo exciting but it wasn't disappointing either. About the only thing I could say that could be approved on was after the finish line. There were plenty of volunteers and medical personal but very little guidance as to where to go for assistance. I was sent to a couple of different areas to find ice for my knees before I gave up and went home. Again, job well done Chicago. I highly recommend this venue to anyone thinking about running just one. I ran Disney also and would put this one ahead by a large margin!!! | |
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M. R. from Brooklyn, NY
(10/11/2011)
"An excellent race, although a personal failure" (about: 2011)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 First time running, and Chicago looked great. The course, organization, and spectators were all excellent (buses to and from expo were a different matter!). Unfortunately, a combination of tiredness and over-training meant I had a nightmarish second half of the race. Not Chicago's fault, although I still feel it's too warm (temps in mid-70s, if not higher). Yes, there are plenty of water-stops, misting stations, and wet sponges en route. But it makes the race more about controlling body heat than running. What would make the race perfect is to start it earlier in the day,say at 6:15 a.m. (like in Miami) or even at 7 a.m., so that more of the race is in the cool. Either that, or stage it later in the year. I'll be back, however. For there's no way I'm going to let my time this year be my real Chicago experience! | |
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C. S. from SF, CA
(10/11/2011)
"Starts too late for weather conditions" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The spectators were the absolute best part of this race. They were along the entire course for at least five hours. The race course was flat and fast. The worst part was the weather...again. It was in the 80s late in the race. It is puzzling why the race does not start earlier given the higher temperatures at midday. | |
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Courtney Marshall from Grantham, New Hampshire
(10/11/2011)
"Chicago is a race every marathoner should run" (about: 2011)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a great race in a great city. Temperature was perfect for 1.7 million spectators, warm for the 36,000 runners. | |
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C. L. from Washington, DC
(10/11/2011)
"You have to do it once..." (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I put this race in the same category as the NYC marathon, you HAVE to run it at least once! The course is mostly flat, the only real inclines are the bridges, and it weaves throughout the city, really showcasing different neighborhoods. A lot of city support. It was easy to get to the start using public transit, although be prepared (just like NYC) to walk a bit to get where you need to be. They could do a better job with the open corral system too... This year it was hot and the sun was out in full force. I think they did all they could to beat the heat, several sponge stations, aid stations with ice later on, etc. My main gripe is with the runners themselves....maybe it was the heat, maybe it is because so many first timers run this one...but by mile 18, I was spending way too much energy weaving in and out of the walking dead surrounding me. REally sapped my energy. The shirt is nice, although I really prefer not to have a white tech shirt, shows stains pretty quickly. a nice variety of gear for sale at the expo and the local Fleet Feet stores. Very nice medal and they did a good job of moving people along once they finished. | |
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Mark Gershman from Arizona
(10/10/2011)
"Still the best of the biggest!" (about: 2011)
50+ previous marathons
| 6+ Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The weather was warm (again). Still, it doesn't matter; Chicago delivered the monster race with ease and tremendous hospitality. As usual, it all went off with no issues. The expo was in a more spacious hall and the course had an extraordinary team of enthusiastic volunteers out there handing out oceans of water, Gatorade, sponges, bananas, and also manned 'cool zones' and first aid effectively. The spectating crowds have never been bigger or more supportive. When you're looking for a race that's perfect for rookies or to try an set a new PR of BQ, look no further than Chicago. THIS is your race! |
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