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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 521 to 531]
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A. E. from Olympia Fields, ILLINOIS
(10/26/2006)
"Chilly Chicago warms a runner's heart!" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I never expected my first marathon to chill me to the bone. I wore a jacket that day over my singlet that I thought I would shed, but I held onto it because it was so cold! Despite the chill, the Chicago fans warmed my heart. There were times I wanted to quit and just cry, but all those people lined up to watch the marathon were helping to push me forward. Thank you! I wore my name on my shirt, which was a good thing. I kept hearing my name shouted throughout the 26.2 miles. When I wanted to give up in the neighborhood of Pilsen someone shouted my name and told me I could do it. Thanks a million, Chicago. The spectators definitely sold me on doing a second marathon. I still can't believe how many supporters were out there in the cold. I can only imagine the number of spectators when the weather cooperates! | |
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Otto Breitschwerdt from Fort Lauderdale, FL
(10/26/2006)
"Absolutely great organization and cheering" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It does not get better than Chicago. Well organized, enthusiastic cheering, nice and cool weather. The course is very nice, with lots of water stops. I recommend staying at the Hilton on Michigan Avenue, right across the street from the start/finish line. | |
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s. j. from NS
(10/26/2006)
"Wonderful experience and great BQ for me!" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I would highly recommend this marathon. It is very professionally run, with lots of water stops, and lots of fans - and they really know how to work with large crowds. I ran with the 3:50 pacers and they were exactly on. I really want to say a BIG "thank you" to Dave, Bob, Jen and Dave for being such great pacers. Sorry I didn't see them after the end to say so in person. | |
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Sara H. from Beavercreek, OH
(10/26/2006)
"Went way beyond my expectations!" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My first marathon... absolutely amazing. The spectators alone made my day. I was at the back of the back of the pack (6:15), wore my name on my shirt, and felt like a rock star the entire time. | |
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s. h. from Canada
(10/26/2006)
"What a great event!" (about: 2006)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I really can find no fault with this event. The entire weekend was impressive from the hotel doormen dressed in marathon gear to the wonderful expo with tons of give-aways to the excellently-managed race itself. I recommend booking the Hilton for convenience, despite the price. In terms of the crowd, plan on only taking walk breaks at the water stops and you'll be just fine. I loved the whole weekend; got a PR from the open corral, and a negative split too. Kudos to the race director and his staff! | |
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E. O. from Draper, Utah
(10/26/2006)
"Thank you Chicago!!" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run 12 marathons in 11 different cities. Everyone had something special to offer and I have no regrets running any of them. Up until Chicago there was only one that I plan on running again and I am adding Chicago to my very short "must go back" list. Thank you, CHICAGO!! I will be back!! | |
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Greg Elsnic from Chicago
(10/26/2006)
"A down year for the race" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 4-5 Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my fourth year running Chicago, and while nothing was seriously wrong with the race in 2006, is just wasn't as good as my other three attempts. The expo seemed to have fewer exhibitors, and the finishing chute food was less satisfying than last year (no junk food). The other thing that got me was that no explanation was ever given for the date change. Those two weeks make a huge difference in the likelihood of bad weather in Chicago, and it would have been nice to know why we had to run in near-freezing temps. Those quibbles aside, LaSalle Bank knows how to put on a race. The starting areas are always well marked, volunteers were everywhere, and they have ways for spectators to track their runners in near-real time or for runners to make a free cell phone call after they finish. Aid stations are well-stocked and have lots of people handing out Gatorade/water - just be careful because the volunteers tend to crowd into the middle of the street. The loop course makes it possible for spectators to see a runner three times without trying too hard, and four or more if the runner's a little slower and the spectators are ready to hustle. You get to see Wrigley Field, Comiskey Park, the Sears Tower, Greektown, Chinatown and Pilsen. One "hill" to worry about at mile 26, but pancake-flat otherwise. Definitely the way a big-city marathon should be handled. | |
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Michael Mauriello from Long Island, NY
(10/26/2006)
"The Best" (about: 2006)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the NYC Marathon in 2001 and I thought that was great, but nothing could compare to the atmosphere, excitement and the friendliness of the people of Chicago.... Looking forward to next year!!! | |
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L. S. from Wisconsin, USA
(10/25/2006)
"Great race for a BQ!!!!" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran my first BQ on this course! Even though the weather was less than ideal, the organization and spectators more than compensated. I especially appreciated the Preferred Corral system (I was in Pref. II). I was able to get on pace within the first mile. Also the pace bunnies did an awesome job! Thanks to them! I'll definitely do this race again. | |
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Amy Smalley from Schaumburg Illinois
(10/25/2006)
"Great for first timmers and veterans!" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and I was proud to have it be in such a great city. I've lived in the suburbs all my life so this gave me a chance to really get to see all of the unique neighborhoods that Chicago has to offer. The participant turnout is impressive and the crowd support is amazing. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great 1st marathon or just an incredible one to add to their list. |
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