Sep 22, 2024
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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 761 to 771]
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C. W. from Sandwich, Massachusetts
(10/15/2003)
"Excellent marathon race experience!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This marathon is extremely well organized for the volume of runners participating. The spectators were fantastic, expo was fun and informative, and race volunteers were great. The only disappointment overall was that LaSalle Bank (a sponsor) did not cash my American Express travelers cheque. (N. Michigan Ave. location). | |
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R. D. from New York
(10/14/2003)
"Great Marathon, Fun City" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I just completed the 2003 Chicago Marathon and it was definitely worth running. The organization was superb - my only complaint is that there really should be more porta-potties at the start. The volunteers were friendly and willing to help wherever needed (including after the finish line when I asked one to please get me a banana since I couldn't move very easily at that point). The course changed slightly from previous years and we had great spectator support along the entire route including the last couple of miles. It was really fun to see how each area of the city showed off their own heritage. Chicago is a fabulous city and we even had great weather all weekend. | |
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Edward Wickens from Auburn, Alabama
(10/14/2003)
"Great State, Great City, Great Time!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Third Chicago, 5th marathon, had a seeded number, but was recovering from foot surgery done after Cinny's Marathon. Once again the city has outdone itself! Thank you Jimmy Dean for providing free breakfast for my family at 6:00 AM at the starting area. They finally corrected the area around the finish and check bag tent - with 40,000 runners and viewers it was actually easy to meet family at the end. This race was one for the memory books. | |
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A. B. from North Carolina
(10/14/2003)
"Fast, flat course, A+ organization, and good crowd" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 5th marathon in as many years and 4th with runner participation of 20,000 or more. I would highly recommend this marathon to anyone, from first-time marathoners to those trying to qualify for Boston. I must say that I was amazed at the organization of this event. The event planners had it covered, be it getting to the expo to finding my friends after the race. Also, the process of checking in and recovering my bag on race day was hassle-free and required not waiting. The course allows the runner to go through a variety of neighborhoods and districts in the city. It is a great way to see parts of Chicago. The course is flat and fast. If you train anywhere there are hills you should not have a problem with any inclines encountered on this course. I gave the spectators 4 stars because there were several sections of the race were the crowd was thin, but overall there were plenty of great people out to cheer you on, particularly in those spots were you might need it. Again, I highly recommend this marathon based on my overwhelmingly positive experience. | |
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J. B. from St. Paul, MN
(10/14/2003)
"Great large race; not good for crowd-haters" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Chicago was my 11th and it is definitely one all marathoners should add to their 'must-do' list. Things I thought were well done: The registration, information, organization of number and bag pick-up, and expo were top-rate. Likewise, the start and finish line organization were easy to maneuver and the bag drop was very easy. No long waits at any porta-john lines either. The course was the best: flat, with a variety of lovely sights, and great crowd support. It only got boring and tough toward the end along the freeway and the last mile down Michigan Ave. The water support was wonderful. First large marathon I've done where they haven't run out of Gatorade and the bananas in the later miles were wonderful. The few improvements I'd suggest mostly have to do with safety and crowd control which may be impossible. But it should be noted in the excellent runners directions that discarded clothing should not be dropped on the road in the starting miles! I did trip on a pile of clothes and couldn't believe how inconsiderate those who started before me were to drop their clothes on the course! Also, I disliked it greatly when spectators would run in front of you to cross the streets throughout the whole race. NY marathon does a better job of keeping spectators off the course. I saw many runners have to dodge baby strollers and long leashes. Maybe a note in the daily paper about how dangerous it is to dart in front of those on the course. Also, I always dislike it when runners who finish ahead of me take food for their whole family so there is none left for those who finish behind them. Again, NY gives all finishers a bag filled with enough for the runners so those of us WHO ARE VERY HUNGRY after being out there longer can partake of the food that we also paid for. All Chicago has to do is pre-fill the bags and hand one to each finisher. All in all, Chicago is a great race for the massive amount of participants and does a great job with almost impossible circumstances. | |
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R. P. from Illinois
(10/14/2003)
"Fun, but too crowded" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Fun, but way too crowded. I ran the Chicago Lakeshore Marathon in the spring and ran ten minutes faster. A much calmer race. | |
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D. T. from Cincinnati, Ohio
(10/14/2003)
"The Best" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This year was my 6th marathon and my second Chicago. The spectators were great this year, and the change in course for the last couple of miles was good. The best part though is the organization of the whole event. These guys really know how to do it right. My advice: If you have not done it yet, run this marathon. You'll be glad you did! | |
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Judy Houston from South of Chicago--close to St. Louis, Mo.
(10/14/2003)
"A once-in-a-lifetime experience" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I have had a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I was blessed with an opportunity to run this marathon with my two daughters Holly and Jody. Through our teamwork, we conquered all obstacles we faced. The finish was one that I will always remember. Holly, Jody and I crossed the finish hand-in-hand, arms above our heads with big, big smiles on our faces. So thank you for the opportunity to put this one in our journal of most memorable experiences as a family. Judy Houston Bethalto, Ill. | |
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Mark Gershman from Scottsdale, AZ
(10/13/2003)
" Big, but still the friendliest & best organized." (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my fifth Chicago (24th overall) and I'll return again next year. The organization continues to amaze, even as the race grows. The preferred/elite corrals really helped this year. The long-sleeve shirt was excellent - they were worn by everyone everywhere. Race coverage in the papers and on TV was wall-to-wall. Chicago hospitality delivered as usual. The expo was excellent as always. And of course, the crowds screamed their lungs out. The course was changed this year - less turns after mile 22 or so - but still flat (except for a slight rise) before the end. Water, Gatorade, bananas, and Vaseline were very abundant throughout the course. Medical personnel were ready for the slightly warmer conditions this year. Compare this race against other big ones; you will not be disappointed. Yep, the field of runners is huge, and yes, it won't thin out until mile 8 or so - but you're part of a happening second-to-none. Elite runners do not upstage the rest of us mortals. Every single runner is taken care of and the locals freely hand out 'congrats' to all. It is a weekend to remember and should be on your list of must-do marathons. | |
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F. V. from Austin, Texas
(10/13/2003)
"2003 Chicago Marathon Review" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I ran this year's marathon for the first time (my third overall marathon). The course was wonderful, the crowd was great... like running through a constant finish line that you would see at smaller marathons. The only negative was the water stops were spaced too far apart (there were only 17). It may not have been an issue, but the weather was very warm this year and it adversely affected my race. Another tip: don't stay at the Hyatt McCormack Place. It is a nice hotel and close to the expo, but it is a good distance from the start/finish, and there are no nearby services like restaurants, shopping or groceries. |
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