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Marathon Details - Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > IL > Geneva > Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon

Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon

Geneva, IL USA

September 7, 2024

http://www.bq2races.com

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Race Details

The #1 Boston Qualifiers in the USA the last 10 years. This is a course specifically designed to get you to Boston.

A 4.8 mile loop 1 and then 7-3.05 mile loop course offers plenty of shade, scenic views of parks and forest preserves bordering the river, and a glimpse of downtown Batavia.

The paved trail along both sides of the Fox Valley River is near pancake flat.

The path, river proximity, dawn starting time, and average lows in the mid 50's make for a high probability of ideal racing conditions.

And the 8 loop course means 16 Aid Stations, 8 shots at the Elite Water Bottle table (yes, you are treated like an elite runner in this one), and plenty of opportunities for race-provided gel, oranges, and of course, your own cheering section.

Contact Information

Name:	Craig Bixler
Address:	PO Box 3955 St. Charles IL 60174
Phone Number:	630-667-6054
Email:	Email the organizers
Online Registration:	Click Here to Register Online Today!

More Information


Number of Runners:	300
Number of Spectators:	600
Fees & Deadlines:	$155 thru 12/31 $160 thru 2/28 $165 thru 4/30 $170 thru close
Start Time:	6:30 AM
Course Highlights:	Flat, shady course along one of the easiest loops of the Fox River Trail.
Course Refreshments:	16 aid stations, 8 unique 'elite water bottle' stations, plus post race food for all finishers.
Certified? Certification:	Yes, IL-16052-NM
Race Day Registration:	None: race will fill!
Online Registration:	https://secure.marathonguide.com/register/lastchancebq
Packet Pickup Info:	Friday at race location, plus Saturday race morning
Marathon Ratings:	Course Scenery/Beauty/Interest: Good for First Timers: Crowd Support: Course Speed:

Runner Reviews (99)

Course 4.8

Organization 4.9

Spectators 4.6

Write a review

Number of comments: 99 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]

M. R. from Iowa (9/9/2024) "Flat and Fast - Helpful Volunteers - Great Day" (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Enjoyed the shady tree-lined bike trail, aid stations and reoccurring fans at the closing stretch of each loop. Also a big thanks to Brad, one of the volunteers for the great encouragement to get me across the finish line on time!
J. S. from USA (9/9/2024) "Expertly organized" (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Had a great time at this well done event!
M. S. from USA (9/9/2024) "Best race for BQ chasers" (about: 2024) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race is outstanding. Everyone who is running is focused on that one goal, and everyone respects the mission they are on. The race from race director down to the volunteers are top notch. I can't say enough positive things about this race.
P. B. from St Charles, IL (9/9/2024) "Excellent organization and communication." (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Incredible race, volunteers, announcer, photographers, athletes, spectators, course, everything! Way above my expectations! Clear communications eased my race nerves. Beautiful local community for pre/post race exploring. Highly recommend this race!!
G. P. from NYC (9/9/2024) "Very well done" (about: 2024) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 First time marathoner and the race was very well done and I appreciate all the effort.
P. F. from Los Angeles, California (9/11/2023) "Perfect BQ-oriented marathon" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 OK: The course is a little monotonous. But that's the ONLY thing negative I can say about this marathon. Great organization, super-professional pacing, and while boring, even the course is perfectly built to support your BQ. Perhaps the single best thing is the elite bottle tables, where you can get your personal pre-mixed drinks and gels every three miles. This is SO valuable in preventing a bonk and allowing you to PR. I'd totally recommend this marathon. It's worth traveling to if You're serious about getting a BQ.
L. G. from Tampa, FL. (9/11/2023) "Perfect organization Will come back for another PR" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am a race director myself and have run 27 marathons around 10 countries. I know what I like and do not like in a race. This one, was by far the best race I have ever been on. Everything. From the clear communication about course, parking, hydration and fuel during race day, down to execution on race day. Really, there is not a single suggestion to improve. I love the event and without hesitation will come back in the spring for an attempt at a 3:02 marathon and personal record. The director had thought of everything. Even a bottle marking station with color tape and sharpies. I was going to do that at home with my own supplies but once I saw that station was just amazed. Pacers are flawless. I followed the 3:07 pacer and he did perfect splits of 21:30 each lap. Exactly what we needed for an even split race. After 5 laps, another pacer came, ran with us about half a lap and took over with fresh legs to secure the success of the group. I am 100% sure that without that pacing groups, I would not have achieved my Boston Qualifying race. The course was beautiful. River views and a simple rectangle to follow. I liked the bridges and the few short hills. I personally think that it keeps your legs fresh as you have a chance to use different muscles. In reality, according to my Garmin there is a negative elevation gain, so the course is flat and even slightly downhill. The VIP bottles are extraordinary. I have never seen that before. Just using that resource wisely will help you achieve a BQ or personal best. They have a person at each table pushing forward each bottle for you. Completely amazing the attention to detail. Love that all volunteers seemed happy to be there and were wearing a sharp jacket and hat. The full atmosphere is amazing. I highly recommend this race to everybody and if I could I would bring this type of high-level perfectly-executed kind of event to a city near me.
U. O. from IL, USA (9/11/2023) "Organization well-done & volunteers are stellar!" (about: 2023) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am very grateful for everyone who made this event possible and memorable for me! Outstanding team work! Well organized at each stage to make sure that runners are not only reaching but exceeding their goals; communication/information before/during/after the marathon was seamless; perfect timing on the start; volunteers/spectators were stellar; continuously cheering up making you feel like you are an elite runner; pace leaders were extremely/super supportive; very neat town, the course area is a balanced combination of shady and open giving you a break from the sun and mostly flat! I call this as a high quality service; I strongly recommend...
W. W. from USA (9/11/2023) "3-mile loop was perfect for refueling" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 3-mile loop was perfect for picking up self-prepared fueling bottle. It proved to be essential for the high humidity day. 14 min. BQ, no complaint here.
Caitlin Sterling from St. Charles, IL (9/11/2023) "This race is phenomenal! Can't recommend enough!" (about: 2023) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race was incredible! The organization was top notch, the pacers were amazing and the overall energy was awesome. I loved the flat course and all the volunteers along the way giving out water, Gatorade, and snacks. I would recommend this race to anyone looking to qualify for Boston! Thank you BQ.2 for a phenomenal race experience!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]



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M. R. from Iowa (9/9/2024) "Flat and Fast - Helpful Volunteers - Great Day" (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Enjoyed the shady tree-lined bike trail, aid stations and reoccurring fans at the closing stretch of each loop. Also a big thanks to Brad, one of the volunteers for the great encouragement to get me across the finish line on time!
J. S. from USA (9/9/2024) "Expertly organized" (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Had a great time at this well done event!
M. S. from USA (9/9/2024) "Best race for BQ chasers" (about: 2024) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race is outstanding. Everyone who is running is focused on that one goal, and everyone respects the mission they are on. The race from race director down to the volunteers are top notch. I can't say enough positive things about this race.
P. B. from St Charles, IL (9/9/2024) "Excellent organization and communication." (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Incredible race, volunteers, announcer, photographers, athletes, spectators, course, everything! Way above my expectations! Clear communications eased my race nerves. Beautiful local community for pre/post race exploring. Highly recommend this race!!
G. P. from NYC (9/9/2024) "Very well done" (about: 2024) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 First time marathoner and the race was very well done and I appreciate all the effort.
P. F. from Los Angeles, California (9/11/2023) "Perfect BQ-oriented marathon" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 OK: The course is a little monotonous. But that's the ONLY thing negative I can say about this marathon. Great organization, super-professional pacing, and while boring, even the course is perfectly built to support your BQ. Perhaps the single best thing is the elite bottle tables, where you can get your personal pre-mixed drinks and gels every three miles. This is SO valuable in preventing a bonk and allowing you to PR. I'd totally recommend this marathon. It's worth traveling to if You're serious about getting a BQ.
L. G. from Tampa, FL. (9/11/2023) "Perfect organization Will come back for another PR" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am a race director myself and have run 27 marathons around 10 countries. I know what I like and do not like in a race. This one, was by far the best race I have ever been on. Everything. From the clear communication about course, parking, hydration and fuel during race day, down to execution on race day. Really, there is not a single suggestion to improve. I love the event and without hesitation will come back in the spring for an attempt at a 3:02 marathon and personal record. The director had thought of everything. Even a bottle marking station with color tape and sharpies. I was going to do that at home with my own supplies but once I saw that station was just amazed. Pacers are flawless. I followed the 3:07 pacer and he did perfect splits of 21:30 each lap. Exactly what we needed for an even split race. After 5 laps, another pacer came, ran with us about half a lap and took over with fresh legs to secure the success of the group. I am 100% sure that without that pacing groups, I would not have achieved my Boston Qualifying race. The course was beautiful. River views and a simple rectangle to follow. I liked the bridges and the few short hills. I personally think that it keeps your legs fresh as you have a chance to use different muscles. In reality, according to my Garmin there is a negative elevation gain, so the course is flat and even slightly downhill. The VIP bottles are extraordinary. I have never seen that before. Just using that resource wisely will help you achieve a BQ or personal best. They have a person at each table pushing forward each bottle for you. Completely amazing the attention to detail. Love that all volunteers seemed happy to be there and were wearing a sharp jacket and hat. The full atmosphere is amazing. I highly recommend this race to everybody and if I could I would bring this type of high-level perfectly-executed kind of event to a city near me.
U. O. from IL, USA (9/11/2023) "Organization well-done & volunteers are stellar!" (about: 2023) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am very grateful for everyone who made this event possible and memorable for me! Outstanding team work! Well organized at each stage to make sure that runners are not only reaching but exceeding their goals; communication/information before/during/after the marathon was seamless; perfect timing on the start; volunteers/spectators were stellar; continuously cheering up making you feel like you are an elite runner; pace leaders were extremely/super supportive; very neat town, the course area is a balanced combination of shady and open giving you a break from the sun and mostly flat! I call this as a high quality service; I strongly recommend...
W. W. from USA (9/11/2023) "3-mile loop was perfect for refueling" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 3-mile loop was perfect for picking up self-prepared fueling bottle. It proved to be essential for the high humidity day. 14 min. BQ, no complaint here.
Caitlin Sterling from St. Charles, IL (9/11/2023) "This race is phenomenal! Can't recommend enough!" (about: 2023) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race was incredible! The organization was top notch, the pacers were amazing and the overall energy was awesome. I loved the flat course and all the volunteers along the way giving out water, Gatorade, and snacks. I would recommend this race to anyone looking to qualify for Boston! Thank you BQ.2 for a phenomenal race experience!

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Marathon Details - Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon