Chicago marathon tips

Packet pick up sucks because it's down at the far end of the park and there is no easy way to get there except a can or uber and traffic sucks. Not the end of the world, but try to knock it on Friday to put it behind you.

Like other big city races, your GPS is going to give you crap for feedback the first mile because of poor reception because of the high office towers. So hold back that first mile (I went out under 5:20 when I intended to go out in 5:40, but because you are so jacked up, it felt easy).

Port a potties always suck unless your in an upgraded corral, so go early and consider some Imodium so that you don't have to go often.

It is flat as can be. You go over the Chicago River a few times, but those bridges are more like overpasses. Nothing to note really. The biggest clime is right before the 400m to go mark when you go up the overpass on Roosevelt ("Mt. Roosevelt, it is ironiically called).

If you have spectators watching you, it should be fairly easy for them to see you in 3 or 4 spots if they can even run just a little bit.

How fast it will be will be totally reliant upon the weather. Cool day and the times will be fast.

Run as hard as you can so that you can take a selfie with Rupp.

My advice, be prepared to enjoy the Frontrunners/walkers aid station at mile 8.

If you're staying downtown, take the green line down to the McCormick stop to pick up your packet. Easy as pie.

Be careful on the first few bridges. They had laid giant carpets over the steel grates the last time I ran it, and these kept blowing up with the wind gusts.

I agree with other commenters that packet pickup is a pain because McCormack is far out to get to. As far as the race course, all flat with lots of turns and some river bridge crossings. I remember the first half being very crowded but more shaded and the second half you are more exposed as you are away from the tall buildings. If it's a warm, sunny day you'll definitely feel it during the second half.

never had the tent ticket but I hear its great and well worth it. I have only run chicago once though. it is flat, practice flat routes on your long runs. fans are great too

Disagree on the packet pick-up. yeah it's not at the race start (But seriously what race has it there). It's a short "L" ride and a short walk to get there. (Smoove just likes to complain for some reason if the world isn't handed to him.) it's in a big convention center so plenty of space and exhibits. It's really not that difficult to get to.

Everytime, I've been there another convention was going on.

I will say that with the start, you have to pick a side due to the barrier at the start. Don't forget to look for the blue line (shortest course). The course is flat, not much shade after the first half.

Hello, Mr. Positivity.

If you are running in Chicago, get a Kevlar vest.

blasty from the pasty wrote:

Disagree on the packet pick-up. yeah it's not at the race start (But seriously what race has it there). It's a short "L" ride and a short walk to get there. (Smoove just likes to complain for some reason if the world isn't handed to him.) it's in a big convention center so plenty of space and exhibits. It's really not that difficult to get to.

Everytime, I've been there another convention was going on.

I will say that with the start, you have to pick a side due to the barrier at the start. Don't forget to look for the blue line (shortest course). The course is flat, not much shade after the first half.

Disagree about the blue line. Having run Chicago twice I specifically recall at least one place around mile 9 or so where the blue line does not follow the tangent. Run the tangents as you see them.

If parking at McCormick, get tocker validated at packet picket for reduced charge. Stand in long lines near garage to pay at machine with credit card. Luckily I had 2 because first card was not accepted. No lines at packet pickup 2 hours before closing on Saturday. GPS signal sucks so be prepared to time yourself from stopwatch using mile markers. Could smell sewer gas at multiple locations on course. Wear throw away jacket and maybe pants to race. I saw some runners shivering last year 45 minutes before race. I stayed out at Midway Airport hotel for lower cost, free parking, and easy ride in on orange line. Take bottle to piss in under sweatpants because lines will be 30 minutes or longer as start time approaches. If you stand in coral neatr fence you may be struck with flying clothes as runners discard items 5 to 15 minutes before the start. I was glad to have $1 cotton work gloves to keep my hands warm. I discarded them once I ran a few miles and knew I no longer needed them.

blasty from the pasty wrote:

Disagree on the packet pick-up. yeah it's not at the race start (But seriously what race has it there).

Barcelona and Nice do. Two of the best-organized races I've ever run.