Chicago Marathon Reviews

  Awesome

By msb about 2022

Review

2022 marathon was well organized with great conditions and super organization. The crowds were great along the route and the course was super fast. Having the start/finish downtown makes the logistics much easier than New York and Boston and its nice to not have to head out so early if you are staying in a hotel downtown. I really thought the organization was incredible and there was even a place to warmup which I've never had access to at other big city marathons. The corral system worked great with being able to get up to speed quickly.

Race Tips

It was my first experience with following the blue line for the shortest distance and it made it easy to run the tangents without knowing the course. Its really flat with a tiny hill in the last half mile that feels like a mountain

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Book early through the marathon website for best access to hotels at a still slightly unreasonable price but far better than doing it later by yourself. Make sure you get yourself into the best corral possible for the start if you are aiming for a PB and check in with the Nike pace group at the expo.

  Awesome Well managed race

By Mmm about 2018

Review

The Chicago Marathon is an awesome well managed race.

Race Tips

Follow the blue line . It's the shortest distance.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Enjoy Chicago restaurants . There all world class.

  Finest in NA

By JS about 2018

Review

Very well put together and highly recommend

Race Tips

Stay downtown. Race begins in Grant Park and ends in Grand Park. You can get up and walk across the street to starting line. Then finish in the same place.

  Finest marathon in North America.

By Jeffrey Silver about 2018

Review

Finest marathon in North America. Easy start downtown and finishes in same place.

Race Tips

You feel like you went to Parade and you are the float.

  It's Like a Little New York Marathon

By Leslie about 2018

Review

The feel of the city is like New York but with smaller buildings in most neighborhoods and smaller neighborhoods. I'm from NY and have run the NY Marathon 3 times. Chicago was not as loud and crowded but it was lots of fun. Great way to see the city and the spectators were great even in the pouring rain.

Race Tips

It was a little colder than I expected so later up to start. I don't run to compete so for me it was a nice way to get pictures of the sights.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn which was right in the restaurant district which was great!! And it was only 3 train stops away from the start corrals. The train station is right across the street from the hotel!!

  Race Review

By BG about 2018

Review

Race experience from start to finish was great. Expo is huge (arrive there early) and getting through security at Grant Park to the start corals was easy. Organization from start to finish is top notch. Know going in, this is a big race. Crowd support is fantastic and there are always runners around you to feed off. If you don't like being packed in, stick to a smaller event. Would encourage people to go and experience the race.

Race Tips

Do a study of the course and know which turns are coming up. I did a terrible job of running tangents and clocked 26.7 miles. Mentally it was hard knowing my finish time was going to 3-4 mins slower based on running the added distance.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

We stayed at the Hilton which is the host hotel. Easy access to start and finish line. Fairly close to Expo and restaurants. We also saw some of the elite runners. worth the money to stay there.

  Flat, well-organized.

By AJM about 2018

Review

Flat, well-organized.

Race Tips

Weather unpredictable.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

You can enter through any gate if the one you are assigned has a long line.

  Great experience in the Windy City

By ABH about 2018

Review

Chicago is a very friendly town, with several different public transport options depending on where you stay. The corrals and waves are well-organized, and you don't have the crowding issues that some major races have. The course is quite flat, with water and Gatorade available on both sides at just about every mile. Crowds were very supportive despite the intermittent rain. Definitely a great destination event!

Race Tips

Expect long port-o-let lines to start. If you treat it like Boston and just go right back in line when you're done, you should be fine. Don't rely on your GPS watch. Given the tall buildings and overpasses and subway routes, you will lose your signal many times. Using a pace band that tracks overall time was much more helpful. Try and be a spectator in the race, too, and take in all the cool sites that the route has to offer.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Download the Spot Hero App - great to use when finding a parking spot if you drive there. Don't be afraid to stay 5-10 miles away from Grant Park. Familiarize yourself right away with the CTA (train) system. Buses can't be relied upon race morning and, although there are plenty of electric bikes to rent, you don't want the weather to ruin your race logistics plans - just take the trains!

  Organization was excellent

By MW about 2018

Review

Organization was excellent. easy access to expo to pick up race gear. shuttle buses provided from various locations to get you there and back. fantastic volunteers! everyone involved very enthusiastic and helpful. spectators were great. Everyone cheering you on !

  Bucket List Marathon

By Anonymous about 2018

Review

If you haven't done the Chicago Marathon yet, you definitely want to put it on your bucket list.

  Best Marathon ever!!

By Tammi Chavez about 2018

Review

This was my 3rd year in a row doing this marathon - and I’m doing it again next year. Best organized, best supporters, lots of hydration stations. This was first time I had to use the medical tent - staff was great!

Race Tips

Don't assume everyone knows the "common courtesy rules". Another runner stepped right in my way, didn't bother to look if anyone was behind her before moving right into my step. Tripped my up, still can't run due to the pain. Be very aware of the people around you, because they are not always aware.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

ARRIVE EARLY!!! Security made a lot of the people from the 1st wave have to run in 2nd wave. Definitely allow plenty of time, there are so many people trying to get in at once.

  Amazing Crowd support

By Meagan Murphy about 2018

Review

Loved the crowd support and elevation. I followed a 3:25 pacer and came in at 3:24:27. Nothing really to complain about.

Race Tips

Follow a pacer since GPS is not accurate the first 5 miles. The race was 58 degrees, rainy and over cast. Great running weather.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Arrive early due to security lines.

  One of the Best!

By LBK about 2018

Review

This was a great race. It is a flat, fast course that goes through all the different parts of the City. It was really well organized start to finish and the cheering of the spectators lining the streets was fantastic.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I stayed at the hotel across from the start - Grant Park which worked well.

  Crowded

By nhp about 2018

Review

Easy to get to start line was nice. Would be nice to have multiple start lines llke New York to help spread-out runners at the start-line. This might not be practical but it would make the start more enjoyable.

  Fun,Fast Course!

By LA about 2018

Review

I've run the Chicago Marathon 5 times. It's a really fun, flat course with TONs of crowd support. You go through the entire city!

Race Tips

Make sure to stick to the dashed blue line. There are a lot of turns so it's easy to run 27 miles if you're not conscious of riding the tangents.

Also, head to your corral about 1 hour before start if you are in the first wave. Security has been stupid and disorganized. Tried to walk over to my corral about 30 min prior to start this past year and nearly didn't make it- the security line was long and full of wave 2 runners which was frustrating. There should be separate lines as there is a 30min gap between waves.

  Flat fast course with good crowds

By ELK about 2018

Review

The crowds are great, sometimes it's detrimental that they're so far in the street that runners are pushed into the middle lanes, but otherwise really fun. It's a flat course, and if the weather cooperates it's fast.

Race Tips

Even splits or negative splits work well for this flat course. Don't go out to fast for sure, it's easy to speed up b/c it is so flat and the crowds are good.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

There's more than enough restrooms, they might not be right next to your bag check but make sure to look around instead of waiting in a 30 min bathroom line in the AM.

  Great Race Through A Tremendous City

By BAB about 2018

Review

This race lets you run unimpeded through one of the greatest cities in the world. The race takes you to and through 29 neighborhoods running between tall skyscrapers, gorgeous parks, the lake, and over the river. Always interesting. I ran Boston in the spring and Chicago in the fall and enjoyed Chicago much more. I especially liked the relatively short time between when you show up and when you run. I arrived at Grant Park at 6:30 and was running by 7:30. Do not underestimate the beauty of this City.

Race Tips

Unlike the other large marathons I have run (i.e., New York and Boston), the Chicago marathon actually let me run my best race. The corrals for the first wave are tightly matched for time (the corral I was assigned to included runners with entry times within a ten minute window), the result was that I did not need to expend energy dodging runners in the early miles before settling into my pace. Also, because the corrals narrow to a bottleneck then widen again within a few yards of the start line, you may be walking for a few minutes after the race starts, but by the time you cross the start line runners are relatively spread out and running at a race pace. Further, this course is the flattest course I have ever run. Many courses will be described as flat or downhill when they are really rolling, i.e., much of the course is either uphill or downhill in small increments. The Chicago course is flat, as in, not only are there no long inclines (the bridges crossing the river are the biggest hills you face), there are also very few dips or hills of any kind. The result is that you will be able to run miles and miles at essentially the same pace. Further, many of the roads are wide with only small inclines at the edge for drainage. Accordingly, you do not have to run at an angle on the edge of the road trying to keep your pace. Given the consistency of the course, the best pacing strategy is to run at the same pace through every mile of the race.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Corrals opened at 5:30, but having arrived at Grant Park at 6:30 I had plenty of time to get to my starting position (in Corral C) by 7 for a 7:30 start. Note that I was not storing any gear, so this saved some time. Stay near the finish line, it is also near the start, and will make your race day experience much nicer.

  Fun Major Marathon

By Andy about 2018

Review

Super well organized for how many people are involved. Did not like that they advise getting to your corral 2 hours prior to the race. 1) it's not necessary, 2) if you do, you'll lose all of your warm clothing and stand in the cold/rain until the start. Watch the weather - if rain is forecast definitely have disposable clothing or trash bags to use to keep warm. Overall, the race was great. Super well supported, flat, pacers were perfect, etc.

Race Tips

The course winds through a ton of fun chicago neighborhoods. Tons of people will be cheering you on, which is great. The hardest part for me was miles 18-22ish, where physical and mental fatigue really hit me. Watch out for the bridges crossing the river - the surfaces are metal grates and only part is covered by carpet.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Book early to stay close to the start/finish area. Getting around the city on race weekend is difficult.

The expo is very busy. It opened at 9am on Saturday morning. Lots of people showed up early and queued up thinking it was necessary. At 9am the event opened and everybody just piled in. Short story - don't bother getting in line :).

  Unique atmosphere

By Heli Luna about 2017

Review

Organization and a very deep respect for all runners but the bad side is when we don't get apply ..

Race Tips

Training and training and training!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Where to park ! Always is very stressful!

  

By Anonymous about 2016

  

By NC about 2016

Review

The crowds are unbelievable! Awesome!

The second part goes for some miles through some semi-industrial area. Otherwise, best way to see the city!

Race Tips

Your GPS will not work!!! There is a tunnel in the beginning and as you get out, you are in a canyon of deep buildings. Everyone's GPS is off. Note the mile markers.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Loved the Parker House. Yeah, very pricey, but how often do you run Chicago?

  

By Edm about 2016

Review

Loved the crowds, the organization ..the course is flat. Not a single bad thing to say about this race.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Plan ahead. Everything from lodging to meals and strategy. The day is overwhelming (I think) and the better planned the better run.

  

By cms about 2016

Review

Crowd support is awesome, very well organized, lots of pace groups (pacers), great weather, nice course.

Race Tips

The race is slow going at the start until about mile 3, so, plan your pacing accordingly. There are long lines at the port-a-toilets at the beginning of the race and at the first few bathroom stops along the race course, so, wait until around mile 8 or later to use a port-a-toilet if needed.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

The Hilton Chicago hotel is nice and within a 5 minute walk to the start of the race.

  

By SB about 2016

  

By Allen Young about 2016

Review

just a wonderful experience. The city was abuzz. Everyone was so supportive even as i was walking to the park in near darkness to get ready---Police, city workers, passersby, people opening their shops. Being in Grant park getting ready with 40,000+ runners and no one else was great and made you feel really special to be there. there was not one spot in 26.2 miles devoid of crowds cheering. i was walking back to my car after and walked into a Jimmy Johns on S michigan and everyone in the restaurant cheered. Need i say more.

Race Tips

some of the bridges are covered with red carpeting because of the grating on the bridge surface...but you still need to be cautious. Be ready...there's a little hill up to Grant Park right at the end of the race .

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

use the parking app that is sent to you in your virtual goodie bag and get a space days before. If you want to be really close, you may have to book it weeks ahead. But i parked on s wabash in a lot about a mile from the start and the walk was helpful to clear my mind and loosen up a bit.

  

By SAndy about 2016

Review

Love the city, food, and crowd support

Race Tips

Enjoy the route. Don't stop moving the legs.

  

By Pete Aran about 2016

Review

Great city/spectator support. I have run it 4 times and my wife has run it three times and two of my kids have run this. So it is a family challenge!

Race Tips

My only complaint is that the start seems congested so get to the chutes early.

  

By PB about 2016

Review

The start of the marathon is awesome. Very well organized corals and a it begins on a wide highway. No slowing down. Course is wonderful. Running between skyscrapers in downtown Chicago is wonderful. Only downside and it is only because of the many runners, getting out of the finish area is very long.

  

By MS about 2016

Review

Well organized. I didn't like all of the men peeing on the sidewalk of corral. Need porta potties in corrals!

Race Tips

Flat course allows for even pacing.

  

By Mark about 2016

Review

Windy!!!!! Amazing race through the city, the crowds are awesome, the bridges are tough!

Race Tips

Be prepared for a cold start. You cannot warm up at the start line and after leaving the corrals you stand around for 15 - 30 minutes so you start running from a virtual dead stop.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

The walk after you finish is ridiculous, I can't believe they haven't changed this, it's cruel. Be prepared for at least a 2 km walk.

  

By sps about 2016

Review

LIKE:
- Great vibe!
- Corrals well organized for marathon pace.
- Fantastic support throughout the course.
- Great tour of Chicago

Dislike
- Use of bathroom facilities were a bit problematic with the requirement to get into your corral on time.
- The carpet over the bridges were not secured very well. The wind tended to blow up or raise up the carpet as you one would be running over the bridge causing a big tripping problem. I nearly tripped and know of several who did trip and fall because of the carpet not being secure on the bridges.

Race Tips

- Unless you have participated in another MAJOR marathon, be prepared for the number of people to overwhelm you. Although that is also what makes this marathon so much fun - the people!

- Be careful crossing the bridges where carpet as been laid down. It has the potential to get blown by the wind creating a major tripping hazard.

- Be careful of the water stations, Lots of cups thrown everywhere. I remember so many cups thrown across the street that it was actually slippery with cups. I believe that was in China town.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

- There are lots of hotels downtown, although somewhat expensive. Book early - at least 9 months!
- Don't bring a car into the city. Parking is very expensive and roads crowded.
- Taxi cabs are not too expensive for short trips within the city.
- The train is very reasonable and reliable.
- Don't be afraid to take the train too and from the airport (both airports) - it is simple and convenient.
- Try to get to the EXPO on the first day and as early as possible. It is (gets) very crowded.
- There are lots of pace teams. If you are planning to run with a pace team, do your home work at the Expo to know what corral your pace team will be planning to start - it may not be in the corral you were assigned. You may have to figure out how to adapt.
- There was beer available in the finish shoot - more than one was allowed. So good!

  

By JSW about 2016

  

By sy about 2016

Review

Too many people to get a PR.

Race Tips

Follow the tangent line. Get up in the first few corrals.

  

By cac about 2016

Review

Like: Very well organized, nice running tour of the city, good expo, plenty of water and nutrition on-course.

Didn't like: Wish it had started earlier in the day. Temps were over 60 by the end of the race.

Race Tips

Take the train from O'Hare into the city center. There are many hotels and restaurants within an easy walk of the start/finish area.

  

By Scott Johnson about 2016

Review

Great organization from start to finish. Best crowd support of any race I have participated in. Fast and flat course through a variety of neighborhoods. Overall a wonderful experience!

Race Tips

My GPS watch didn't work properly until we got out of the downtown area and away from the tall buildings. My watch said I was running a 10 minute pace (which i knew was wrong) and I was running next to the 8:30 pacer. There is a long walk from the finish line to the common area for meeting friends and family.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

If you can get into one, choose a hotel that is walking distance from the start/finish in Grant Park. There are EL stop close by if you are traveling in from the suburbs.

  

By CB about 2016

Review

Best marathon ever ran.

Race Tips

Flat Course.

  

By Anonymous about 2016

  

By Noel E about 2016

Review

Excellent organising. Great crowd support and aid stations excellent. Pacers only have little paddles easy to lose sight, Balloons would be much better.

Race Tips

Water comes in cups which isn't ideal, European marathons have bottled water much better.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Public transport is excellent you don't need to stay downtown (very expensive) do a trial run the day before to see how much time you need to get downtown by. You would need to be arriving in Grant park by 06.30 to be on the safe side.

  

By DH about 2016

Review

Amazing crowd support!

Race Tips

Your GPS watch will not work properly! If you are aiming for a certain time, I would suggest wearing a pace band.

  

By Mize Z about 2016

Review

Flat, fast, great aid stations, sufficient porta-johns, great spectators, nice finish area. Perfect weather in 2016!

  

By Aac about 2016

Review

Great course, great support, beautiful run.

Race Tips

Watch does not work through the first 5k, people cross in front of you so keep eyes ahead.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Travel Lodge was cheap and close.

  

By has about 2016

Review

GPS did not work well in the city.

Race Tips

Bring a pace band your GPS may not work well.

  

By CR about 2016

Review

The feel of a big "major" marathon. Well supported by the city and well organized. It can be crowded but you should expect that with 40k+ runners.

Race Tips

Your GPS won't work well the 1st few miles, probably because of the buildings, assume your first few miles will be slower with the crowds.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I was very happy I chose to stay within walking distance of the start/finish. The Hyatt I stayed at was prepared to support runners in the morning by stocking bananas, bagels and liquids in the lobby.

  

By TJV about 2016

Review

Fantastically well organised. Wasn't prepared fro the cement roads- IT band and toes took a beating.

Race Tips

Keep your eyes on the road! Lots of potholes and uneven cracks.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Stayed at Dewitt Place, booked through booking.com. Block from lake running trail, block from Magnificent Mile, 20 minute walk to start finish, has laundry facilities! Very clean and reasonably priced with full kitchen in room.

  

By HRD about 2016

Review

Organized. Friendly volunteers. Amazing crowd encouragement

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Stay downtown close to start line as roads get blocked off

  

By MM about 2016

Review

Great flat race, had excellent weather (55 - 65) with some light breezes; city residents really come out to support the runners.

Race Tips

Short climb right before the finish line

  

By Rh about 2016

  

By ELK about 2016

Review

Flat, good crowd support, well organized, fun!

Race Tips

Be aware of the stretch of Ashland before China town after Pilsen, it's dead there and pretty boring. Also remember that last hill isn't the finish, the shoot is about 50 meters away, so power up that hill and cruise into the finish.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Get reservations for after the marathon, you won't be able to walk into any place to just get a table.

  

By MO about 2016

Review

it was very well organized and well contained within city area. My family was very easily able to see me three times. We planned ahead of time where they would be and it worked so much better than other marathons. We stayed closed to the grant park area so the start and finish were very convenient.

Race Tips

I WAS SUPER EXCITED TO SEE MY FAMILY AND lost my pace group early. I was way off my pace.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Stay close to the park. Take a riverboat cruise the day before to minimize walking and activity.

  

By Prasad about 2016

Review

Great course, awesome preparations/arrangements, unbelievable crowd support.

  

By DHR about 2016

Review

I just love this marathon. I've completed it twice and it's met my expectations both times. I've completed 7 marathons and just PR'ed at this course. If you are looking to PR or BQ this is the race for you. It's fast and flat but weather can be a mystery (it is Chicago after all). From the time I picked up my bib to the finish line everything went smoothly.

Race Tips

Follow the blue line. It's the shortest distance. Just know that your garmin will not be reliable the first few miles. And don't use the garmin pause feature that screwed me up with my time and pacing.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I stayed at an Airbnb and ubered to the start line (which I probably could have walked to the start line). It's definitely a lot cheaper than staying at one of the downtown hotels.

  

By FOL about 2016

Review

Excellent big Marathon. Extremely organized. A lot of people in the road. Good refreshing stations. Not too many bands or entertainment during the race.

Race Tips

Perfect for negative split.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

A lot of hotels to choose from.

  

By GG about 2016

Review

Great run.

Race Tips

Negative split.

  

By tg about 2016

  

By Mike about 2016

Review

Great crowd support, distractive surroundings, pancake flat course, very organized race

Race Tips

Get to start line early, don't start out to fast, miles 14-20 are a little boring so save energy for these, give it your all at the end.

  

By JB about 2016

Review

It was a great race. Great seeing all of the different communities, and all of the support from the city. The only thing I didn't like was the finish, spectators couldn't see the finish.

Race Tips

I took my own water bottle, it made it easier getting through the water stations. Get to your starting corral early.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

2016

  

By wc about 2015

  

By SBW about 2015

Review

Perfect weather, beautiful course through the city, wonderful crowd and cheering, nice mostly flat/easy!

Race Tips

Try to start out slower and save speed/energy for middle or end of race. My mantra is, "the race doesn't start until mile 20!"

  

By CJ about 2015

Review

Start and finish of this race is horrible. You will be completely isolate from friends and family. Then after you run your 26.2 miles you'll need to walk an another 300 yards to see friends and family. The best part about running a marathon is finishing and the Chicago marathon completely takes sharing that experience away from you. It was explained that this was for security reasons.

Race Tips

Read every detail possible about the race before race day due to communication on race day being very poor and unorganized.

  Great first marathon

By Ed about 2014

Review

My first marathon (2014) at age 62! Awesome experience. Great city. Stayed at the Hilton across from Grant Park start/finish so couldn't have been more convenient. Food was great everywhere in Chicago. Got to run again next year (2015) and even more fun as well as faster time!

Race Tips

For newbies 1) Get to the start without injury 2)Civer the distance 3) Have fun 4) Finish strong enough to want run it again

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Best hotel- Chicago Hilton
Best restaurant- breakfast- Eleven City Diner
Dinner- Gioco's

  

By elb about 2013

  

By Luc about 2013

  

By EMR about 2012

Review

Great crowd support, start and finish area was great. Great course to PR on, less people in the way if your in a front corral!

Race Tips

Hang by a Nike pace group and hold on!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

as with any big city race, the best and worst thing are ALL the people. Get to race early before streets shut down. Or take public transportation. There will be a MILLION people downtown! No Kidding!