Race: Chicago Marathon
Runner: Ayu
Date: 10/8/17
Location: Chicago, IL
Results – 6:28:14
3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most:
The EXPO was very organized and easy to find. The crowds were spectacular, people cheering at the different neighborhoods with different bands playing was fantastic! The race had great resources in terms of water, fueling, medical stations
Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Although it was very exciting to be in such a big race, starting the race was kind of difficult for me with that many runners. I felt like I have to dodge people around me at the beginning. The fact that the race started so late, and it got warmed up already was not a great start. Not knowing my pace at the beginning also put another stress on my mind.
Next time if I do decide to race Chicago again, I would book a hotel room close to the start line. My body was already tired by the time the race started, since I had to wake up around 4 am to get ready, to be able to get to the parking lot before the roads were closed.
Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race
I thought the signs at the end of the finish line on where to find our family members were not very intuitive. I certainly did not want to walk around another hour to find my family at the finish line.
Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular
I did well convincing myself not to quit 🙂
I would have enjoyed the atmosphere much better if I both legs did not cramp up for more than 10 miles.
Lessons Learned – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner or yourself on the next time around
I would take a consideration that the tracking device wouldn’t work for a while and be okay with it. I would stay in a place that is closer to the start line.
In the case of cramping, stop at the medical station and ask for fluid replacement.
Enjoy the race even with all the above, I still finish one of the biggest marathon in the world.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The carpeted area could be fatal 🙂
Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very organized other than the finish line
Logistics – Anything special regarding getting to/from the race, hotels around the course, registration…?
Stay close to the race
Weather and typical race conditions
The weather was warm for typical Chicago weather.
Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends and family?
The fact that they can track us running was pretty cool. My friend met me at 35KM and brought me water. She’s moved up on my most loved friends’ list.
How’s the swag?
I thought it was okay, some of my runner friends who have done a few of Chi Mar thought the swag was not the greatest this year.
The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it
I would give 3 stars because I had had bad experience, but definitely would recommend to other runners.