Illinois

Chicago Half Marathon Race Report

Photo: Chicago Half Marathon

This Chicago Half Marathon race report is meant to help you learn from my experiences with this awesome race. From course details to race day logistics, I try to share all that I can to help you be your best on race day! – Jaysen Chambers

Race: Life Time Chicago Half Marathon + 5K

Runner: Coach Jaysen Chambers

Race Date: 09/29/2019

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Results: 1:49:34 – 8:22/mile – AG 59/341

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  • Lots of energy with crowd support
  • Great views of Lake Michigan on Lakeshore Drive
  • Ginormous finisher medals and great post-race activities – With 7000+ participants they have several vendor tents set up. Food and beverages are available, and there is usually a band. It is a party atmosphere for sure!

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

  • Parking is difficult. I personally parked at the Museum of Science and Industry and walked to the starting area. It’s just under a mile walk.
  • The race also encourages taking the shuttle or walking to the start. The race shuttles cost $15 and begin departing at 4:30a and 4:45a from various locations. There is great information on their website.
  • Much of the route is on concrete and is a combo of asphalt and concrete. The roads are fairly well maintained with only a few patchy spots. No sidewalk running at all.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

This was the first time I went sub-1:50 for a half marathon. Great pacers. I used the 1:50 pacer for this race and stuck with the group. We ran pretty consistent splits. If I remember correctly the weather was very rainy prior to the race starting and then stopped just before gun time. End of September is a tricky time because you can get anything…cold, hot, rain, sun, wind.

This is an out and back course. You start about the first mile winding through the Jackson Park area then head north onto Lakeshore Drive where you get a great view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. The overpass turnaround is near mile 7 where you back south on Lakeshore Drive.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner rock the Chicago Half Marathon!

Give yourself plenty of time to get to the start/finish area as parking can be challenging. You don’t want to be stressed about getting there on time. During this time of the year, it is still dark. Sunrise is at 6:46a and the race corals close at 6:45a with a start time of 7a.

This is a fairly large race so you don’t need a headlamp to get around in the morning. There are plenty of street lamps and other runners making their way from the parking garage to the starting area. Get there early! There were police directing traffic in to the parking garage, lots of activity…once you park you have the long walk to the start area. There’s gear check and porta potties and a huge starting area for folks to warm up and relax prior to the race.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Know that the turnaround is around mile 7 and is an overpass, so be prepared for that hill. If I was preparing for this race now I would likely take a gel prior to the start. And the two gels on course near miles 4 and 9. Depending on the temp I would sip scratch in my handheld. Everything went well on that day and I gave myself plenty of time to get down to the start area, use the porta potties, relax and warm up.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It’s usually pretty crowded for about the first mile until you make your way onto Lakeshore Drive where the pack spreads out. Be patient. Once you get onto Lakeshore Drive around mile 2, it’s really just a long straightaway heading north that allows you to settle in to your pace. Pretty flat with a nice view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. Since it’s an out and back you get to see the folks ahead of you coming back southbound after the turnaround around mile 7.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Great views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago Skyline! And an epic final turn towards the finish line in Jackson Park with the Statue of the Republic.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Flat except for the turnaround overpass. It’s your standard exit ramp overpass then down the entrance ramp on the other side. Probably less than a 1/4 mile total. There were a lot of spectators at that turnaround point too. And it always feels good to know you’re headed back to where you started.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Very well run and organized with usually around 7000 participants. Pre and post race communication is excellent for a race of this size. Bib pick up is downtown Chicago and went smooth. Big expo with lots of vendors. Very easy to get live race results. There were several official race photographers throughout the course too.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

  • Top male in 2023 – 1:10:20
  • Top female in 2023 – 1:18:58
  • Competitive age groups

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

  • I don’t believe it sells out. Only logistical note would be parking / shuttle / walking.
  • Your options to get your bib are: Packet pick-up day or two before the race, packet mailing, or purchase the will-call option for day-of pick up.
  • Being Chicago, there are tons of hotels, not many really close to the start/finish area. But that’s where the shuttles play a role.
  • I drove the down prior to race day to get my bib although coming from the suburbs I would consider having it mailed to me for a fee. It’s quite the journey to get down to Chicago from the burbs.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

The aid stations were plentiful about every mile to 1.5 miles. They do have Gatorade Endurance Gels and drink available on course at a few of the aid stations too. Lots of volunteers and very easy to navigate as this is a big city race.

Chicago Half Marathon Finish

Weather and typical race conditions

End of September is hard to predict. It’s a few weeks before the Chicago Marathon…and that weather has been all over the board. Hot, cold, rainy…

Our weather was rainy the whole way driving downtown in the dark and then the rain let up just before the start of the race. It’s usually pretty windy along Lake Michigan so you can expect that. But temps is a crapshoot.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Even though you’re walking to the starting corals when the sun is still coming up…don’t forget your sunglasses as the sun will rise over Lake Michigan. They do have a gear check area where I dropped a bag. In 2019 the gear check tent was understaffed and hopefully that has improved over the years, it’s tough to get that piece right for a race. I had some extra shoes and another shirt to change into. I was dressed appropriately for the race!

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes. With it being an out and back, friend and family can easily see you twice. I didn’t have any personal family/friends spectating me. There are neighborhoods that are along the edge of the course so they can park and walk over to the median area and see the participants twice on the out and back. There’s also a very large start/finish area in Jackson Park to enjoy post-race activities.

How’s the Swag?

The biggest finisher medals I’ve ever seen. The two years that I ran this race we received long sleeve tech shirts that I still wear today. There was also swag for purchase at the expo.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give the Chicago Half Marathon and do you recommend that others run it?

4.5 / 5 stars. The reason for the .5 off is because it because you do need to give yourself more time than usual to either park/walk or shuttle over to the start area. And the gear check tent was understaffed when you’re trying to get your dry clothes. I would definitely recommend this race… just know it’s a big city race with big city logistics. Improving the gear check staffing (and I would assume it’s been improved) is my only suggestion.

Coach Jaysen Chambers is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.

Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon Race Report – Hayley Maynard

Race: Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon

Runner: Hayley Maynard

Race Date: 04/01/2023

Location: Springfield, IL

Results: https://results.itsracetime.com/results.aspx?CId=17095&RId=1093

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  • The course hits the major Lincoln sites in Springfield, and loops around the city.
  • It is a small enough crowd that there is not crowding during the race or at the water stations.
  • The recommended hotel is within 2 blocks of the start/finish.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

It is not a completely closed course, on some streets cars are going around you either from the front or the back.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Not a tough course, but there are a lot of turns and some hills at the end.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it

4/5 stars. Would recommend to others!

Des Plaines 50 mile Trail Race Report – Vince Kwok

Race: Des Plaines River Trail Race (50 miles)

Runner: Vince Kwok

Race Date: 10/15/2022

Location: Vernon Hills, IL

Results: 9:52:51

Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/Xd0t0lNIcub

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. Super flat.
  2. Logistics were easy.
  3. Volunteers were friendly and helpful.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I prepared well all summer for this race. It’s a local race for me and so I knew the course very well. This was my first ultra and so I wanted to set myself up for success. For the first 7-8 miles, there were other runners around me but after that, I was pretty much by myself. So I just treated it like any of my other long runs. I tried to not get caught up with what other runners were doing and stuck to my gameplan. I stayed consistent, relaxed, and just kept going. At the halfway turnaround, I was able to see the runners behind me. There were a few people that I thought were ahead of me but were actually behind me. So that was a nice little surprise. I also executed my nutrition plan very well and had no stomach issues. I ran at a steady pace to around mile 35. The last 15 miles were tough but I was able to employ a “run a couple miles and then walk for a few minutes” cycle.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It’s a north-south course. From the start, you go south ~1.75 miles, turnaround, and go back north to start ~1.75 miles. Then you head north ~25 miles to halfway turnaround. They you come back to south to same start/finish point.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It is in a forest preserve along the Des Plaines River. Most of the course is surrounded by trees. There are some open areas. Some of the leaves were starting to change colors. But I wouldn’t describe it as a pretty course.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Not difficult at all. Very flat. It is crushed gravel for majority of course. Not technical at all.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Very organized and well run. Website and details about race were clear. Packet pick-up was easy (although no day before packet pick up available for out of towners; but if you stay at host hotel, you can pickup packet there). Pre-race instructions were clear. Course markings for the different distances were clear. Volunteers were great. They had porta potties at start/finish and a few other aid stations. There were also permanent bathroom structures along the course.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

It’s a small and local race in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. There were 89 people signed up and 62 finishers.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

This year the host hotel was fully booked for the first time. But I believe they provided an alternative hotel option.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Aid Stations were standard. They were about every 5 miles. This is a cupless race. They had tailwind and water.

Weather and typical race conditions

The weather was perfect. At race start (7am), it was about 33F. Around 11am, it was around 46F. The rest of the afternoon was low 50s. At the start, the ground was a little wet but it dried up after a couple hours. I heard a few years earlier, it had rained a lot. So they had to do an alternate course (6-8 mile loop) because the Des Plaines River flooded. They had to still go through large puddles of water.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Standard gear. I used a Salomon vest with two 500 mL water bottles. Not technical so no poles or trail shoes required. I wore my Saucony Endorphin Speed 2. I chose them because they were comfortable and light.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Very friendly for spectators. I had my crew meet me at one of the aid stations (mile 31.7) so I could eat some whole food and restock up on gels/bars.

How’s the Swag?

I got a belt buckle. It’s okay. The only thing I wish they added to it is the year. The shorter distance medals (50K, marathon, 1/2 marathon) looked pretty cool as the center part of the medal spinned. Also got a t-shirt.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

5/5. This was a perfect first ultramarathon for me. The weather was great. The course is very flat. It was a local race so I got to practice on the course all summer. I had an awesome time!

Chicago Marathon Race Report – John Gregson

Race: Chicago Marathon

Runner: John Gregson

Race Date: 10/09/2022

Location: Chicago, IL

Results: 4:01:17

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/7938195691

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. The course was nice and flat, and the weather was perfect for running
  2. The aid stations were plentiful and well organized
  3. The crowd was amazing

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Nothing really. One little quibble might be the recommendation to get to my starting corral two hours early. That seemed excessive.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

Running on carpet across a couple of the grated bridges was a little weird.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

Negative splits! My rest and nutrition were on point and, for the first time ever, I felt strong enough to pick up the pace in the second half of the race. The weather was perfect, and even though there were a lot of runners on the course, the congestion wasn’t too much of an issue after the first couple of miles. PR by 15 minutes and just 1:07 short of my 4-hour A goal. Coming off a slower-than-expected Berlin Marathon two weeks earlier, I kind of shocked myself by improving my time by 28 minutes over that race.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Grab a pace band if you have specific race goals. GPS is notoriously inaccurate in downtown Chicago, so you’ll probably need to rely on the mile markers and your overall time to calculate your splits/pace. I forgot to grab a pace band at the expo, so I just scribbled a few key split times on my arm with a Sharpie. I didn’t carry hydration with me and there was plenty on course to meet my needs. You may not need sunglasses at the start of the race, but there was a lot of sun/glare in the back half of the race.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Maurten gels are amazing. A bit spendy for everyday training, but I took one every 20 minutes during Chicago and they were great. I mixed in the caffeinated version in the second half of the race. I also worked to get myself on Chicago time (from Seattle time) in the week leading up to the race, going to bed early and getting up early. I felt like I was fully rested on race morning. In the days leading up to the race, I ate a lot of bagels, pasta, and bananas, which seemed to be a good combo for me.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Try and stick to the “blue line” to take corners at the right angles, but be aware that the congestion will be heaviest here. As mentioned previously, don’t really on your watch GPS for splits/pace. Have an alternate plan to track your progress if you’re aiming for a specific time. Unless the weather dictates that you’ll need warm/dry clothes to change into right after the race, I’d probably skip the gear check and go the old, giveaway clothes route. After checking my gear, I stood around shivering for about 45 minutes before I actually started running. Smarter people than me stripped off their old sweatshirts at the last minute and tossed them to the volunteers collecting clothes for charity.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

I mean, as far as urban races go, it’s not bad. Lots of cool architecture and bridges. Not exactly picturesque while you’re running though.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Other than the runner traffic you need to navigate, no, not a tough course at all. Flat, wide streets, lots of aid stations, great environment, etc.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Amazing. Coming on the heels of Berlin, which felt like a cluster at times, Chicago was incredible. Volunteers everywhere, clear instructions, and organized from the expo to the finishers’ village.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes, very strong. This year (2022), Ruth Chepngetich ran the second all time fastest women’s time and Emily Sisson ran the fastest ever US women’s time. Conner Mantz ran the sixth-fastest US men’s time.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

For middle-of-the-packers like me, you can get in via lottery, which you enter a year in advance, or by running in support of an approved charity. I was selected in the lottery then booked my hotel through Marathon Travel and Tours. I gather that some places do sell out, so if you are lucky enough to get in, you might want to book a hotel as soon as possible. I really liked being right next to the Grant Park start/finish line to eliminate another potential source of pre-race stress.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Pretty standard fare. Gatorade Endurance and Water at the earlier stations, and a few stations with gels and fruit later in the race. Spectators are also shoving stuff (e.g., popsicles, pickle juice, beer, Malört) in the runners’ faces though out the race. I avoided all of this.

Weather and typical race conditions

We had great weather this year (high 40’s to start, low 60’s by the finish), but it sounds there can be a lot of variety year-to-year. Last year (2021) was apparently very warm (68 at the start) and humid (84%).

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Nothing special, but I would recommend a pace band if you’re so inclined. See above.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes, I think so. I went solo, but I gather that it’s possible for friends and family to cheer you on multiple times if they move around a bit.

How’s the Swag?

Pretty good. Short sleeve Nike tech shirt (picked up at expo) and finisher’s medal. There was a lot of stuff for sale at the expo, but by the time I got there (when the doors opened on the Saturday before the race), there wasn’t any official gear left in my size (or the size above, or the size below). I ended up ordering a half-zip from the Nike website has soon as I got back to my hotel room.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

5 out of 5. I would absolutely recommend it. I wasn’t planning on repeating any of the majors before I complete my Six Stars, but I’d make an exception for Chicago.

Want some race day tips for your next race? We’ve got you covered.

Chicago Marathon Race Report – Drew Mikhail

Race: Chicago Marathon

Runner: Coach Drew Mikhail

Race Date: 10/09/2022

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Results: 4hrs14

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/7937853056

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  • The crowds were tremendous. Hardly any quiet spots
  • The expo was massive with tons of vendors and merch
  • A very fast course

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

  • Because of the tall buildings in the route expect GPS interference – you would have to find your pace by looking at your run time compared to the distance markers.
  • This year had about 40,000 runners which is incredible. But expect to get caught behind other runners every so often as your try to maintain pace.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

I did not expect to do so much walking either to the expo or before & after the race. Something to keep in mind especially as you would want to stay fresh and avoid fatigue.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

Made sure to stop at every aid station and used the energy from the cheering crowds to get through the difficult phases of running a marathon.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Because of the large number of participants be sure to plan additional time in getting to and from the expo as well as the start line area. When I took transit from my hotel on race morning, it was supposed to take 15 minutes to get to the main park but it took an extra ten minutes. Also, make reservations to restaurants on race weekend.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

In the first half of the race it is so easy to get caught up with all the fanfare and fast runners that you lose track of your own game plan.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The course is generally very flat with gentle rises and drops. Just one hill to be concerned about which happens to be in the final half mile. At the same time you do get a downhill in the final 200 meters to the finish line.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

The course is a scenic tour of Chicago.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

The course is fast and flat.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Very well organized from the expo to getting to the start line. All the way to meeting up with friends & family after the race.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Chicago is one of the six world majors. A strong field is expected.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

I got in via lottery which typically opens up soon after the current year’s race has ended. There are time qualifications as well as charity spots. I definitely recommend booking a hotel early.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

The aid stations on the course had Gatorade Endurance and water. Certain stations also offered gels and bananas. The aid stations were pretty frequent as there were 17 of them over 26.2 miles.

Weather and typical race conditions

The weather conditions were ideal for the run. Because you have to be at the start fairly early, it can be on the cool side. Be sure to wear additional layers until at least your wave starts.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

I would recommend bringing your own hydration for the first seven or eight miles as the aid stations do get congested.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

A tremendous course for spectators. Easy to navigate and each runner is trackable on an app you can download.

How’s the Swag?

The race shirt is nice with lots of samples in the race bag. There’s also a free Chicago marathon poster you can pick up at the expo. There is free beer in the post-race party for participants.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

5/5 – If you are excited about running in a big city race this is the one for you. I highly recommend it!

Drew Mikhail is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.

Nighttime Nonsense/Curse of the Yeti Race Report – John Alcantara

Race: Night Time Nonsense/Curse Of The Yeti

Runner: John Alcantara

Race Date: 08/13/2022

Location: Chicago, IL

Results: Third Place

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

Very welcoming, organizers and volunteers were super awesome and the course was great

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Nothing.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

That they were an hardcore EDM concert going on lol

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

That I kept what I can to control at mind and throughout the race to help me finish.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Don’t go out to fast! Just go with what you can control and enjoy it

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Don’t drink lots of water at the start lol

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Put yourself in a good position at the start and everything else will follow along.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yeah

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Nope

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Well oiled machine

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yup I say the top ten were all hungry for a good spot

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

It’s a local race so anyone can either drive to the spot if your in the Chicago area.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Yup at the turnaround for the out and back

Weather and typical race conditions

Humid!

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Not for this one

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yup!

How’s the Swag?

Pretty awesome!

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

Ten

Need help prepping for your next big race? We’ve got you covered.

Tracksmith Twilight 5000 Race Report – John Alcantara

Race: Tracksmith Twilight 5000

Runner: John Alcantara

Race Date: 07/15/2022

Location: Montrose Track

Results: 22:07 Third place in my heat

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

Motivation, community and the vibes

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

Hahahaha little kids running on the course awhile the race was happening

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

Knowing I can push myself even when your body is saying NO!

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Pace yourself and knowing control what you can control. It’s 12 laps around the track and you don’t want to die on lap one

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It’s a track race!! Go fast

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yup!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Nope pretty straight forward

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Hahahaha it was well organized

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yup

Need help preparing for your next race? We’ve got you covered.

Deer Park St. Paddy’s Half Marathon Race Report – Vince Kwok

Race: Deer Park St. Paddy’s Half Marathon

Runner: Vince Kwok

Race Date: 03/19/2022

Location: Deer Park, IL

Results: 1:47:47.8

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

Parking was easy. Plenty of spots as it was in a mall area by the movie theater. I personally like smaller races so this fit me well. Only about 240 half marathoners.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

For the half marathon, it’s 3 loops. Half marathon started at 7:15am. 5K and 10K started at 8:15am. Third time around the loop is when I ran into all the 5K/10K participants. Many of them are there just for fun and so they don’t necessarily know running etiquette. It required a lot of weaving in and out with all the 5K/10K participants. It threw my rhythm off a few times.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I paced myself well and had an 8 plus minute PR!

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Be mindful that the course has a number of sharp and narrow turns.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Nope, it’s just pavement and roads in a Chicago suburb mall area.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It’s not difficult. Some minor elevation changes.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

It seemed fairly organized. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

It’s a smaller race so I don’t think there’s much competition. Winner ran 1:18:41.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

Logistics were easy. Standard race sign-up.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Standard fare – water and sports drink. There are 2 aid stations and so you hit them each lap.

Weather and typical race conditions

It was 37 degrees F and cloudy. It rained overnight but stopped before the race. Typical weather for Chicago suburbs this time of year.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Nothing special.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes, this is spectator friendly as it is a 3 loop course. Multiple areas along the route where people can spectate.

How’s the Swag?

Standard – pint glass, medal, t-shirt, and sugar cookie.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

I give it 3/5 stars. Average smaller race. Nothing special. I used it as a tune up race for my marathon in 6 weeks so I thought it was helpful.

Tunnel Hill Marathon Race Report – Jacqueline Sommer

Race: Tunnel Hill Marathon

Runner: Jacqueline Sommer

Race Date: 11/14/2021

Location: Vienna, IL

Results: 3:34:54/3rd Overall Female

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/6257940927

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. This race is quiet and low-key!
  2. The scenery is unbeatable with the fall colors, rock formations, bridges, and the infamous 543 foot tunnel.
  3. It’s part of an entire weekend of ultra-running events including legendary guest speakers, pasta dinner, camping, 100 and 50 mile distance options on Saturday, and the best volunteers and aid stations ever.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Since the marathon starts at 7:00am the day after the 100 and 50 miler begin, the trail is pretty lonely! I went miles without seeing anyone!!

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

Running through a 543 foot long tunnel is weird!! As you get about halfway through the tunnel you lose all perception of where you are… and might even bump into the wall a time or two (or maybe that was just me!?)

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I was actually registered for the Tunnel Hill 100 which took place the day before the marathon. Due to a scheduling conflict (kiddo’s first ever gymnastics meet!!) race director, Steve Durbin, allowed me to transfer in to the marathon. With no “marathon training” under my belt (only ultra training), I had pretty realistic expectations and planned on just running for fun. The weather started out perfect- low 40s and dry- but in less than an hour turned into cold rain and gusty winds. I was proud of how I dealt with the unexpected conditions and managed to come in 3rd overall for females and earned prize money! I also got to meet Camille Herron at the finish line!!

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Arrive early if you want to watch sub 24 hour 100 milers cross the finish line. Or arrive right before the start because parking is right there and there’s no corrals to line up in. Makes for a very stress-free race morning! During the race, make sure you carry your own water/nutrition. There are only a few aid stations along the course and all are cup free!

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Here’s a surprising one – don’t go out to fast!!! The first half has a gradual incline.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The trail is crushed limestone so gaiters are used by many to keep the rocks out of your socks. This course is called “flat and fast” but be aware that the first 9 miles are a gradual incline.. but on the flip side your return is a slight downhill!

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

The course is beautiful! It is held in mid-November so the trees are still full of colorful leaves! There are enough slight curves in the trail where you don’t feel like you are running in a straight line out and back.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

This course is unique because it can be considered road or trail. For a trail, it is flat! There are no roots or big rocks to worry about.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Tunnel Hill is directed by Steve Durbin with Durbin Race Management so you know you are getting nothing but the best! It is incredibly organized and well run. You can always find Steve at the finish line personally greeting every runner that crosses the finish line. And the awards are handed to you on the spot!

Competition – Is there a strong field?

This is only the second year for the marathon so in comparison to the 100/50 the field is quite small. There were a total of 60 runners in 2021.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

All races typically sell out – but not overnight! You can usually secure a spot if you register early on ultrasignup!

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

I cannot personally attest to any of the aid stations along the course. I carried my own water and gels and just enjoyed all their cheering as I went by them during the race. Since the race is out and back, you do run by each twice. There were 2 (you run by them 4 time total) that were manned and there was one (you run by it twice) that was self serve water.

Weather and typical race conditions

Expect any time of weather during Tunnel Hill weekend! It can get quite cold overnight and rain is not uncommon. It was 40 and dry when we started, then we had cold rain and gusty winds for a few hours, and then the sun finally came out at the end. I joked that we ran through three seasons that morning!

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

You will definitely need a vest or a hand held bottle since the race is cup free. It also isn’t a bad idea to carry a small flashlight to help you navigate through the tunnel. They even give you one in your race packet!

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

This course is very spectator friendly! It begins with a mile out and back so spectators can see you only two miles into the race. There is also a trailhead where they can see you right after the tunnel at roughly mile 12 and again at mile 17. My boys were also able to see me around mile 24 and still be back to the finish in time!! The race is held in Vienna Park which has plenty of green space and playgrounds for camping and hanging out while you wait on your runner.

How’s the Swag?

SWAG was an amazing long sleeve t-shirt hoodie, hat, and flashlight. All marathon runners received a medal and overall winners received a railroad spike and prize money!

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

5 Stars – hands down! Absolutely recommend this race to anyone!

Jacqueline Sommer is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with Coach Jacqueline, check out her coaching page.

Chicago Marathon Race Report – Rohit Eipe

In this race report, runner Rohit reviews the Chicago Marathon, including what to know about your start time and planning for aid stations.

Race: Chicago Marathon 2021

Runner: Rohit Eipe

Race Date: 10/10/2021

Location: Chicago, IL

Results: https://results.chicagomarathon.com/2021/?content=detail&fpid=list&pid=list&idp=LSMG963824A563&lang=EN_CAP&event=MAR&lang=EN_CAP&num_results=1000&page=10&searchsex=M&searchage_class=&search_event=MAR

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/6094240373/overview

chicago marathon review

3 Bests – Review the aspects of the Chicago Marathon that you liked the most

  1. It’s pretty well organized overall.
  2. Aid stations were really great. There were stations every 1.5-2 miles. Gatorade and water at all of them, gels after 18 or so, and bananas after 18 as well. A couple of spots had wet sponges to cool off and some pain-relief “biofreeze” gel, but I didn’t try these.
  3. The course is very flat. The only spots with the slightest of elevation were the bridges. I wouldn’t call it the most picturesque, and it was so crowded that you can’t really take your eyes off the road at any point anyway; you have to look out for people all the time.

Not so much – Review the aspects of the Chicago Marathon that didn’t work for you

All in all – it was a really well run race, and these are really quibbles, and there’s not much they can do about the weather.

Weather

Apparently this race usually has perfect running weather, high 40s to start to mid 60s at the end and no rain. But this day had most of the race in the 70s and it was quite humid due to cloud cover all the time. It actually sprinkled a little right at 8am, but fortunately that didn’t turn into any rain, so I guess it could have been worse.

Restrooms

They were actually quite clean, but perhaps not enough for such a large number of people. I saw lines at the restrooms throughout the race. Also there were some extremely long lines at some places at the start (like 200 people long) and some very short lines elsewhere (5 people long), so it seemed like it would make sense to communicate better where all the restrooms were. Fortunately I heard an organizer directing people from the very long line that wasn’t moving at all to the very short lines that only took 2 minutes to get through.

Communication about when to get there

They recommended getting there at 6am for an 8am start of Wave 2, which was just completely unnecessary. I ended up getting there at 7am, and even that was excessive, and I could have got an extra 30 minutes of sleep given that I was staying so close to the race start. The Expo to pick up your race packet as well was very crowded and it took an hour plus to get through the line, and I must have walked 2 miles in the line to pick up my bib etc. Not sure how to solve that, but maybe encourage local people to pick up on Friday instead.

Finisher shirt

I’m guessing you had to pay extra for one of them, because I didn’t get it and I didn’t see many folks with one. The shirts that everyone got for picking up the packet were a little plain as well, and now I have 4-5 black t-shirts.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your marathon in particular?

I think I fueled really well leading up to and through the race. I’ve been using Spring Energy oatmeal and fruit packs and they give me a ton of slow-burning energy and cause no stomach distress at all. The pack is a little bulky for the calories but it worked well. Logistics went well overall. I found a hotel really close to the start, so it was low stress to get there the morning of.

Apparel worked really well. I found a pair of running shorts a couple of months ago that I liked a lot – lots of pockets! I got a new pair of shoes a month prior and broke them in with about 40 miles, so they were perfect for the race.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the Chicago Marathon to help the next runner

The recommended time to get there is vast overkill; I got there at 7 and still easily had 30 minutes sitting around doing nothing plus another 20 minutes from the start of my wave until I went past the start line. Next time I’d just get there at 7:30. It took less than a minute to go through security, and maybe 3 minutes to walk up to the corral. Restroom lines might be an issue but I wouldn’t have to use them if I had arrived just in time anyway.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

My hydration level could use a bit more tuning. It was a very warm day for this time of the year, and I didn’t take in enough fluids the first half of the race. I got more for the second half but couldn’t make up the debt. Core strength was the limiting physical factor for me. My lower back starting hurting around 18 or so and that was a much bigger limiting factor than any leg pain, though there was plenty of leg fatigue, knee pain, etc. I’d started some strength training a few months prior but for next time around I hope to be significantly stronger.

I ran with the 4:30 pace group for a while, which was too fast for me for the given day, training level, and conditions. Although I hadn’t officially signed up (for free) to run with them, I just saw them and followed them. I was able to stick with them for about 16-17 miles, but I think I’d have been better off sticking with my own race plan and running a little slow to begin with and not dropping off so much after 18.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the Chicago Marathon?

It’s really flat, so a great course to go for a fast time. The bridges are covered with a red carpet which is mostly fine but still feels a little tricky so watch for bumps and go carefully there. The streets are very wide, so I assume you really have to run in a straight line from corner to corner to really hit 26.2 miles. For the first few miles, my GPS was well off; my watch registered 2.9 miles at the 2 mile marker due to the tall buildings. Even out in the open, I would often hit a mile by my watch anywhere from 10 to 120 seconds before hitting the course mile marker, which was mentally deflating for me.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Not really, and especially not compared to the Seattle area. The bridges are interesting, but there are also so many people that you can’t take your eyes off the road for long enough to appreciate the scenery.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

No, it’s as flat as they come.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Very well run.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

I’d say so, this is probably where a lot of PRs are set so lots of great runners.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

The Chicago public transit is excellent, so even if you’re staying a little out of downtown, it’s super easy to get to the start. Ubers and Lyfts are extremely expensive these days and I imagine would be impossible to get one the morning of the race, and probably costing in the $100s of dollars if you did. Hotels aren’t super cheap but not terribly expensive either; definitely cheaper than Seattle.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Standard fare for water, and lots of aid stations. For food / gels etc. I think they should had more and should have had them much earlier in the race. They only offered them from mile 18 or 19 onward. I carried a lot of calories in the form of solid / goopy stuff, but I looked around and saw that most people in my part of the field weren’t really carrying much.

Weather and typical race conditions

I read that typically, the weather in the high 40s at the start and mid 60s by later in the morning, and almost always dry. However, this time around it was low 70s at the start and climbed from there to high 70s, plus there was cloud cover most of the race, resulting in a humid setting.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Carry calories with you for the first 2/3 of the race.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

I’d say so, yeah. Easy to get around on the CTA, wide streets with sidewalks throughout that I can remember, goes through lots of neighborhoods (29, officially) so you can just stay where you are and wait for the runners to come to you.

How’s the Swag?

Ok. The medal was nice. The free shirt was just ok; decent material if a little thin, but a bit boring. I think there wasn’t a finisher shirt included in the price of entry.

The Overall Score – What is your final Chicago Marathon review, and do you recommend that others run it?

Definitely a 5 for 5 for me. I don’t think I’d care to run it every year if I had to travel for it but if you live in Chicago I think it’s a fantastic choice.

Getting ready for a marathon? Check out our coach-approved race prep checklist!

chicago marathon review

Chicago Marathon Race Reports and Info

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

  • If traveling there, no need to rent a car since public transportation is great and it’s fairly easy to find a hotel near the start/finish, or along public transportation lines
  • Sharp turns in the early miles, so be prepared, especially with lots of runners around you.
  • Wave starts with corrals, and in waves, so it helps spread out the field (35,000+ runners)
  • Feels chillier downtown near the start because of tall buildings
  • Weather can be all over the place, so be prepared for hot or cold, or rainy, windy…
  • Not many hills, but several bridges with steel grates, which are usually covered with carpet. Still makes for different footing from regular roads.
  • GPS might not work well in early miles among tall downtown buildings
  • Book a hotel close to the start/finish to allow for minimal travel time before and after the race
  • The race feels crowded at the beginning and throughout, even with the wave starts
  • If it’s calling for warm temps, be prepared for it to warm up quickly and use ice and water at aid stations to cool down
  • Have a good plan for finding family/friends at the end, as the finish line is very busy and can be confusing and overwhelming to a tired runner

Course

Type: Loop course all over the city, starting and finishing in Grant Park.

Start/Finish Info: Only runners allowed in start/finish area. Corrals closed 10 minutes before start, so get there with plenty of time.

Hills: Minimal, very flat, fast course. Biggest hill is ~25 feet of gain from mile 22-23. The total elevation gain is 243 ft.

Map/Elevation: Link to Map

Aid stations

Locations of water stations: 20 aid stations 1-2 miles apart, with both water and Lemon-LIme Gatorade Endurance Formula

Locations of electrolyte stations: Gatorade Endurance Carb Energy Chews at mile 13.2 and Gatorade Endurance Energy Gels at mile 18.2. Bananas at miles 29.5-23.5.

Spectator access

Access Locations: See the Spectator Guide

Boston qualifier?

Yes, and part of the World Marathon Majors

Race reports

Chicago Marathon Race Report – John Gregson

Race: Chicago Marathon Runner: John Gregson Race Date: 10/09/2022 Location: Chicago, IL Results: 4:01:17 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/7938195691 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The course was nice and flat, and the weather was perfect for runningThe aid stations were plentiful and well organizedThe crowd was amazing Not so much – Aspects of ...
Read More

Chicago Marathon Race Report – Drew Mikhail

Race: Chicago Marathon Runner: Coach Drew Mikhail Race Date: 10/09/2022 Location: Chicago, Illinois Results: 4hrs14 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/7937853056 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The crowds were tremendous. Hardly any quiet spotsThe expo was massive with tons of vendors and merchA very fast course Not so much – Aspects of the race ...
Read More

Deer Park St. Paddy’s Half Marathon Race Report – Vince Kwok

Race: Deer Park St. Paddy's Half Marathon Runner: Vince Kwok Race Date: 03/19/2022 Location: Deer Park, IL Results: 1:47:47.8 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Parking was easy. Plenty of spots as it was in a mall area by the movie theater. I personally like smaller races so this fit me well. Only ...
Read More

Chicago Marathon Race Report – Rohit Eipe

In this race report, runner Rohit reviews the Chicago Marathon, including what to know about your start time and planning for aid stations. Race: Chicago Marathon 2021 Runner: Rohit Eipe Race Date: 10/10/2021 Location: Chicago, IL Results: https://results.chicagomarathon.com/2021/?content=detail&fpid=list&pid=list&idp=LSMG963824A563&lang=EN_CAP&event=MAR&lang=EN_CAP&num_results=1000&page=10&searchsex=M&searchage_class=&search_event=MAR Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/6094240373/overview 3 Bests – Review the aspects of the Chicago Marathon that you liked the most It's pretty well ...
Read More
chicago marathon review

Chicago Marathon Race Report – Ayu

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, ...
Read More

Chicago Marathon – Adela S

Race: Chicago Marathon – https://www.chicagomarathon.com/ Runner: Adela S Date: 10/9/2016 Location: Chicago, Il Results – 4:39, somewhere around 11,000th place out of 40,000 registered 3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most 1) Highly organized, including security 2) Post-race food & beer – we were even given ice bags. That’s a first for me! 3) Volunteers and fans were ...
Read More

Race Website

https://www.chicagomarathon.com/

chicago marathon review

Chicago Marathon Race Report – Ayu

Race: Chicago Marathonchicago marathon race report

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.

Chicago Marathon – Adela S

Race: Chicago Marathon – https://www.chicagomarathon.com/

Runner: Adela S

Date: 10/9/2016

Location: Chicago, Il

Results –

4:39, somewhere around 11,000th place out of 40,000 registered

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

1) Highly organized, including security

2) Post-race food & beer – we were even given ice bags. That’s a first for me!

3) Volunteers and fans were great

Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

1) Spectators crossing in front of runners. I am not ashamed I yelled at someone, “I’ll hurt you if you cut me off!”

2) Weird carpets over the metal grated bridge, presumable so runners didn’t trip on the grated bridge. I tripped on the carpet, go figure, and fell on my knees before mile 1.

3) I think the course could have been more scenic for being in Chicago. I would have loved to run by the old worlds fair grounds or spend more time downtown.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

The Bank of America Cheer Section was probably the quietest part of the course.

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular

I feel great about getting my 4th or 5th fastest time (out of 10) in a race that I only trained for in three months after a couple of bad injuries. I know a lot of this was due to proper prep (thanks, coach!!) and being excited about it rather than dreading it. It was so fun.

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Watch your footing on the carpets! Typical big race with inexperienced people stopping for pictures or cutting in front of you for water/gatorade so be aware. Mostly, be prepared for any type of weather. Chicago weather can be so unpredictable it’s almost bipolar.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Shorter, faster leg turnover is the secret.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It’s virtually flat.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

Yes, but not all of it.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

Not difficult; just crowded

Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Very well-run

Competition – is there a strong field?

Extremely

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

Lottery system, expensive course fee ($185). Chicago’s a busy town: Besides the marathon, the Cubs and Bears were both playing and Kanye was performing. Book early! Hotels fill up.

Aid Stations

Excellent.

Weather and typical race conditions –

Be prepared for anything. My day was sunny and 74.

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

It was very chilly waiting to start near the lake before sun-up but was really warm later. Just watch the weather and be prepared.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

Very.

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it

⅘ stars. It was my first of the “majors” and I have to say that personally I prefer a smaller race. However, it is very cool to be a Chicago marathon finisher so try it once!