Robbie Jack's Staging Area

This was my first marathon and it was an awesome race to do as my first (lack of experience so that may be bias). The race was put together very well, the starting line was executed perfectly, and the aid stations were all over (thank goodness!). The first half of the race is very busy as majority of the runners do the half (2023 approximately 18,000) but you don’t feel crowded, the scenery during the first half is out of this world. As you go into the second half the runners thin out significantly! The aid stations remain fully staffed and in plenty, the scenery is not as pretty but still very cool and this is where the “hills” begin to be more prevalent (may be because you start to notice more difficult things). Prep yourself for a steady pace that you can hold confidently, after the first half the sun and wind starts to kick you butt, don’t over extend yourself on the easy parts because the end of the race (mile 17-25) will demand a lot as this year it was warm, sunny, and humid. The rickenbocker causeway is a tough ask, I saw a lot of runners drop out at this point which is approximately 2 miles, from 15.5 to 17.25 so just be prepared to PACE do not over extend. I highly encourage this race, it is awesome, beautiful, and we’ll put together!