Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Chicago, IL
- Marathon
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. Since its inaugural running in 1977, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon has developed a global reputation for its fast, record-setting course. Year after year the Bank of America Chicago Marathon hosts representatives … MORE
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Major Marathon
I don't know what my deal was this marathon. I was just not feeling it. Nerves, lack of sleep, weather. I don't know. I just did not do well, and … MORE
I don’t know what my deal was this marathon. I was just not feeling it. Nerves, lack of sleep, weather. I don’t know. I just did not do well, and I felt sick for most of it. My son and I traveled to Chicago, and it was easy to maneuver around the city. Expo was HUGE and packed. Lots of goodies there to choose from for race swag. The course winded through a lot of neighborhoods, but I felt like it was a blur for me. Very well supported with fans lining the street. It is large and very well run I thought.
Great crowd support
The Chicago Marathon is like no other! The course is relatively flat with crowds cheering on every street. I ran with the Ronald McDonald House Charity team which made the … MORE
The Chicago Marathon is like no other! The course is relatively flat with crowds cheering on every street. I ran with the Ronald McDonald House Charity team which made the race extra special!
The most FUN race I have ever run
This was my first major marathon and SO MUCH FUN!! I ran this as an "experience" race -- I was trained well but didn't go into it chasing a time, … MORE
This was my first major marathon and SO MUCH FUN!!
I ran this as an “experience” race — I was trained well but didn’t go into it chasing a time, and I highly recommend doing this for Chicago. There is so much going on, the excitement etc is unmatched. ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE!
The only downside is there was a severe lack of bathrooms on the course — there are 55k+ runners…. definitely could have used more portapotties.
What do you say, it’s a world major
Chicago is Chicago. A world major that provides a spectacular tour of the Windy City from Grant Park to Lake View, back down to Chinatown , etc. The course is … MORE
Chicago is Chicago. A world major that provides a spectacular tour of the Windy City from Grant Park to Lake View, back down to Chinatown , etc. The course is packed with spectators creating an electric environment, and many sights to see. Aid is more than ample throughout the course. Most importantly, it is flat. Did I mention the course is flat? A world major that provides your best chance to BQ or PR is a must.
Second Major in the Second City
I scored this event with an overall rank of 5/5. This was my second marathon major and so I couldn’t help but compare my experience to last year’s 2023 NYC … MORE
I scored this event with an overall rank of 5/5. This was my second marathon major and so I couldn’t help but compare my experience to last year’s 2023 NYC Marathon. Personally, I would give a *slight* edge to NYC overall, but I want to emphasize I truly loved this chance to run through Chicago. The flat course meant I was able to achieve a new personal best. In terms of scenery, running through the Loop is great and I liked being able to begin and end in Grant Park. There were a couple stretches where I felt the surrounding environment wasn’t as visually interesting and the crowds being as lively as I recall them being NYC, so I suppose there’s a trade-off with NYC having so many bridges but a vibrant course to make up for it.
I paid extra to upgrade to the Skyline Hospitality Tent, and given how bad the bathroom lines were for the regular runner’s village, I am extremely glad I did so. I do lower my score for “Race Production” accordingly, since I think the experience of vast majority of runners who are not paying for expensive upgrades should be improved in the future.
I was not really impressed by the designs of Nike’s official merchandise, and the fact they didn’t sell the finisher gear at the Expo is frankly ridiculous. I guess I took it for granted that New Balance didn’t do this nonsense in NYC.
If given the opportunity, I would run in Chicago Marathon again. It is a great event and I would recommend to anyone. It’s a phenomenal chance to experience such a special city.
Amazing experience!
This was a race like no other. The crowd support, the city, the weather- it was an amazing first experience with a major. My only gripe is that despite start … MORE
This was a race like no other. The crowd support, the city, the weather- it was an amazing first experience with a major. My only gripe is that despite start time being 8a we didn’t cross the start line until 8:22. This felt very unorganized. Otherwise, all was smooth sailing.
My new favorite marathon
Two things that I normally do for a marathon but did NOT do for this one: 1. I normally listen to music to keep my cadence up. The crowds were … MORE
Two things that I normally do for a marathon but did NOT do for this one:
1. I normally listen to music to keep my cadence up. The crowds were so loud that it would have been impossible to hear my anything in my headphones. That’s okay!! The crowds were what really made this my new favorite marathon. At the last minute, almost literally, I wrote my first name on a piece of duct tape and stuck it to my shirt. BEST decision ever! The spectators love to shout out name and it is so motivating.
2. I also normally run/walk (4 minutes run/1 minute walk. I did not do this initially, even though I had planned to. The adrenaline from the crowds carried be almost halfway before I started the run/walk. I even ran through the aid stations! My legs were not happy with me for waiting so long to give them a break.
I tried to get in on lottery for my first Chicago Marathon, but I didn’t get in. Since I had a friend get in on legacy (she has run Chicago several times), it was an easy decision to run for a charity. I chose ALZ Stars (Alzheimer’s Association) and am so glad I did. I got a discounted rate at the Congress Plaza Hotel, which was right at the start/finish area. They provided a light breakfast the day of the race, along with a room to gather in pre-race.
Overall, this was such a positive and amazing experience for me, I have already committed to fundraising for ALZ Stars for the 2025 Chicago Marathon, without even taking a chance on getting in on the lottery.
Chicago did not disappoint!
First time running Chicago and it was everything (except for my time) that I had hoped. Race day logistics and organization were great. Easy to find family at the finish … MORE
First time running Chicago and it was everything (except for my time) that I had hoped. Race day logistics and organization were great. Easy to find family at the finish and the starting waves appropriate to starting times for the most part. Tremendous crowds; may be blasphemous to say, but better than Boston! Humungous field but never felt boxed in. Course was easy as advertised, winding through the city. I preferred the downtown and the lake side winding back through Wrigleyville to the less picturesque miles 15-22 of the race, but the last few miles coming home were great.
Expo was a disappointment – difficult to get to unless you take a bus or uber (no subway?) and Nike did not stock nearly enough non-apparel (e.g., hats/branded souvenirs). Race swag was just ok – t-shirt and a few random runner centric things – better swag at Boston or in many half marathons.
All in all, a great race and glad to grab another Star.
Bucket List Marathon!
The Chicago Marathon has been on my bucket list since I started running marathons 10 years ago. What a great race! The race is huge, 52,000+ runners finished this year. … MORE
The Chicago Marathon has been on my bucket list since I started running marathons 10 years ago. What a great race! The race is huge, 52,000+ runners finished this year. Even with the large numbers, the organization was still top notch. I barely had to wait in line for my bib or shirt at the expo and I went during peak hours. Getting to the race was much easier than I thought. I walked from my hotel. I went to my corral at 7:30am for my 8am start time. No need for buses like at Boston and NYC marathons. The entire race is in Chicago so you see dozens of neighborhoods. The crowd support was solid, reportedly 1,000,000 spectators. I brought my own fuel, but didn’t need it. The course passes out gels regularly and bananas a few aid stations. I got plenty of food from spectators, mostly bananas and oranges, though there are plenty of options. The course is the flattest road race I have ever done. The finish line is well organized. You finish a walk a bit to get water and foil blankets. You keep walking and get lots of food and other drinks too, plenty for your post-face needs. Great experience overall!
Chicago does it right!
Similarly as fast and fun as Berlin but more organized (expo, corrals, etc). This was my 2nd Chicago Marathon and am tempted to keep going back/running it back (if I … MORE
Similarly as fast and fun as Berlin but more organized (expo, corrals, etc). This was my 2nd Chicago Marathon and am tempted to keep going back/running it back (if I can time qualify). Weather was near perfect. Crowd support is as good as it gets (but have not yet experienced NYC). Food (pre and post) in Chicago is on point (so many choices). CTA (trains) makes getting around the city a breeze (also to/from airport).
Running in the Windy City With no wind
This was my 15th marathon and first major marathon. This was the most energetic marathon in regard to crowd support I have ran. Couldn’t have asked for better weather at … MORE
This was my 15th marathon and first major marathon. This was the most energetic marathon in regard to crowd support I have ran. Couldn’t have asked for better weather at 58 degrees at the start line, with cloud coverage and gentle wind throughout. There were only a few areas past mile 18 on that had no spectators. But other than that there were crowds on both sides.
The expo was at Mccormick plaza, and was very large. Once there you had to go through security and show your QR code and I’d. Once entered you can then go to your designated number to get your bib. The expo had a lot of vendors, however very little freebies. The freebies were muscle milk, seltzer beer, and Gatorade electrolyte powder. There were plenty of photo ops, free poster and cowbell.
Getting to the start line was easy to navigate. I arrived via ride share. I recommend getting dropped off at the Hilton on Michigan Ave if you choose this mode of transportation. I arrived at 7:10 and got to my corral well before the closing at 7:45 for wave 2. The waves started promptly on time. The first few miles were very congested as I couldn’t maintain my proper pace. I was even at the beginning of my wave and still couldn’t pass people. There were also areas throughout the race that got congested, and slower runners wouldn’t move over. There were 18 stations of water/electro, banana stations, chafing stations, and 2 gel energy stations. Plenty
of aid stations, port a potties, and even a biofreeze station.
The scenery was spectacular across the course. A lot of old architecture, and buildings to look at. I like how the organizers put carpet on the metal bridges. It didn’t however always cover the entire bridge. The spectators were so loud and energetic in a good way, which made it very motivating to climb through each mile. It felt like every time there was a turn, there was a great view of something amazing to greet you. The one thing that was frustrating about the marathon were non marathoners running on the course along with friends, and outside people crossing in front of you with bikes. On another note, the marathon is .35 further after the first mile and .16 throughout, making the total distance 26.61, and a .50 post race walk.
Crossing the finish line felt very special. A lot of cameras so be prepared. Post race included aluminum water, Gatorade, the medal (which was quite a walk), the medal was meh. I expected it to be larger. I actually found the strap more appealing than the medal itself. There was a protein bar, banana, apples, rice crispy, stans donuts and muscle milk drink. If you are on the fence about running Chicago, don’t hesitate and sign up either by lottery or fundraising/charity
Great, great, great
Don’t be intimidated by the sheer size of this event. Flawless race production from signup to banana. Definitely a bucket list run. Trains from the airport and loop service on … MORE
Don’t be intimidated by the sheer size of this event. Flawless race production from signup to banana. Definitely a bucket list run. Trains from the airport and loop service on Sunday are the way to go.
Amazing race!
Such a fun race - so much spirit and encouragement at every step! Flat course that visits a lot of cool neighborhoods in Chicago. Very organized event! MORE
Such a fun race – so much spirit and encouragement at every step! Flat course that visits a lot of cool neighborhoods in Chicago. Very organized event!
Amazing crowds
From starting line to finish line there were people lining the streets. It was an amazing experience and a blast to run. Aid stations where very easy but did get … MORE
From starting line to finish line there were people lining the streets. It was an amazing experience and a blast to run. Aid stations where very easy but did get slipper.
My favorite major (so far)
A beautifully flat course that gives you a fun tour of chicago with TONS of crowd support. It was much like NYC marathon, but definitely a lot easier of a … MORE
A beautifully flat course that gives you a fun tour of chicago with TONS of crowd support. It was much like NYC marathon, but definitely a lot easier of a course, and less crowded. Would definitely run this one again.
Let's do it again
The Chicago Marathon: flat, fast, and iconic. With its vibrant cityscape backdrop and enthusiastic crowd support, it's a runner's dream come true. #ChicagoMarathon 🏙️ MORE
The Chicago Marathon: flat, fast, and iconic. With its vibrant cityscape backdrop and enthusiastic crowd support, it’s a runner’s dream come true. #ChicagoMarathon 🏙️
Chicago Marathon!!
This was such an awesome experience. The energy of this race is so great. I feel like I didn't need to run with music because I was so energized by … MORE
This was such an awesome experience. The energy of this race is so great. I feel like I didn’t need to run with music because I was so energized by the crowd and the runners around me. It’s a flat course, so great to shoot for a PR. It is important to note that it is a very crowded race the whole way through.
Age group championships and a PR
What a great day in Chicago. I had run it once before in 2016, and was back for the age group championships. It was a record setting day with Kelvin … MORE
What a great day in Chicago. I had run it once before in 2016, and was back for the age group championships. It was a record setting day with Kelvin Kiptum setting a new record as we all know. I was so fortunate to meet him and Sifan Hassan, the women’s race winner. What a thrill to attend the reception after the race and meet not only the winners but so many others. I had a 7 min PR and my first sub 4 hr marathon. The course is very flat and fast, the spectators are amazing and their energy really helps when you’re wondering where that finish line is. With a start and finish in Grant Park, it’s one of the easiest races to get to and from, with many hotels within a mile of the park. The weather and conditions were near perfect for race day. Abbott had tents at the finish for the age groupers, good food, massages, lots of support. As always I met many runners and made new friends. Some great sightseeing including the river architecture cruise and good meals with groups of runners, I highly recommend running Chicago if you have the chance.
Totally awesome
It did not disappoint. The crowds were extraordinary. Extremely organized for 47,000 participants. It was easy enough to navigate. The expo was impressive. MORE
It did not disappoint. The crowds were extraordinary.
Extremely organized for 47,000 participants. It was easy enough to navigate.
The expo was impressive.
Constant Connection
There were people EVERYWHERE - even when the course was "lonely" from less spectators, there were a thousand runners beside you. Well organized and fun day! MORE
There were people EVERYWHERE – even when the course was “lonely” from less spectators, there were a thousand runners beside you. Well organized and fun day!