Rachel Saak's Staging Area

Everything about the race production, course support, and packet pick-up were good. The only thing that wasn’t ideal (at least for me) was the warm weather. I wish this race was in February instead of March but that is my only complaint.

This race was a bit chilly, as expected, but not extremely cold. Although this would obviously vary year to year. There were restrooms and port a potties at the beginning of the race. I stood in line for maybe 10 minutes at the restrooms. There didn’t seem to be a wait at the port a potties. I picked up my packet day of race and didn’t have any issues, although for people that arrived later about 40 minutes prior to race start, there seemed to be a backup. Staff and race participants were nice. The only (minor) complaint I have is the half marathoners starting with the marathoners. The course was a bit tight with them but at about 4 miles they went another way. To solve this issue, I don’t recommend having the Half marathoners starting 1 or more hours behind the marathoners because the marathoners converge with the half marathons at about mile 22 until the end. The course is also tight during these last miles and everyone is tired, so weaving around runners wouldn’t be fun for either race participants. I would limit the half marathon participants instead.

This was the most peaceful marathon I have run so far. There weren’t very many runners, so lots of space. The race organizers made sure to count every lap (there were 9 of them). The only thing to remember is bring a headlamp, it would have been difficult to see without one. I would definitely recommend this race!

Very Scenic (it was nice running on the National mall) and there was a lot of energy from spectators, but… there were issues with numerous runners coming to a dead stop in front of me to take pictures or hug family members in the middle of the course. To be fair the race organizers don’t have control over the weather, which was unusually hot for an October marathon, but the spectator/runner collision issue was a major reason why I rated this race with one shoe.

Warning, If you aren’t used to running on technical trails you could get hurt! I did. I pulled a muscle(s) around my knee and couldn’t run for half the race and 2 months after. I would suggest running/walking the trail before signing up or don’t signup. I gave this race 1 shoe in scenery because in trail races you can’t enjoy the scenery because you are busy looking down so you don’t trip! I’m still bitter about this race (years later) and wanted to share my input, since getting hurt isn’t fun.

The race scenery was very nice. I would have enjoyed this race more if I had trained but this isn’t the marathon organizers fault. I would recommend this race.

I participated in the 2005 marathon but can’t find the official participant list online again? I know what my time was but they spelled my name wrong and indicated that I was French in the race printout at the time (I am not French). I know this was 19 years ago but wanted to document all my marathons. It was a “unique” experience even if it was my worst time.

This was my 4th Chicago marathon and I ran with 31,093 total runners compared to 17,251 total runners in 1998. The difference was very noticeable. In my opinion this is the easiest world marathon majors to qualify for and the cheapest if you are an American.

I’m reviewing this race 23 years later and looking back I can’t say anything was really memorable. Maybe the new course will allow more memories.

Too many runners! I wish they would cap the amount of total runners to 17,212, which was the race count in 1998 (which I ran). This race had 33, 171 and felt cramped. I can’t imagine running this race in 2024 with $52,150 people!!!!!

I don’t think this race needs an explanation. But, I would like to add that I am lucky to have run this race in 2000 with an easier qualifying time and less people applying to run Boston. I wish everyone (who wanted to run Boston) had the same opportunity.

I am writing this review 26 years later. This was my first marathon and wasn’t crowded (17,212 total runners). This is a classic race and was privileged to register without having to run a qualifying time. I also got 5th in my age group.