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☰
Chicago Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Chicago Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.7 
Organization 4.3 
Spectators 4.9
Number of comments: 950 [displaying comments 281 to 291]
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P. G. from Kalamazoo, Michigan
(12/31/2007)
"Poorly organized / race officials gave no apology" (about: 2007)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 I had high hopes for this marathon. It had a great reputation and I've wanted to run it since I was young. So this was more than a bit disappointing. This was my second marathon. I trained hard for this race and was ready for the conditions IF I had hydration. I paid for hydration but things fell apart at only 10K into the race. The race officials knew at least a week in advance that it was going to be record heat. They sent all participants emails. Why weren't they prepared?! For a race of the Chicago Marathon's size and reputation, I expected FAR more. The only reason I finished the race was because the spectators are the best around. Leaving runners stranded out on a course where aid stations are being shut down and all the hydration that we paid for is being handed out to locals is unacceptable. Not only that, but race officials and sponsors never apologized and I continue to get mailings trying to sell their goods. Heck, I think they owe any 2007 participants more than an apology. We should get to run 2008 FREE! But I don't see that happening, so I won't be running this race anytime in the near future. I work too hard for my money and too hard at staying fit to waste it on this race. I hope this is the only race I ever run where police helicopters are flying overhead announcing that the race is shut down. | |
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S. H. from Madison, Wisconsin
(12/30/2007)
"Great race! Marathon runners must be prepared!" (about: 2007)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The Chicago Marathon was once again a great classic race. I saw what the weather had in store for all of us and adjusted my goal time accordingly. My 2006 time was 3:13 and my 2007 time was 4:14. That's just the way it goes in that kind of weather. Even though I did much better in 2006, the 2007 race is much more fun to talk about. What a crazy adventure! | |
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J. F. from Bend, Oregon
(12/27/2007)
"We survived!" (about: 2007)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I'd give 6, or more, stars for the spectator category if possible. Yes, it was hot. Yes, there were some unforeseeable problems. But, when that many people put themselves into such knowingly severe conditions, there are likely to be some unfortunate and even tragic outcomes. I have nothing but praise and appreciation for the organizers. All things considered, it could have been far worse. I'm very happy I was part of this "once in a lifetime" event at Chicago. Chicago, you ROCK! | |
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R. Y. from Chicago, Illinois
(12/9/2007)
"Novice runners: Stay off course!" (about: 2007)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 To initiate the race's evaluation, the city's view was scenically momentous. The spectators were phenomenal; their presence truly encouraged the majority of runners to continue on through the brutal, unseasonable weather conditions. As for the runners, this wasn't a 10K that required minimal training. Marathoners should be equipped for all there is to come - whether good or bad. To blame one's own personal failure on the race director and organizers is far beyond preposterous. A true or avid runner should be well prepared for ALL there is to come. As an adult (all racers were 18+), you would think to keep updated on the weather and prepare for worst case scenario - hence, all the water belts, gels, and bars being solely emphasized for sale at the expo. Devoted runners, remain prepared. As for the rest of you apprentices, stay off marathon tracks, and continue training elsewhere! | |
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L. G. from Dublin
(11/22/2007)
"Badly organized" (about: 2007)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and it was a tough experience; I ran the first half and walked the second half, as I could not handle the heat, being from Ireland. The course and the spectators were great but the organization was a shambles. I was fortunate enough to get water in all my stops but for those that did not, I could imagine it was very distressing. For a marathon that prides itself on its organization, this is simply not good enough. People spend the $100, expecting at the very least water and refreshments along the course. Somebody needs to put their hand up and claim responsibility for the poor planning and organization. The conditions after all were known well in advance. As far as many people (and I) are concerned ,the Chicago Marathon reputation has been severely dented. It will be London and New York for me next year. | |
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Joseph Kolinsky from City Island, New York
(11/21/2007)
"Not quite FUBAR... but close..." (about: 2007)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 First off, the fans are AMAZING. I've run NYC for the past 3 years, and I have to admit that Chicago comes out to support its marathon the same way my city does - and believe me, that's a HUGE compliment. So thanks, Chicago! The course is flat, fast, and fun. Under normal circumstances, this one seems like a good place to PR. I'm a real turtle - a 5:30 marathoner (for now, at least). I can confirm what a bunch of other people are saying - yes, they ran out of water. I didn't have Gatorade for the first 11 miles. And yes, it really was 87 degrees. Runners were dropping like flies, and it was understandable. Common sense says to drop out if the conditions were as horrid as they were. But when you train for 5 months, it's really hard to quit. You've already, through training, beat yourself up many times over - and this was supposed to be the big payoff. So I can understand why people pushed hard and all the first aid tents were packed. The only thing that I was disappointed about were the lies. When a mistake in judgment is made, own up to it - that's all I ask. Yes, it's embarrassing to stand in front of reporters and say, "We made an error - it won't happen again." But it's far more embarrassing and insulting to the runners when you first say, "There was enough water for everyone"... and then, when evidence is shown that this statement was incorrect, change the story to, "Well the faster runners left no water for the slower ones." I'm looking forward to running Chicago again next year. I'm sure the water problem will be well covered in '08. And to anyone that's thinking of running this one next year: GO FOR IT. Chicago is an amazing city, and fans pack the streets to cheer you on. But bring a water bottle, just in case.... | |
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R. B. from Chicago Suburb
(11/18/2007)
"I WAS ready." (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 4-5 Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 Since just after the 2007 Chicago 'marathon' I've heard a lot of people (including the Mayor of Chicago) preaching about runners' responsibilities and being prepared for unpredictable weather. I cannot answer for others, but I was well prepared to run in the heat. This was my 4th Chicago marathon, and 10th overall. I've run hot marathons before, they are tough but do-able. I trained in Chicago's heat and humidity all summer long. To me, it was just another August-like long run. Had I been informed that I was not going to receive support (water, gatorade, valid information clock on / clock off / clock on again??) from the race officials, I could have been even better prepared. To blame the runners, after requiring them to pay $110.00 to run this race, is, in my opinion, cowardly. I finished this race thanks to my training, and thanks to the wonderful people of Chicago who provided water when the race director did not. | |
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J. G. from Davis, CA
(11/17/2007)
"Be Prepared; Adjust for Weather; Quit Complaining" (about: 2007)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Every year this is a world-class marathon, with a great course, amazing fans, and very good organization. The bottom line is that nobody forced anyone to run this race, and we all knew it was going to be extremely tough given the forecast. Be prepared, be very prepared, and drop out if you aren't able to safely finish. This is just a sport, albeit an extraordinary one, and there will always be other races. End of story. | |
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M. S. from Chicago
(11/14/2007)
"For all the complainers...." (about: 2007)
3 previous marathons
| 3 Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 I've read all the complaints from people saying the organizers should have known it was going to be hot....blah....blah....blah!! WELL, YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN IT WAS GOING TO BE HOT AS WELL!!!! Shame on you for not being prepared. The expo had plenty of fuel and water belts. I even bought one 'just in case'. This was my 3rd Chicago Marathon and I had enough water. I also got a finish time, as well: 4:05:40 which I was disappointed with, but it would have been worse had I not come prepared. When running a marathon there are certain responsibilities you take on yourself to ensure a successful day. Yes it was horrible that water ran out, but I was prepared! My .02 | |
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D. G. from Indiana
(11/13/2007)
"'06 was great race - well organized" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am sorry to hear the great disappointments of so many in the '07 marathon. I did '06 and it was a great experience. Don't give up on Chicago - it is a first-class event despite the '07 difficulties. I am sure they will be back and better in '08. |
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