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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 291 to 301]
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J. O. from Mass, USA
(11/3/2007)
"I would give the organizers a zero if I could" (about: 2007)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 It has been almost a month now since the travesty of the 2007 Chicago Marathon. I was there, Bib 30773. I am not a first-time marathoner; I am not a front-of-the -pack runner; I am not a walker marathoner. I am a serious runner who expected that since Chicago was one of the world 6 that it would be a great race. I remember vividly how happy I was that I had made registration. I remember the good feelings that I felt standing on the line with all of my fellow runners. I started at my pace marker 11:45. I remember coming into the first water stop and knowing something was wrong: there were no people handing out water, and I had to run from side to side to find that most water stations were out. I remember the second water station, which was out but did have cups - and running to the third station with a cup in my hand. I remember talking with other marathoners about the lack of water - all of us were shocked. I saw people running down to the fountain in Lincoln Park because there was no water I saw people using water from fountains in front of hotels. I saw people drop and throw up (these people were not all first-timers), and I and many others were forced to take cups and stick them into water jugs, shameful. At 22 miles, I heard over police bullhorns that the race was canceled and that we must walk and walk we did. Then with fans cheering on South Michigan Ave., we started running and police helicopter flew over with the same message. I remember crossing the finish line only to find that my work was wasted, as they had shut off the scoring loops and I was not granted a finish. I was there - and Chicago 2007 was a sad day. Joe O'Connor | |
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M. B. from New York Metro Area
(11/3/2007)
"Never again! The organizers failed us!" (about: 2007)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 The organizers knew it would be hot out! They should have had a new plan. By the time I got to the water and Gatorade stops, they had run out and people were "fighting" to get a drink. I was glad I had my water belt! The organizers should have had enough water for all of us and they might have thought to start the race an hour or two earlier to beat the heat. They could have made us aware of the changes at the expo. I want my money back! I will never visit Chicago again or run it - it's POORLY ORGANIZED MARATHON! | |
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D. W. from Illinois
(11/1/2007)
"Anything can happen!" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Things did get bad, but this was my 11th Chicago Marathon and my 40th overall and anything is possible with an outdoor event. This was the first time anything like this happened in Chicago,and the same race director has been there for over ten years.I feel sorry for first timers, but experienced runners should know that anything can and does happen. I will run this one again and again. | |
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n. s. from chicago, IL
(10/31/2007)
"distaster; won't run it again" (about: 2007)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 There were way too many runners. Also, as others have mentioned the stations had no water or - more importantly in the heat - no Gatorade. I will not do Chicago again unless someone else is organizing it. This year may have been a one-time miscalculation, but the organizers did not own up to their mistakes, making me think the problems run deep. There are too many marathons around the country for me to risk my health on this one again. | |
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R. K. from Michigan
(10/30/2007)
"Disappointed in 2007" (about: 2007)
3 previous marathons
| 2 Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 As many other runners, I feel disappointed about the 2007 marathon. As runners who dedicate ourselves to running early fall marathons in the Midwest, we assume the risk of unpredictable weather. Some years it's been too hot, others too cold, and some years it's been just right. The key to making the most of the marathon experience is planning. As a runner, I planned for the heat. I expected that the race directors and officials did too, but my expectations for them fell significantly short. There has been a lot of debate about whether there was or was not enough water, volunteers, paramedics, etc... When it comes down to the bottom line, there were insufficiencies! Who cares whose fault the insufficiencies were. If the race directors don't want to take responsibility, so be it. I hope that the entire running community across the world looks at this race as an example so that other runners don't have to go through something so difficult again. The runners who were present and spectators know the actual conditions, and it wasn't pretty! | |
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S. S. from Washington, DC
(10/29/2007)
"An Experience to Remember..." (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 I am a "fifty-stater" and was at mile 22.5 when they called off the race. I was shocked, I never thought it possible to cancel a race while it was being run! I was told the official clock was going to be shut off, that the race coordinators wanted us to walk the rest of the way in, but they said that if we finished the race we would receive our medals. I continued to run/walk the course and was constantly being told to walk. I didn't feel wonderful but I didn't feel that bad either, and therefore continued to run/walk. At Mile 25 we were told the clocks were still running, that we were still being timed, but that we needed to walk. I finished the race, not with a great time, but with what I felt was a "badge of honor" for conquering the elements and a wacky race director. This weekend, however, I ran into a woman who told me she did the Chicago and ran 16 miles before she was required to board a bus back to the start. She then walked over the finish line and was given her medal. This is what upsets me most. You took away the honor many of us felt for completing this race honorably. Shame on you, Mr. Race Director!! | |
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R. A. from New England
(10/25/2007)
"Nothing if not memorable!" (about: 2007)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Well, my first marathon turned out to be a lot hotter and slower than I had hoped, but it will be a memory I will always value. Despite the carnage on the streets of Chicago, the fans were amazing, I had no problem with water or Gatorade, and the race volunteers were generally helpful and positive. Maybe it was because 10,000 registered runners did not show, but the start was a lot less hectic than I had expected. Having the New Balance Pace Groups is a huge benefit in a first marathon, and I had 16 excellent miles with them, until a terrible cramp forced me to slow down. I finished in 4:03, way off my goal, but an accomplishment nonetheless. My only complaint with the Chicago Marathon is the hyper-commercialization. Seems that everything is a chance for someone to make more money. Prices at the Expo were very high; the pasta party was $25; the T-shirt was mediocre, but the official NB gear was overhyped and overpriced. Other than that, it's run in a great city, has a nice enough course, boasts an awesome crowd, and otherwise is a top-notch event. I have some unfinished business there, and will be back in 2008. | |
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L. B. from FLorida
(10/24/2007)
"Too many runners and not enough water." (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 I was so excited about running Chicago. This was my 10th marathon and was looking to qualify for Boston which is on my birthday. I found that 45,000 runners is way too many to effectively plan and facilitate a race. There was not enough water and I found myself having to slow my pace just to have to dip my own water through a mob full of thirsty, hot, and aggravated people. What was most disappointing was the cancellation. I have trained in both extremes. Blaming runners for obvious and legitimate reactions to weather is no way to take the spot light from poor planning and contingency plans. I will come back in 08' because I like a challenge. The city and emergency services need to plan for every possible scenario; cold or hot. Blessings to all that wanted to finish and those who did. Prayers to those families who were affected. | |
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R. G. from Chicago, IL
(10/23/2007)
"Great Race" (about: 2007)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicago Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Yes it was ridiculously hot this year, but I still had fun. There was always enough water for me at the stops and the fans are great. I'll run again next year. | |
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E. W. from Maple Grove, MN
(10/23/2007)
"a bad year for an otherwise great race" (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 3 Chicago Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 Had to give organization 3 stars this year. Water was gone at many stations which was not admitted publicly by the race, and people well ahead of a 6 hour pace were diverted to the finish, even though the race said this was not true. Aside from this though, many successful marathons have occurred, and my first 2 Chicago marathons were my favorite races ever. Hopefully they will learn from this year, and future years will be just as good if not better. |
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