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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 831 to 841]
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Dick Peck from California
(10/18/2002)
"Fabulous First-Time Experience" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon (at 55 years old). I couldn't have made a better choice. The flat course, the gorgeous weather, the great organization, and the superb spectators made the event a joy! Although I've seen some comments about most spectators being along the first half of the course, there was never a quarter-mile that someone wasn't cheering the runners, calling our names, encouraging me and those around me, and serving-up a huge dose of Chicago hospitality. Thanks, Chicago! It was absolutely wonderful. And major kudos to Carey Pinkowski, the Executive Director of the race. Anyone who can do a world-class job for the elite record setters, as well as for back-of-the-pack runners like me, deserves huge congratulations and thanks. | |
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A Runner from Kansas City, Mo
(10/18/2002)
"SARDINES RUN MARATHONS?" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 The course is fantastic,fast, and flat - the city of Chicago is unsurpassed - the only problem is and this is a BIG PROBLEM; TOO MANY RUNNERS!!!!!! TOO MANY FAMILY AND SPECTATORS IN THE STARTING AREA - I DIDN'T KNOW SARDINES COULD RUN. I'm not in charge, but maybe the organizers should consider cutting back on the number of runner entries. It's too crowded for the unseeded runners - it took 10mi before I could SAFELY weave in and out of the pack. PLEASE - PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE CROWDS AT THE START AND CUT BACK ON THE NUMBER OF ENTRANTS ALLOWED. I've done three Chicago marathons - wish to do more; but not until the problems above are addressed. | |
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A Runner from Singapore
(10/18/2002)
"Will definitely run this again!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The cold temperature helped me in cutting down 23mins from my PB. I like the cold air. FLa and fast course and good water points made it even more possible. Spectators and the people were wonderful and it makes Chicago the best city so far in USA. | |
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A Runner from Chicago, Illinois
(10/18/2002)
"Great race but too big." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my second Chicago Marathon and I did improve my time by almost 24 minutes. This race could not be better organized. They have just about everything figured out. The fans are great and very supportive. My only complaint is that some try to cross the race course and endanger both themselves and runners. This is a good race to try a set a pr but YOU MUST GET TO THE STARTING LINE EARLY. There are too many runners to get stuck running slower than your pace. It took me five miles to hit the pace I wanted and I could not make up the difference. They should limit the number of runners. Otherwise, you will not find a better race. | |
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A Runner from Jacksonville, FL
(10/18/2002)
"What a city!! What a MARATHON!!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I had heard so many wonderful things about this marathon and I was not disappointed. My two closest regular running buddies were so hyped and excited about their names getting drawn for the NYC marathon, that I was jealous of their enthusiasm and decided, at 12 weeks out, to register for Chicago. All it took to make me choose Chicago was reading the 'Comments' of runners who'd just completed this marathon. As the time got closer, I couldn't wait to get up there. I recommend this FABULOUS marathon to everyone. I can't imagine more supportive spectators. They came out with their gloves and coats on, but they were there in strong force. (And it was greatly appreciated). If I've got a few more running years left (am 52 now) I'd love to do this one again. The South does not have a corner on the market of warm hospitality. Everyone made this an unforgetable marathon. (Will pack more winter clothing next time) | |
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A Runner from Pennsylvania
(10/17/2002)
"mostly positive experience, I will go again" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The first 11 miles of the course are excellent. It seemed that 80% of the spectators were along the roads of the first 11 miles. From miles 22 to 26 there seemed to be no spectators. Not a complaint but perhaps running more of the course in the northern part of the city would bring even more spectators. It was my first time in Chicago. It was a very clean city from what I saw. The police officer helping me locate Jackson Street was very nice. The excitment during the first half is beyond amazing. I finished slightly under 3:00 and had a seeded number so even though the start was crowded, there was no problem whatsoever getting in 6:30 pace and having a great experience throughout the race. I didn't see much public urination but I'm certain that it happened with all the people. If you can get a seeded number this is a great race to experience. For the people starting near the back it probably is a much less enjoyable marathon. The lack of hills during the 2nd half of the race was very welcome. I can see why this is a world record course. If there were fewer turns the course could even be faster. | |
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A Runner from Atlanta, GA
(10/17/2002)
"Excellent crowds!!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Wonderful race - great weather, great crowds and a great course...recommend this one to anyone trying to improve their PR or run a marathon for the first time. | |
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A Runner from Sydney, Australia
(10/17/2002)
"A must" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great experience, great day. Support was brilliant, excellent expo before the race. Would love to run it again one day. | |
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A Runner from Sarasota, Florida
(10/17/2002)
"Don't Miss This One!!!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 There is good reason this is the fastest growing marathon in the world! Perfect course, Fantastic Fans and Outstanding Organization. The weather was great too. It seems as if a record is broken every year, which adds to all the excitement. Hats off to the City of Chicago and their fans.The pride they take in this Marathon shows. Thank you La Salle Banks and Carey P. for making this the Top Marathon in the World. Be there or you'll miss the 'Ultimate Marathon.' | |
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A Runner from a Badgerland Strider (Wisconsin)
(10/17/2002)
"Flat Streets, GREAT spectators,cool temps" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 what the heck else do you want in a marathon? |
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