The Chicago Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors, held every October in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1977, it has become one of the largest and most prestigious marathons globally. The race starts and finishes in Grant Park, taking runners through 29 diverse neighbourhoods and offering views of Chicago’s iconic landmarks. The course is known for being flat and fast, making it ideal for personal bests and world records. In 2023, Kelvin Kiptum set a world record with a time of 2:00:35. The marathon typically sees around 50,000 runners, with many participants running for various charities and raising significant funds for different causes.
💼 What Should I Pack?
Packing for race day is crucial. Not only is it important to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything vital, but also to get that pre-race buzz turned up! Here’s some things to consider:
Running Kit: Wear your race-day outfit before you set off for the race in the morning.
Sports Nutrition: Pack any gels, chews, or snacks you’ve used in training. There will be gels handed out on the course, but bring your own so you know you're prepped!
A pre-run layer: It is a good idea to bring an old jumper to the start line to keep warm. It is COLD early in Chicago, even if the forecast is bright for the rest of the day. I was positively shivering for the 2 hours before the race started, so definitely bring some warm clothes which you can then discard at the start line. Discarded clothing is usually collected and donated to charity at the end.
Drop Bag: Pack a warm top, spare socks, blister plasters, and a recovery snack for after the race.
Electronics: Charge your phone, watch, and headphones the night before. Download any necessary playlists which will get you through those kms!
Sun Cream: Packing a small tube of SPF can also be helpful in case the Autumn sun makes an appearance!
🗺️ How do I collect my race bib and where is the expo located?
The Chicago Marathon Expo, also known as the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo, is held at McCormick Place in Chicago. The specific address is:
McCormick Place 2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive Chicago, IL 60616.
The Expo is a three-day event featuring over 160 exhibitors showcasing the latest in running gear, nutrition, and technology. It’s also where participants pick up their race packets.
For more information please click here: https://www.chicagomarathon.com/runners/expo-packet-pick-up/
🚌 How do I get to the start line?
To get to the start line of the Chicago Marathon in Grant Park, you have several options. You can take the CTA trains, with the Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, or Purple lines all having stations near the park. Key stations include Jackson, Harrison, and Roosevelt. If you’re staying in downtown Chicago, walking to Grant Park is also a convenient option.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, as well as traditional taxis, are widely available and can drop you off near the park. If you plan to drive, be aware that parking can be challenging on race day due to road closures and high demand, so public transportation is recommended. Some hotels and marathon organizers offer shuttle services to the start line, so check with your hotel or the marathon’s official website for more details. Make sure to arrive early to allow time for security checks and to find your starting corral.
🏃 Where will I be running?
The Chicago Marathon is known for its flat and fast course, making it ideal for personal bests and world records. The race starts and finishes in Grant Park, winding through 29 neighbourhoods and showcasing Chicago’s diverse culture and landmarks. Runners cross six bridges over the Chicago River and pass through areas like Lincoln Park, Old Town, and Chinatown. The atmosphere is electric with around 1.7 million spectators cheering along the route. There are 20 aid stations providing water, Gatorade, and medical support, ensuring runners’ safety throughout the race.
🐌 How should I pace myself on race day?
As the Chicago Marathon is a flat course, you will be able to take full advantage of the race day workout provided by Runna. You will receive pacing alerts and audio cues just like you do in your training runs that have pacing segments. Start off conservatively and then aim to negative split at the half way point. The support is fantastic and you will love the course!
Be warned however due to the tall buildings and skyscrapers you will receive some GPS issues on the day, I experienced this between miles 13 and 14. Therefore please rely on the pace markers and your own internal instincts on what your marathon pace feels like!
Here are a few more tips on marathon pacing for you too!
👪 How do I meet up with friends and family after?
After the Chicago Marathon, you can meet up with friends and family at the 27th Mile Post-Race Party in Grant Park, specifically at Butler Field. This area is designed for runners to reunite with their loved ones and celebrate their achievements. The party typically features live entertainment and refreshments, making it a festive spot to relax and enjoy the post-race atmosphere.
🔜 What's Next After the Race?
You did it! Now it's time to celebrate! 🏅 Grab a drink, loosen your shoelaces, and take some time to stretch and enjoy the moment.
Best of luck with your 2024 Chicago Marathon race, and most importantly, have fun! Enjoy Chicago, it is an incredible city and fun to explore!
Enjoy the sights and have the best time - we will be with you every step of the way!
Check out the video below for more of our Coaches' top tips for race day!