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☰
Chicagoland Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Chicagoland Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 3.7 
Organization 4.0 
Spectators 2.9
Number of comments: 28 [displaying comments 21 to 26]
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D. S. from Downers Grove, Illinois
(5/20/2012)
 "Don't Expect Much" (about: 2012)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Chicagoland Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I was a little disappointed with this race. First let me say that when I registered the only spots that were left included a mandatory donation to the sponsoring charity which more than doubled the entry fee I have run 10 marathons and this was by far the most expensive. Granted, my fault because I couldn't commit to the date earlier, but it was not worth it. Here are my issues: 1. There was some confusion finding the race. Unfortunately, there was also a 5K the same day in the same area. There were several signs for the 5K but no signs for the marathon. It would have been really easy to put a couple of signs right off the interstate pointing people in the right direction. I talked to another runner that had the same issue. 2. Most of the course was nice through a park. However, the full marathoners simply did the half course twice. The trails were a bit narrow and because it was a public park the course was not closed and bikers were an issue I was passed by several bikers going dangerously fast, including a guy on a recumbent bike that almost took out a runner at a switch back. 3. The race was hot and there were not enough water stations. Also, during the second loop it seemed like the volunteers really ran out of energy at the water stations. I had to stop a couple of times to pick cups off the table because no one was paying attention. I really appreciate the volunteers (who seemed like a lot of young people) but it didn't seem like there were enough of them. Maybe the charity that benefited from the marathon could help recruit volunteers. 4. Entertainment along the course was non-existent. This is not an important thing for me but I guess for the registration money I spent it would have been nice to have something. 5. The full marathon medal was really average. This is also not that important to me but for the money I spent to enter this race, I expected more. In sum - if the location of this race is really convenient (as it is for me) and you are in a position to commit to it far enough in advance that you can take advantage of the early bird entry fees then put it on your list. However, do not expect too much. | |
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J. J. from Chicago, IL
(6/3/2011)
 "Pretty course but kinks to work out" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Chicagoland Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Being the inaugural year of this event, I expected there to be a few kinks and there were. On the positive side, the course was great other than the last 2.5 miles. Busse Woods was lovely. The volunteers were all great and the pace groups were a nice touch for a small race. The parking was easy and there were plenty of port-a-potties. I understand why they had the start and finish where they did for parking. However, the start chute was way too narrow and the finish area turned a bit much. It was also terrible to have the last couple of miles along the frontage road. There was literally no one there. Although there were plenty of water stations, they were way too short/small. They all had only one table and many of them literally had only two volunteers working them. Especially in the first five miles while we were still with the half marathoners, you couldn't get anything to drink. I got nothing for the first two water stations because I wasn't willing to wait while they filled more cups. The packet pickup at Dick Pond was ridiculous. I had to wait a half hour for my packet and then had to go over to the store to wait another 15 minutes to get my shirt, and then had to get my chip in the morning! I also had chafing from the velcro strap, so wasn't fond of that. The course is great, so I would do this again, but the organizers really need to work out a few of these issues. | |
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L. H. from Florida
(5/17/2011)
 "Georgous Course, Great Organization!" (about: 2011)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Chicagoland Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The course was absolutely gorgeous and despite the crappy weather (which they can't control) it was an amazing experience. I can't believe everything went so smoothly for it being an inaugural race. Every aid station had plenty of water/Gatorade to go around and the volunteers were amazing. There was also plenty of post-race munchies. And did I say the course was gorgeous? Mostly shaded areas which in our case helped with the winds and rain, but could also be advantageous for a sunny day to keep you cool. Only a few inclines at bridges (I think I remember 2 bridges and 1 hill) but nothing that would make a distinct difference in your performance. This was my first marathon and I'd love to repeat it next year. I'd recommend it. The ONLY negative I have is that the timing chip was one of those Velcro things that went around your ankle so I chaffed super bad on the bony parts of my ankle. However, I know just to wear slightly higher socks next year :D | |
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Kevin Rambo from Champaign, Illinois
(5/16/2011)
 "Awesome marathon" (about: 2011)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Chicagoland Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my fourth marathon, and I thought it was GREAT! Even though I was undertrained, I got a personal best, thanks to the great course and the awesome 4:15 pace team (Debbe and Sherry). Even though it was a cold and windy day, the volunteers were enthusiastic and very helpful. The course was breathtaking, winding through the woods, over bridges, by lakes, and we even saw some elk! I can't imagine a better course. If you're looking for a great, small marathon, the Chicago-land marathon in Schaumburg is the way to go! | |
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K. S. from Chicago, IL
(5/16/2011)
"Well organized, flat, and peaceful" (about: 2011)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Chicagoland Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This race was well organizedaid stations every two miles, mile markers, lots of staff to point runners in the right direction, easy to find parking and pick up packet, etc. The pace groups were a fabulous perk. The course was mostly prettythe mile 4-19 stretch in the Busse Woods was very nice with some good bird watching. This being a smaller race, you might find yourself alone on the trail for long stretches, but there are pace groups if you prefer to be with other runners. This is a course for the runner who likes peace and quietnot a lot of spectators and most of the course is on park trail. The weather this year kinda sucked with the wind and gray, but thats to be expected in the Spring. The parts along the Martingale Road were not my favorite, but perhaps necessary in order to make it easy for parking and race access. | |
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K. B. from Bartlett, IL
(5/16/2011)
 "Good innaugural on a beautiful course" (about: 2011)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Chicagoland Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Since this was an inaugural event, it's expected to have a few kinks to work out. Positives: Beautiful course that's almost entirely wooded. First time I ever saw deer in a marathon. I like how they avoided crossings at any of the major roads. The timing for a spring Chicagoland marathon is perfect (late enough to get adequate training but before the weather is likely to get hot). Parking was easy and the start area was well organized. Water stops were plentiful and all well stocked. Plenty of pace groups. Volunteers (as always) were awesome. You simply can't hold a race without volunteers. Negatives: Packet pick-up at Dick Pond was crowded. Course volunteers were few in number. At least one turn on the course (~mile 23) did not have anyone there. The last 2.5 miles had almost no one in sight except for an officer directing traffic. Runners at that point were spread thin, so if someone collapsed, it could have been several minutes before medical help may have arrived. Not many spectators, so if you like crowd support, skip this one. The cold damp weather may have been a factor though. Overall, good inaugural event. This race has a lot of potential. I hope to see this held again. |
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