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Marathon Details - Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > IL > Geneva > Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon

Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon

Geneva, IL USA

September 7, 2024

http://www.bq2races.com

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2024 2023 2022 2021 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

The #1 Boston Qualifiers in the USA the last 10 years. This is a course specifically designed to get you to Boston.

A 4.8 mile loop 1 and then 7-3.05 mile loop course offers plenty of shade, scenic views of parks and forest preserves bordering the river, and a glimpse of downtown Batavia.

The paved trail along both sides of the Fox Valley River is near pancake flat.

The path, river proximity, dawn starting time, and average lows in the mid 50's make for a high probability of ideal racing conditions.

And the 8 loop course means 16 Aid Stations, 8 shots at the Elite Water Bottle table (yes, you are treated like an elite runner in this one), and plenty of opportunities for race-provided gel, oranges, and of course, your own cheering section.

Contact Information

Name:	Craig Bixler
Address:	PO Box 3955 St. Charles IL 60174
Phone Number:	630-667-6054
Email:	Email the organizers
Online Registration:	Click Here to Register Online Today!

More Information


Number of Runners:	300
Number of Spectators:	600
Fees & Deadlines:	$155 thru 12/31 $160 thru 2/28 $165 thru 4/30 $170 thru close
Start Time:	6:30 AM
Course Highlights:	Flat, shady course along one of the easiest loops of the Fox River Trail.
Course Refreshments:	16 aid stations, 8 unique 'elite water bottle' stations, plus post race food for all finishers.
Certified? Certification:	Yes, IL-16052-NM
Race Day Registration:	None: race will fill!
Online Registration:	https://secure.marathonguide.com/register/lastchancebq
Packet Pickup Info:	Friday at race location, plus Saturday race morning
Marathon Ratings:	Course Scenery/Beauty/Interest: Good for First Timers: Crowd Support: Course Speed:

Runner Reviews (105)

Course 4.8

Organization 4.9

Spectators 4.6

Write a review

Number of comments: 105 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 10 > ]

M. B. from Missouri (9/13/2024) "I LOVED THIS RACE" (about: 2024) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race was an absolute blast. I loved that everyone had the same goal - qualify for Boston. The first two loops before the big 8 loops had some tight turns where things had to slow down a little, but luckily is was in the beginning and we got it out of the way first. The aid stations were perfect, the elite bottles were perfect, the day of the race was perfect, the spactators and race organizers were perfect, and I even ran 16 minutes faster than my BQ standard, and PRed by 10 minutes (this was my third marathon). I would highly recommend this race. My only quarrel was that the path was still open to the public, so I had to dodge some recreational runners and bikers as the day got later. It did not slow me down at all, but when you are on mile 23 of a marathon and have to think about moving out of someone's way, it got on my nerves a tiny bit. I am so thankful for this racing staff for providing a great race with a great course! Thank you Last Chance BQ2!
Daniel Ivan Sanchez Garcia from Mundelein, IL (9/12/2024) "This was a clean, simple, and powerful course" (about: 2024) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my third marathon ever and I won the race with a PR of 2:37:53, seeded time (2:58:25-Chicago Marathon 2023). The course was clean because there were no major cracks on the pathway, the organization team did a great job picking up plastic cups and litters from the course, and there were trees all around the 3mile loop course that provided plenty of shade throughout the race (not to mention the beautiful river that you crossed over every lap). There was a biker who led us through the first three loops (2 small ones and 1 big loop) and there were clear directions. The course was simple: 8 major loops with 2 small loops at the beginning and it is all pretty much flat. The course is powerful because of the amazing spectators, and organization especially when you start to feel fatigued, they pick you up with their encouraging cheers; the elite water bottle station made the need to refuel easy on the mind; even the 90 degree turns weren't as bad as I thought they would be. It was a blast! Thanks to all who work to put this exceptional race together. Boston here I come!
A. O. from MA (9/11/2024) "Great race!" (about: 2024) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great course with so much positive energy! Very pretty loop, I was worried I would get bored doing the loop but that wasn't the case whatsoever. Highly reccomend
T. A. from Carmel, IN, USA (9/11/2024) "Great race and well organized!" (about: 2024) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The organizers do a great job of making this race one where you should hopefully attain a Boston qualifying time. Conditions were perfect this year (2024). Given the date I was fearful of warm weather but it was ideal conditions.
M. R. from Iowa (9/9/2024) "Flat and Fast - Helpful Volunteers - Great Day" (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Enjoyed the shady tree-lined bike trail, aid stations and reoccurring fans at the closing stretch of each loop. Also a big thanks to Brad, one of the volunteers for the great encouragement to get me across the finish line on time!
J. S. from USA (9/9/2024) "Expertly organized" (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Had a great time at this well done event!
M. S. from USA (9/9/2024) "Best race for BQ chasers" (about: 2024) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race is outstanding. Everyone who is running is focused on that one goal, and everyone respects the mission they are on. The race from race director down to the volunteers are top notch. I can't say enough positive things about this race.
P. B. from St Charles, IL (9/9/2024) "Excellent organization and communication." (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Incredible race, volunteers, announcer, photographers, athletes, spectators, course, everything! Way above my expectations! Clear communications eased my race nerves. Beautiful local community for pre/post race exploring. Highly recommend this race!!
G. P. from NYC (9/9/2024) "Very well done" (about: 2024) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 First time marathoner and the race was very well done and I appreciate all the effort.
P. F. from Los Angeles, California (9/11/2023) "Perfect BQ-oriented marathon" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 OK: The course is a little monotonous. But that's the ONLY thing negative I can say about this marathon. Great organization, super-professional pacing, and while boring, even the course is perfectly built to support your BQ. Perhaps the single best thing is the elite bottle tables, where you can get your personal pre-mixed drinks and gels every three miles. This is SO valuable in preventing a bonk and allowing you to PR. I'd totally recommend this marathon. It's worth traveling to if You're serious about getting a BQ.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 10 > ]



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M. B. from Missouri (9/13/2024) "I LOVED THIS RACE" (about: 2024) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race was an absolute blast. I loved that everyone had the same goal - qualify for Boston. The first two loops before the big 8 loops had some tight turns where things had to slow down a little, but luckily is was in the beginning and we got it out of the way first. The aid stations were perfect, the elite bottles were perfect, the day of the race was perfect, the spactators and race organizers were perfect, and I even ran 16 minutes faster than my BQ standard, and PRed by 10 minutes (this was my third marathon). I would highly recommend this race. My only quarrel was that the path was still open to the public, so I had to dodge some recreational runners and bikers as the day got later. It did not slow me down at all, but when you are on mile 23 of a marathon and have to think about moving out of someone's way, it got on my nerves a tiny bit. I am so thankful for this racing staff for providing a great race with a great course! Thank you Last Chance BQ2!
Daniel Ivan Sanchez Garcia from Mundelein, IL (9/12/2024) "This was a clean, simple, and powerful course" (about: 2024) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my third marathon ever and I won the race with a PR of 2:37:53, seeded time (2:58:25-Chicago Marathon 2023). The course was clean because there were no major cracks on the pathway, the organization team did a great job picking up plastic cups and litters from the course, and there were trees all around the 3mile loop course that provided plenty of shade throughout the race (not to mention the beautiful river that you crossed over every lap). There was a biker who led us through the first three loops (2 small ones and 1 big loop) and there were clear directions. The course was simple: 8 major loops with 2 small loops at the beginning and it is all pretty much flat. The course is powerful because of the amazing spectators, and organization especially when you start to feel fatigued, they pick you up with their encouraging cheers; the elite water bottle station made the need to refuel easy on the mind; even the 90 degree turns weren't as bad as I thought they would be. It was a blast! Thanks to all who work to put this exceptional race together. Boston here I come!
A. O. from MA (9/11/2024) "Great race!" (about: 2024) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great course with so much positive energy! Very pretty loop, I was worried I would get bored doing the loop but that wasn't the case whatsoever. Highly reccomend
T. A. from Carmel, IN, USA (9/11/2024) "Great race and well organized!" (about: 2024) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The organizers do a great job of making this race one where you should hopefully attain a Boston qualifying time. Conditions were perfect this year (2024). Given the date I was fearful of warm weather but it was ideal conditions.
M. R. from Iowa (9/9/2024) "Flat and Fast - Helpful Volunteers - Great Day" (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Enjoyed the shady tree-lined bike trail, aid stations and reoccurring fans at the closing stretch of each loop. Also a big thanks to Brad, one of the volunteers for the great encouragement to get me across the finish line on time!
J. S. from USA (9/9/2024) "Expertly organized" (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Had a great time at this well done event!
M. S. from USA (9/9/2024) "Best race for BQ chasers" (about: 2024) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race is outstanding. Everyone who is running is focused on that one goal, and everyone respects the mission they are on. The race from race director down to the volunteers are top notch. I can't say enough positive things about this race.
P. B. from St Charles, IL (9/9/2024) "Excellent organization and communication." (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Incredible race, volunteers, announcer, photographers, athletes, spectators, course, everything! Way above my expectations! Clear communications eased my race nerves. Beautiful local community for pre/post race exploring. Highly recommend this race!!
G. P. from NYC (9/9/2024) "Very well done" (about: 2024) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 First time marathoner and the race was very well done and I appreciate all the effort.
P. F. from Los Angeles, California (9/11/2023) "Perfect BQ-oriented marathon" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 OK: The course is a little monotonous. But that's the ONLY thing negative I can say about this marathon. Great organization, super-professional pacing, and while boring, even the course is perfectly built to support your BQ. Perhaps the single best thing is the elite bottle tables, where you can get your personal pre-mixed drinks and gels every three miles. This is SO valuable in preventing a bonk and allowing you to PR. I'd totally recommend this marathon. It's worth traveling to if You're serious about getting a BQ.

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Marathon Details - Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon