The Chicago Marathon: What to Expect

The big day is almost here! Whether it’s your very first marathon or your debut run in Chicago, this guide has got you covered—from picking up your bib at the expo to crossing that famous finish line in Grant Park. Excited to join 40,000+ runners and feel the buzz from millions of spectators? Let’s dive in!

1. The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo Experience

📅 Date: October 11–12, 2024
📍 Location: McCormick Place Convention Center

The Expo is a must-attend for all marathoners, as it’s where you'll pick up your race bib, shirt, and participant packet. Don’t forget your ID and registration confirmation for smooth check-in. Here’s what you’ll find:

• Official Marathon Merch: Stock up on exclusive Chicago Marathon apparel. Sizes sell fast, so grab yours early.
• Pacing & Nutrition Seminars: Learn from the pros! Experts and elite athletes will be sharing their race-day strategies and tips.
• Participant Packet: Besides your bib and gear check tag, your packet includes a complimentary drink ticket for the 27th Mile Post-Race Party (21+ participants only).

🚨 Pro Tip:
McCormick Place is huge! Allow extra time to walk through the expo. Friday is usually less crowded, so plan for a quieter experience if you attend then.

2. Race Day: What to Expect

📅 Date: October 13, 2024
📍 Start Location: Grant Park

Start Line Energy

Grant Park will be buzzing with excitement! Arrive at least two hours before your wave start to go through security, check your gear, and find your corral.

• Wave Starts: Check your corral assignment in advance and keep an eye on the pre-race emails for specific start times.
• Bag Check: Make sure to drop off your gear early, as bag check closes ahead of the first wave.

🚨 Pro Tip:
Mornings can be chilly—bring throwaway layers you can discard before the start. These will be donated to charity.

The Course Overview

The Chicago Marathon is flat, fast, and winds through 29 diverse neighborhoods. Here’s what to expect along the way:

• Spectator Support: The crowds are legendary! From Boystown to Pilsen, you’ll feel the love from start to finish.
• Aid Stations: There are 20 aid stations with Gatorade Endurance Formula, water, and Maurten energy gels at later stops. Plan your hydration accordingly.

3. Tips for a Smooth Race

The Weather

Race day weather can be unpredictable, even if it looks perfect on paper. If it’s windy, draft behind a taller runner to save energy!

GPS Struggles

Tall buildings downtown can interfere with your GPS watch during the first few miles. My watches died within five miles during the 2022 race, and I ended up running without one. Honestly? It was liberating! But if you’re aiming for specific splits, consider:

1. Printing Wristbands: Create wristbands with your target splits as a backup.
2. Sticking with Pacers: Start with a pace group 5–10 minutes slower than your goal time, then pick up the pace after mile 16 to catch up.

🚨 Pro Tip:
If you lose your pacer or watch, don’t panic! Trust your effort level. Running by feel can sometimes deliver unexpected results—like an unintentional personal best!

4. Navigating the Course

Run the Tangents

While the course is flat, running extra distance can happen if you zig-zag. Stick to the blue line marking the shortest path and run the tangents.

Mind the Bridges

You’ll cross a few bridges along the route. While the grates are covered with carpets, the edges can be tricky, so watch your footing.

The Hill (Yes, There’s One!)

At mile 26, you’ll face a "hill" that feels massive after running so far. While it’s not steep, it’s tough. Plan to pick up your pace in earlier miles to compensate.

🚨 Key Aid Stations:
Look out for Chiquita Bananas at miles 19.5–22.3 and the Biofreeze Pain Relief Zone around mile 21.2, where volunteers will spray you down to "Cool the Pain."

5. Conquering the Finish Line Experience

📍 Location: Grant Park

Crossing the finish line at Grant Park is unforgettable! Here’s what awaits you:

• Medal & Photo Ops: Volunteers will drape your medal around your neck as you cross the finish. Take a second to snap that perfect post-race pic!
• Post-Race Recovery: You’ll be given drinks, snacks, and a heat sheet to keep you warm. Stretching areas and medical tents are available if needed.
• Family Reunion Area: The finish area can get crowded, so arrange a meetup spot with family or friends in advance. Cell service can be spotty due to the large crowd.

🚨 Pro Tip:
Take your time post-race—don’t rush through the recovery zone. Hydrate, grab a snack, and soak in the moment. You did it!

27th Mile Post-Race Party

Celebrate your race at the 27th Mile Post-Race Party in Butler Field, near the start line. Enjoy music from a Chicago-based DJ, food, and drinks. Participants 21+ can redeem their bib tag for a Goose Island 312, Goose Island Hazy Beer Hug, or Michelob ULTRA.

6. Last-Minute Tips

• Fuel Smart: Stick to your tried-and-true nutrition plan. Now’s not the time for experimentation!
• Rest Up: Make sure you’re well-rested. Tapering is key, so prioritize sleep and hydration in the final week.
• Mental Toughness: Miles 18–22 can be tough, but break the race into smaller segments and focus on why you started. You’ve got this!
  
  

Happy racing! If this guide helped, share it with a fellow runner. We’ll be cheering for you all the way to the finish! 🎉