The marathon in Chicago is fast. Very fast. And it’s getting quicker. Ten years ago, the winning men’s finishing time was 2:11 and this year’s winner completed 26.2 miles in 2:01. Ten minutes may not seem like a lot, but it’s roughly 2 miles. This means this year’s winner finished 2 miles ahead compared to the winner 10 years ago. Most of us will never run a 2:01 marathon, but same reasons the pros are so fast make it enjoyable for the rest of us. I’ll share a few reasons why it’s such a fast race from a dad’s perspective and why you should run it if you’re thinking about it.
It’s Flat
Yes, this marathon route is flat. The largest difference in elevation is 30 feet across the entire route. Unfortunately, the one real hill is at mile 26, just at the end of the race. At that point, it could be a wall and I don’t think I would remember it. The last .2 miles is such a blur, so don’t worry about it. The rest of the route is very flat, so if you’re looking for speed, this is the one. Training for a flat route is much easier for a majority of us. Let’s train on a flat route to prepare for a flat race!
The Spectators Are Crazy!
This marathon also has crazy spectators! Most marathons have crowds along the route cheering on runners, for most of the route. This one has 1.7 million fans cheering on runners across the 29 different neighborhoods. Each neighborhood is different and unique. It’s motivating to be cheered on by a bunch of strangers that have never met you. It keeps you going during the hardest part of the race.
Usually Good Weather
October weather in Chicago can be a roller coaster. You’re either getting the heat that stayed after September ended or the cold the November is bringing. High temperatures are usually not common, although they do happen. The few times I’ve run it, we’ve had the perfect running weather. Cool to cold start with the sun out. As the race continues, the weather warms up a bit, so when you get to the finish line, you can experience the sun and warmer weather to prevent from freezing. This is a normal fall day in Chicago and works so well for running.
Should You Run It?
I’ve run roughly 10 marathons and Chicago is my favorite. The best thing about being a dad is hearing your family cheer you on. They’ve made the trip a few times for me and held signs asking me “are you done yet?” A good laugh at mile 16 will carry you the rest of the way. It’s also a big race. Not only is it part of the World Marathon Major races, it’s also one of the more heavily run races in the world. This year had 55,000 runners sign up for the race. Just think, in 1977 it had only 4,200 runners. If you’re itching for a marathon, this one is highly recommended. Hope to see you there next year!