r/ChicagoMarathon

First marathon and first time in Chicago Marathon.

Our situation:
Me, my husband, and our 4-year-old daughter
No car.
Staying Saturday–Tuesday (3 nights)
I’m in the last wave targeting a 5-hour finish
Husband will have finish line passes and will be with our daughter while I run.
I really don’t want to switch hotels during the trip

Radisson Blu Aqua - $1,035
Housing site lists it as 0.3 miles from the start & 0.9 miles from the finish
Standard run-of-house room
I called and confirmed they can provide a personal mini-fridge at check-in
No included breakfast
Biggest advantage seems to be proximity to start line.

Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile $1,175 total
Housing site lists it as 0.7 miles from the start & 1.2 miles from the finish
Suite
Refrigerator + microwave
Included breakfast
Biggest advantage is the guaranteed bedroom space.

The Radisson seems like the obvious choice for race logistics because it’s supposedly only 0.3 miles from the start. But the Embassy is only 0.4 miles farther, which is probably just an extra ~7–10 minutes of walking, and for $140 more total we’re getting a guaranteed suite, breakfast, fridge, and microwave which makes a difference with a 4 year old.

I’m wondering:
For a first marathon, how much would I you value being 0.3 vs. 0.7 miles from the start?

And furthermore, how bad are the elevators at either hotel on Chicago Marathon morning? Is this something I should genuinely worry about, or am I overthinking it?

Who are we kidding, I’m over thinking every thing. I’ll take any and all first time marathon start line advice 😂

Hi everyone! I’m training for my first marathon and have been training for about 10 months. I’m currently running my long runs at around a 13:00–13:30/mile pace, and I’m trying to figure out whether my fueling and hydration strategy needs some adjustment.

During long runs, I currently take two SaltStick chewable tablets along with a Huma or Honey Stinger gel every 30 minutes. I also take sips of sugar-free Liquid I.V. about every two miles.

Before my long runs (12+mi), I usually drink about 1 liter of coconut water the day before and make sure I’m eating plenty of carbohydrates.

However, on long runs (12+mi) I sometimes reach a point where I develop a nauseous, tingling, lightheaded sensation. It can take quite a while of walking before I feel normal again.

**I’m wondering if this sounds like a fueling issue, hydration/electrolyte issue, or possibly something else. Is this what hitting the wall feels like?**
**Is what I’m currently taking during the run sufficient for someone running at my pace, or should I be increasing/changing my carbs, fluids, or electrolytes?**

For those of you who have run marathons at a similar pace, what fueling/hydration strategy worked for you? I’d especially appreciate advice on how to prevent that lightheaded/nauseous feeling during the final miles of a long run.

Thanks!

Hello! Racing Chicago for the first year after deciding to join a charity team that’s meaningful for me (American Heart Association).

I’ve done the Chicago 13.1 the past few years and both times for later corrals, the race ran out of gels.

Last year I was in Corral C and this year B, so there were plenty of gels when I got to them, but for the Marathon I’m going to be in Corral H considering the much faster overall field.

I ran my first marathon in April where the on-course nutrition was Gu (can’t stomach those) so I carried all my gels with me. That was fine, but it was kinda annoying.

Is there any risk in relying on the on-course gels for Chicago? My plan is to bring a few but rely on the on-course aid stations to restock.

Edit: guess I was misled by an instagram post but thank you all for your input!

This may have already been asked before, but am I understanding correctly that there will be no water cups along the course and I have to bring either a bottle or stop at refill stations?

This is my first marathon and I have not been able to hit my weekly mileage due to sickness and lots of work. I am hitting roughly around 20-25 miles a week and my longest run so far is 14 miles, planning 16 next Saturday. However, I failed my 15 mile run due to heat and cramps and only got to 9 miles.

My goal is to just finish hopefully in 5 hours. Is that possible? Im feeling very discouraged after failing my 15 mile run 😭

Hi! I’m sure this has been asked a few times, but how’s the sizing on the participant shirts?
I usually size up from my normal women’s small to a women’s medium for races because I like a little extra length and a more relaxed fit. I know Nike sizing can be a little different, so I’m debating between a women’s medium or men’s small.
For reference, I’m 5’4” and 122 lbs. I’m looking for something roomy and a little longer, but not super wide or boxy.
For anyone who has gotten one before, which would you recommend? Any insight would be appreciated! 😊

Saw this today and it helped clarify for me.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Db_Y3f5IGCy/?img_index=4&igsh=aDd4NGFwcGRvbHNw

My husband is running in the Chicago marathon this year- we're coming over from the UK. He's quick, so should be finished before lunchtime. Looking for suggestions on what we can do after that won't involve loads of walking around but will tire out and keep a 6 year old entertained! We're staying in downtown Chicago so somewhere around there as well. Any recommendations?

I got an email from TWV saying I could be put on a bib pull list and a TWV staff person will need to sign a paper giving the marathon permission to give me my race bib if I don’t reach my fundraising goal. Any experiences with this happening to anyone?

So I was invited to compete in the professional field of a different marathon (which is great. Registration is comped!) that takes place one week before Chicago - of which I paid for and paid the refundable insurance. I can commit to both races, however that would be unwise and can argue it can trigger an injury. Race reasons have to be significant health, bereavement, life changing. Has anyone known/had any luck with successfully getting a claim from race refund insurance with minor inconveniences? I can use my defer to 2027 but will have to pay a seperate registration.

Packet Pick-Up: Blue long sleeve t-shirt / Race Day: Navy light jacket and cap

I am also organizing a volunteer group. We are doing morning shifts Saturday 7:15 AM-12:00 PM (Packet Pickup at McCormick Place) and Sunday (4:15 AM-10:30 AM Grant Park Gear Check). Message me if you have any interest in joining!

Hello everyone,

I am 35 year old male training for my second marathon in October. I’ve been dealing with stomach issues starting around July 20th and this week confirmed that I have cyclospora. Hopefully starting medication soon after some additional test come back.

My symptoms have not been severe (e.g., no explosive diarrhea) and have primarily been bloating, stomach pain/cramps and fatigue. My symptoms also come and go but still dealing with them.

My question regarding training is how would people recommend adjusting. I have been able to still get most of my runs and haven’t missed a long run. My longest run was last week at 13 miles at 10 minute pace.

I run 4 days a week I have been so fatigued that had to significantly cut back my training this week as well as the week of July 20th

I only ran once so far this week. Luckily it is a cut back week for me so my long tun is suppose to be 8/9 miles which I plan to do.

Any recommendations or suggestions are appreciated. I am just getting worried these symptoms will probably continue and I won’t be as prepared.

Hi everyone!
Firstly, I can’t wait to run with you all.
Second, this is my first marathon. I’m very competitive (especially with myself) and set a lofty goal for my first. I’ve had a few busy weeks, and am wondering, “did I even allot myself a rest day for the past three?”

I pulled off a speed workout this past Friday, and by my second to last interval my glute was KICKING! Now it’s Monday, I took the weekend off, but I am feeling discomfort around my glute medius and outer hip. Suspecting bursitis perhaps? But now I’m in freak out mode. We’re only 60 some days out. Do I rest, push through and continue with training, seek out help from my doc?

I’m freaking out about injury while marathon training. 🙁 Any experience in this?

Hello! I’m Visiting Chicago for the first time and running my first marathon! Does anyone have any race day tips?! Such as getting to the start line; what to bring; how early to get there? Transportation! Any suggestions help! Good luck everyone! 🍀

I’m also running with Chicago Paws and still collecting donations if anyone is interested! Thank you!! 🐾😊 https://donate.pawschicago.org/fundraiser/6865231

I’ve put my name in all over the place and have mostly received responses of we will no longer being using the waitlist but can add you to the list for 2027. I did start my charity searching when marathon training began (June-ish), and so I know I was late to the game. As a working mom only just getting back into running I was honestly worried I might not be able to make the commitment.

I have/will continue training, but has anyone ever had luck last minute with the charity (assuming then you are paying the charity immediately). My husband does the Chicago marathon every year, so regardless we are going and have all other accommodations planned for. This year it happens to be on our wedding anniversary, and I am taking time post baby (ok toddler now lol), to get myself back to who I was. So if I don’t run, yes it will be a bummer, but still will be proud of the time and commitment I put in. Just looking for any potential light!