I was nervous this week as I was awaiting lottery results for both the Berlin and Chicago marathons. On Wednesday I found out that I didn’t have a place in Berlin, which I’d expected, as next year is the 50th anniversary of the race, and I’m sure lots of people entered the lottery.  On Thursday morning, the Chicago marathon lottery results started  to roll in, and I saw people in my social media feeds celebrating (or commiserating) their places. In the past I’ve usually had a guaranteed time qualifying time for Chicago, but his year was different and I had tossed my hat into the lottery ring. And guess what? After repeatedly refreshing my email inbox every 30 seconds, the universe smiled upon me—I got a spot! 

Little did I know that this decision would mark the beginning of a transformative journey. I met the incredible race director, Carey Pinowski at that sign-up event, gained wisdom from my friends at Fleet Feet, and joined Chicago Area Runners Association for summer group training. We met at Montrose Harbour every Saturday morning, and on the weekdays, I ran with a group out of Fleet Feet. Those training days weren’t just about running for me; they were about forging lasting connections with amazing people, and I was lucky enough to meet a girl who was to become my running partner for years to come. Chicago was my first marathon, and the lessons I learned from fellow runners, who were so generous with their time and advice, made it the most empowering experience of my life.

Marathons come in all shapes and sizes. There are the majors, grand affairs with TV coverage and thousands of runners, smaller marathons in bustling cities and towns, and trail marathons that wind quietly through mountainous terrain.  I’ve enjoyed many of them, but Chicago will forever hold the crown as my absolute favorite.

One of the things I love about training in Chicago during the summer is the vibrant atmosphere on the lakefront. Whether you’re running solo or with friends, catching the sunrise or sunset is an experience like no other. The sparkling views of the lake and the city are breathtaking, adding an extra layer of joy and magic to each run.

The camaraderie within the training groups in Chicago is unparalleled. With numerous like-minded individuals, there’s always an opportunity to meet someone new, see familiar faces, side-five friends during long runs, and the supportive community keeps the momentum going throughout the summer..

Come marathon day, Chicago knows how to throw a party! From seamless registration to picking up your race packet at the expo, everything is meticulously organized, and the entire city rallies around its runners.  The expo is held at McCormick place and is a wonderful experience full of different vendors, events and opportunities to meet the elite field. If you’ve never been to an expo before, definitely set aside some time to explore and enjoy it. 

Race day itself is an electric experience. The collective energy as everyone converges downtown is palpable, a mix of nervous excitement and adrenaline. The course is a scenic journey through all the contrasting neighborhoods of Chicago, with thousands of spectators lining the streets to cheer the runners on.

One of the most incredible parts of the race is the volunteers. From all corners of the city, they come to lend a helping hand at the expo, set up water and Gatorade stations, and create numerous cheering spots at local high schools, firehouses, and colleges. Bands, individual musicians, doctors, nurses, PTs, students, and even kids come out to cheer on the runners, turning the course into one huge, vibrant celebration.

And then, there it is—the finish line. In my mind, the most empowering line in the world. Running north up Michigan Avenue, turning right on Roosevelt, pushing up the tiny hill (which feels like a mountain at this point in he race, and then left down to the finish—it’s a triumphant moment. Once you cross that line, you’re enveloped by hundreds of fellow runners celebrating together, with volunteers ensuring everyone is well looked after.

As you navigate the city post-race, people on the street are full of congratulations, and the cafes, restaurants, and bars come alive with the buzz of runners and their families refueling and drinking beers.  Marathon weekend in Chicago is really special!