The Chicago Marathon is, without a doubt, my favourite race. I love everything about it; from the weekend events and the expo to the start in Grant Park and the incredible crowds along the 26.2 mile route.

One of the best things about the Chicago Marathon is the course. It’s flat, fun, winds through many contrasting neighborhoods, and is extremely well-supported with aid stations, energetic music and cheering crowds.

Every marathon has its nuances, though, and once you’ve run the Chicago Marathon once, you’ll likely have a list of things you’d like to do differently next time. To help you out, I’ve compiled some of my key learnings from 5 Chicago marathons to help you make the most of race day.

1. Get to the expo early, and definitely avoid Friday night if you can. You can park at McCormick Place, but traffic is usually bad, so it’s much easier to take the El or a bus.
2. Plan your time at the expo so you don’t end up walking around for hours close to race day. I usually do a loop, get my t-shirt, take a few photos, and head out. The expo has great events, so check the schedule and plan around them if you’re interested.
3. On race day, get to Grant Park early. In recent years, security has been stepped up, and it takes longer to get through gear check and into the corrals than it used to. Make sure your race bib is clearly pinned to your shirt to speed up the process for everyone.
4. Wear old clothes to keep warm on race morning—it can be really chilly in Chicago in October. If it’s damp, bring a trash bag or two so you can sit down somewhere dry or wear one to protect yourself from the wind and rain.
5. Get in line for the portapotties as soon as you drop off your bag as the lines are lonnnnnnng! If you don’t have time to wait, know that there is a bathroom at every aid station. I used one last year and it was super quick with no line.
6. If you plan on running with headphones, wait until after the race starts to use them so you can soak up the pre-race atmosphere. Consider not using them at all during the race—it’s amazing to hear the crowds and music along the course.
7. Follow the painted blue lines on the road—they mark the tangents and show the shortest, most precise route to 26.2.
8. Move to the side whenever you grab a drink at an aid station so other runners can pass by without bumping into you.
9. Don’t stress if the course feels crowded at the start—it will thin out after the first mile. Save your energy and avoid weaving in and out of people.
10. Don’t worry if your GPS watch seems off compared to the mile markers. The first couple of miles wind through high-rise buildings, which often messes with GPS signals. You can either turn off the automatic lap counter and manually track miles by the markers, or just make a mental note of the difference.
11. When you reach the bridges, be aware that they’re covered with carpet to make it easier to run over the metal grids. Watch your footing—it’s easy to trip here.
12. Look out for the race photographers in Chinatown as they always take some great shots.
13. Crowds tend to thin out a bit between miles 20-23, but don’t worry—they pick back up afterward. This is usually when I listen to some music.
14. Once you make that turn onto Michigan Avenue, soak in the journey to the finish line—it’s the perfect way to end a race, with an amazing view of the city ahead.
15. Just before the end, at mile 26, there’s a short hill called “Mount Roosevelt.” It feels big because it’s at the end of the marathon, but don’t worry—it’s short and takes you over the train tracks. As soon as you turn left at the top, you’ll see the finish line right in front of you.
16. After you finish, keep moving. Get your medal, grab some snacks, celebrate with other runners, and continue walking.
17. Millennium Fountain will still be on, and it’s a great spot to snap a “Medal Monday” photo. You’ll find it near the gear check area.
18. Gear check can take a while at the end, so grab a heat sheet in the finish chute to stay warm while you wait.

I hope these tips help! If you have more to add, please share them below so other runners can benefit.

Good luck if you’re fortunate enough to have a spot in Chicago this year. It’s an extremely well-organized race in a friendly, welcoming city, and the course is awesome!