This year’s Chicago Marathon felt different from years past. There’s no question that it’s an exceptionally well-organized race, supported by amazing crowds and communities, but this time it felt bigger (it actually was bigger too – 50150 runners), and that definitely showed.

For some context, this was the 6th time I’ve run Chicago since 2012. It’s my favourite race in the world and where I’ve PR’d several times. I consider it a really special race and one that I’m always extremely grateful to take part in. I love the city, have so many friends who run and support the race, and can’t get enough of the party that Chicago hosts over marathon weekend.

The Expo

The first sign that this year would be different was at the expo. It’s always busy, especially on a Friday afternoon or evening, but when we arrived late morning on Friday, it already felt unmanageable. As always, the expo was well-organized, but there were so many people that it was impossible to see anything properly. I spent most of my time just trying not to lose my husband, and after about 15 minutes, we left. 

The lines for taking photos were huge, the stores were impossible to navigate, much of the merchandise had already sold out, and the checkout lines were incredibly long. I’m not someone who likes to spend much time at the expo, but this year I couldn’t wait to leave. It was overwhelming and exhausting, and I didn’t feel like I could enjoy browsing or making any purchases. On the bright side, the volunteers were, as always, lovely and helpful, and getting my bib and t-shirt was smooth. However, the overall chaos made it difficult to meet up with friends or linger, which I’ve enjoyed doing in the past.

Race Day Morning

The next sign that things would be different came on race day morning.

Last year, security took forever to get through, adding a lot of stress to the morning. I remember being pushed and shoved as a huge crowd slowly made its way through, with each bag checked by hand. This year, the race organizers made some great improvements, likely in anticipation of the larger field, and had barriers at each gate for runners to walk through. They also added extra scanners with wands for those who set them off, like me. These changes made getting into Grant Park much easier, and I was incredibly appreciative.

Gear check was also better organized this year. They had additional information on which color gear check to go to, along with which row and box your bag would be in. This was another big improvement, making the start more streamlined.

In general, the pre-race area was well-organized and clearly signposted. Volunteers were everywhere, helping runners, and it was easy to navigate and get ready for the race, except for the bathrooms. The lines for the porta-potties are always busy, but this year they were completely out of control. Lines snaked back on themselves multiple times, and the wait was around 40 minutes. Many runners couldn’t wait and went behind the porta-potties, while others formed circles to give each other privacy to ‘go’ before entering the corrals. 

Once inside the corral, things calmed down. The national anthem was beautifully sung, there was a minute of silence to remember Kelvin Kiptum, the 2023 men’s winner and world record holder, and then upbeat music to get everyone excited.

The Race

Even with the additional runners this year, Chicago is still my favorite marathon and will always have a special place in my heart. That said, if you’re aiming for a PR or have a specific time goal, it’s time to adjust your expectations.

I’m used to the first few miles of a marathon being crowded as runners find their pace, but this year, the congestion never let up. The course was overcrowded from start to finish. This made the race feel dangerous at times, and I saw several people fall, including one poor woman at mile 24. I spent the whole race focusing on how close I was to other runners, trying to stay safe and avoid getting elbowed (or elbowing anyone else) and it was exhausting. I never found a consistent pace or got into the zone.

The crowds in Chicago were even more incredible than usual, which I didn’t think was possible! Communities came out in full force, and the on-course music, entertainment, and cheers were unbelievable. At times, it was so loud I couldn’t hear my own music. While it could feel a bit overwhelming, it’s part of what makes the Chicago Marathon experience so special and I always take some deep breaths, look around me, and take it all in.

The aid stations were, as always, extremely well-organized, with water, Gatorade, medical support, and this year, Maurten gels—which was a fantastic addition. That said, they were incredibly busy, and runners weren’t as considerate as in previous years, perhaps because they were new to racing and don’t know the etiquette.. Many stopped suddenly without moving to the side, making it dangerous, and the discarded cups made the area slippery. There was never a break in the flow of the runners, so aid station captains found it almost impossible to sweep any of the cups away.

The final few miles were better supported than they’ve been in the past, with charities assigned to specific spots to cheer, which made a huge difference in those tough moments. There used to be a few quiet spots in the race, and that definitely isn’t the case anymore. The last two miles up Michigan Avenue were very crowded, and I couldn’t run in a straight line to finish strong. I like to use up whatever I have left in the tank on the last stretch but it was so busy with slower runners and walkers in the middle of the road, that it was very challenging. As I crossed the finish line I was of course happy with my accomplishment and the opportunity to run in Chicago, but I also knew that I could’ve run a little faster in safer, less congested conditions. 

Post-Race

As always, the post-race support was wonderful. The finish chute had everything you could possibly need, and there was a strong presence of medical support. I’m so thankful for the care and attention the organizers give to everyone’s health and safety – that’s a huge bright spot in Chicago.

As I left the chute, I wandered over to gear check which this year was a massive improvement. Last year, I waited 30 minutes for my bag in a long, cold line, but this time it was instant. I was so grateful to get my bag quickly and stay warm. The volunteers are always so honest and trustworthy, and everything I checked in was returned safe and sound. I didn’t attend the post-race party in Grant Park, but I heard great things about it and many runners found ti easy to meet up with friends and family and enjoy a post-race beer.

Would I Run Chicago Again?

Absolutely! The pros far outweigh the cons. There’s nothing quite like the city of Chicago on marathon weekend. The course is beautiful, the volunteers are amazing, and the atmosphere is one of pure celebration. I love being part of that energy. That said, next time I’ll manage my expectations. I won’t go in with a time goal; I’ll run it for fun, for the crowds, the community, and the incredible route. Chicago is the best, and fastest, marathon major, and I’ll always be thrilled to be part of it.

What was your experience at Chicago? Was it similar to mine?