6 Runners Share Top Chicago Marathon Tips

Fully enjoy your marathon weekend experience, from the expo to the neighborhoods you’ll run through, by planning ahead with these Chicago Marathon tips.

(Feature photo courtesy of Bank of America Chicago Marathon)

With more than 52,000 participants running through downtown Chicago and its surrounding neighborhoods, with an estimated 1.7 million spectators each year, the Chicago Marathon is an event unlike any other.

If it’s your first time running the Chicago Marathon, pre-race planning is critical for a smooth race day. That means deciding on what time and how you’ll get to your starting corral and where you’ll see your friends and family along the course.

Six Chicago Marathon finishers, including several Chicago-based runners, shared their top race weekend tips for runners. Advice also includes favorite neighborhoods and historic insights along the course, plus spectator tips for your friends and family.

If you’re running in this year’s Chicago Marathon, we hope you fully enjoy your race day experience!

Stick to your plan and honor your training.

The Chicago Marathon is unforgettable. The city feels alive from start to finish, but running through Chinatown was the moment that stood out most to me. It was like stepping into a whole new world. Every neighborhood had its own energy, and the diversity of runners and spectators made the race feel bigger than the miles. On top of that, the organization was flawless. Hands down, the smoothest marathon I have ever run.

My biggest tip: stick to your plan and honor your training. The flat course and crowd energy make it tempting to push early, but fuel on time and stay disciplined. More than anything, enjoy it. The real glory is in the training block, the grit, and who you become through it all. The race is the celebration.

If you can, stay near the start to cut stress on race morning. And grab something to remember it by, whether it is race merch or a Tracksmith finisher poster. For me, Chicago was more than just a marathon; it is an experience and a memory I will carry with me forever.

— Armani McDonald,
Charlotte Running Company store manager

Read more about Armani’s Chicago Marathon experience (plus why he loves the Charlotte running community).

Run by feel until your GPS stabilizes, and let the energy from the crowd carry you through the difficult miles.

One of the most important things to remember is that your GPS watch will likely go a bit haywire during the first few miles. The tall buildings downtown can throw off satellite signals, so don’t panic if your pace seems off. Trust your training and resist the urge to sprint out too fast, especially at the beginning. Instead of relying on your watch, settle into your rhythm and run by feel until you get out of the city center and your GPS stabilizes.

One of the most magical aspects of the Chicago Marathon is the energy of the crowd. From start to finish, you’re surrounded by cheering spectators in every neighborhood. It’s a huge part of what makes this race so special, so take the time to soak it all in. Look around, smile, enjoy the music, the signs, the neighborhoods — and embrace the spirit of Chicago. Let the energy lift you when things get tough, and let it remind you why you’re out there running.

For spectators, one of the best ways you can support runners is by cheering them on by name. If someone has their name on their shirt, call it out — they’ll love it. A well-timed ‘You got this, Sarah!’ can be surprisingly powerful.

Also, keep in mind that the race expo isn’t located right in downtown Chicago. Be sure to build in extra travel time to get there. It’s all part of the experience, and planning ahead will make the day go much more smoothly.

— Cindy Chin Smith,
Founder of Pen & Paces

Read how Pen & Paces is helping spectators celebrate runners.

Save your legs with a short expo visit, and run the blue line on race day.

The Chicago Marathon is such a special race — it truly feels like the whole city comes out to cheer. One of my biggest tips is to soak in the energy of the crowds, but also be mindful not to get carried away early on. The course is flat and fast, and the first half can feel effortless with all the excitement. Stick to your pacing plan, because going out too hot can catch up with you in the later miles.

One of my favorite stretches is through Lincoln Park (miles 5-7). The energy is incredible, and it’s a spot where you’re likely to see a lot of friends and family.

For sub-elite or competitive runners, tangents are key. The course can measure long if you’re not careful, so run the blue line as much as possible.

For race weekend, I recommend keeping your expo visit short and sweet to save your legs, and if you’re local or hanging around after, celebrate with my go-to meal: a Bloody Mary and fried chicken from Parsons. Most importantly, take in the whole experience. There’s nothing quite like running 26.2 through this city!

If you’re looking for a deeper dive on strategy and race weekend tips, check out last year’s “Getting Chicked” episode, “All Things Chicago Marathon.”

— Karen Lesiewicz,
Chicago-based runner and co-host of the “Getting Chicked” podcast

Learn more about Karen’s running and podcasting journey.

Plan your race day schedule and where your spectators will be.

Make sure you know how to get to the race on race morning. If you’re taking public transit, do a test run of the trip. Keep in mind, some of the buses don’t run as usual.
Make reservations for pre-race dinner if you’re going out. You may pick something other than Italian restaurants, as they are normally packed.

Don’t walk around all day on Friday and Saturday. If you’re visiting, consider the Chicago Architecture Center’s boat tour. It’s an awesome way to see and learn about the city while staying off your feet.

On race day morning, if you’re checking a bag, go right to the bag check area and drop it off before lines form. If it’s chilly weather, wear throwaway clothes and gloves that will be collected from the start area and donated. Know what time the corrals close and start heading there 45 minutes or more before closing time. There will be long lines at the porta potties and even to get into the corrals.

For spectators and fans:

Plan your spots and tell your runners where you’ll be. It’s hard to cross the race, so look at the map to see which side you’ll be on and what mile markers you’ll be near. There are a lot of out-and-back sections where you can see your runner twice or more:

First half: Mile 3 and 13, Mile 4 and 12, Mile 5 and 11, Mile 6 and 10, 10K and 15K, and Mile 7 and 9 (for most, except the fastest runners, you can then take the “El” to Mile 22 or 26)
Second half: Mile 14 and 17, Mile 14 and 20, Mile 22 and 24, or Mile 22 and 25

Know your runner’s number. It can take 20-30 minutes for runners to cross the start line in some cases. If you track, you can better estimate when he or she will get to you. Don’t forget to ask the expected pace and what wave they are starting in!

Know what your runner(s) are wearing. Tell them what you’re wearing, too, so they can look for you. Even better, take a tip from my friend Carolyn’s book and carry a big helium balloon or sign.

— Erica Agran,
Chicago-based runner of 67 marathons (including seven Chicago Marathons) and the blogger behind EricaFinds.com

Find more Chicago running tips from Erica.

Wear your name on your bib so the crowd can cheer for you!

It’s a little bit biased in the sense that it’s a hometown race for me …. The work that you’re putting into being around community and being involved in the run community, you get dividends paid back tenfold at the Chicago Marathon. Folks are coming out to cheer, especially different run clubs …. You really get a lot of energy from the Chicago running community itself.

This probably applies to all marathons, but I definitely suggest putting your name on your bib, or just putting some sort of tape and having your name on there. Chicago is such a spectator race. Ninety percent of the course, there will be people lined up along the sides, and they will cheer for you. They have no idea who you are. They’ll read your name, and they’ll cheer for you.

It depends on who you are, but I think, for the most part, that helps folks. Their energy will pull you along to the finish line.

— Keegan Kok,
Chicago-based runner, 2SDAY track club co-founder, and Brooks Running Collective ambassador

Read about Keegan’s experience in the Chicago run community.

Immerse yourself in neighborhood history along the Chicago Marathon course.

There’s so much going on marathon weekend. It can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also trying to stay off your feet and get into the right mindset. Focus on what feels meaningful to you, and forget the rest. I can’t emphasize enough for both you and your spectators: Take the train. Avoid rideshares. And for ease of travel day of, make sure your accommodations are near a CTA El stop.

If you’re a back-of-the-pack runner like me, one of the best parts is taking in all of the sights, sounds, landmarks, and crowds along the way. Watching the neighborhood’s buildings, demographics, and landscapes change is both fascinating and disturbing at times, but noting these changes will undoubtedly help you ask the right questions as you explore the city before and after the race.

If you want a couple of things to look out for, here are some of my favorites:

Loop, LaSalle Street: It feels like a movie! In fact, I think it has been!
Lincoln Park: All the greenery around the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Lakeview: Unabridged Bookstore is a longstanding LGBTQ bookstore.
Pilsen: Everything lining this street. The Czech-style architecture that now houses our historic Mexican-American neighborhood has one of the best vibes, and it’s at a commonly dire time — mile 19 or so!

I recommend reading at least one book set in Chicago before you race. Here are a few impactful books set in the neighborhoods you’ll run through:

Bronzeville: Three Girls From Bronzeville, by Dawn Turner
Lakeview (Boystown): The Great Believers, by Rebecca Makkai
Near North: Clark and Division, by Naomi Hirahara
Pilsen: Chicanas of 18th Street, by Leonard G Ramirez, Yenelli Flores, Maria Gamboa, et al.
For architecture and urban planning lovers: Who is the City For?, by Blair Kamin (Author) and Lee Bey (Photographer); and Southern Exposure, by Lee Bey
For foodies: The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide, by Steve Dolinsky; and Historic Chicago Bakeries, by Jennifer Billock

— Allison Yates,
Founder of Read & Run Chicago and Read & Run Tours

Read & Run Chicago is hosting Meb Keflezighi for a Chicago Marathon shakeout run on Friday, October 10, with New Balance and Fleet Feet Chicago. RSVP here!

Learn more about Allison’s Chicago running and book tours.