The Chicago Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors and one of my favorite races. I’ve had the pleasure of running it three times, and every time has been an incredible experience.
The spectators, the neighborhoods, the excitement—it’s a race that stays with you long after you cross the finish line. But with so many runners and spectators in town, a little planning can make your weekend much smoother.
Here are my Chicago Marathon tips to help you enjoy everything from bib pickup to your post-race celebration.
Arrive Early for the Expo and Race Morning
If your travel schedule allows, head to the expo on the first day to pick up your race bib. In my experience, it gets busier as the weekend goes on, and getting it done early gives you more time to relax before race day.
The same goes for race morning. Give yourself plenty of time to get through security, check your bag, use the bathroom, and find your corral. This is not the morning to cut it close!
Check the current participant guide for your assigned entrance, recommended arrival time, and corral closing time.
Choose a Meeting Place for After the Race
There are a TON of people near Grant Park after the race. I’ve had trouble getting cell service in that area, so I wouldn’t rely on being able to text or call your friends and family right away.
Pick a specific meeting place ahead of time, and make sure everyone knows how to get there. “I’ll find you near the finish line” sounds easy until you’re tired, your legs hurt, and thousands of other people are trying to do the same thing.
A clear plan makes that post-race reunion so much easier.
Make Dinner Reservations Ahead of Time
Marathon weekend brings a lot of hungry runners to Chicago, and popular restaurants fill up quickly.
Make reservations for both your dinner the night before the race and your celebratory meal afterward. Having those plans in place means one less thing to think about during race weekend.
For your pre-race dinner, stick with foods you know work well for you. Save the adventurous meal for after those 26.2 miles!
Walk or Take Public Transportation to the Start
I can’t emphasize this enough: plan to walk or take public transportation on race morning.
Road closures make getting close to the start by car difficult, and the last thing you need is to be stuck in traffic watching the clock.
When booking your hotel, look at how you’ll get to Grant Park. There are plenty of hotels within walking distance, and staying near a convenient transit option can also make race morning easier. Plan your route before you go to bed.
Familiarize Yourself With the Course—and Watch the Weather
Chicago is known for its flat course, but I still recommend looking at the course map beforehand. Knowing where you’re headed helps you mentally break up the race and gives you landmarks to look forward to along the way.
It’s also helpful if your friends or family plan to cheer at more than one spot.
And while I’ve had some wonderful running weather in Chicago, don’t count on perfect conditions. Keep an eye on the forecast, prepare for the temperature and wind, and adjust your race plan if needed.
Enjoy the Spectators
Chicago has some of the most amazing spectators I’ve ever experienced at a race. Each neighborhood feels like its own party, and the energy along the course is incredible.
I’ve seen people handing out oranges, pretzels, and even beer! Whether you’re taking in the funny signs or soaking up the cheers, let yourself enjoy it.
Those crowds can give you a boost when the miles start getting tough.
Put Your Name on Your Shirt
If you want thousands of people cheering for you by name, put your name somewhere spectators can easily read it.
Use your Cricut, write it on a piece of tape, or do whatever works for you. It doesn’t have to be fancy!
Hearing a stranger yell, “You’ve got this, Emelia!” can be surprisingly motivating, especially during those last few miles when you could really use some encouragement.
Take That Post-Race Medal Picture
You worked hard for that medal. Get the picture!
Chicago has so many beautiful backdrops for medal photos, from the skyline to the lakefront. You don’t have to turn it into a whole photo shoot, but take a minute to capture the moment.
Tired legs, messy hair, huge smile, medal around your neck—that’s a picture worth keeping.
Plan Ahead if You Want Finisher Gear
If you love bringing home something extra to remember your race, check out the official Nike finisher collection.
Nike Chicago on Michigan Avenue is an option, along with Nike’s website and app. Check the marathon’s official merchandise page for the current release details before your trip.
Popular sizes and styles can sell out, so if there’s something you really want, plan ahead.
Have Fun!
You’ve done the training. You’ve put in the miles. Give yourself a chance to enjoy the experience.
Stick to your plan, adjust when needed, and don’t be too hard on yourself if the day unfolds differently than you imagined. There is so much to take in along this course, and your finish time is only one part of the experience.
Chicago is one of those races that reminds me why I love running. I hope you cross that finish line feeling the same way.
Want to come back to this? Pin it for later!
