The Chicago Marathon is where you head when you want to experience the race of a lifetime. In 1977, this was one of the very first long distance races to be held in Chicago.
The response to these races was so amazing that it was clear future marathons in the city would have to be planned.
To this day, the Chicago Marathon remains one of the biggest and most popular marathons in the United States.
Participants come from around the world to experience this great run.
This is a suitable race for first time marathon runners, but it is also a favorite of the best athletes around the world.
The race starts and ends in Grant Park and wanders through the neighborhoods of Chicago.
What makes this Marathon different from others is the size. This race gets so many entrants each year that they have to set a strict limit on the number of runners allowed to sign up. In 2011 that limit was raised to allow a record 45,000 runners.
The Chicago Marathon was established as a rival to the New York City Marathon.
Registration Options
You can register for the Chicago Marathon online as long as you get your name in there before the maximum number of participants is reached. If you don’t make that cut you can register through select charity groups which are given tickets to the event to sell.
International runners can also get tickets through the International Tour Group program.
One important part of registration is giving the estimate of how long it might take you to finish the race. The cut off is six and a half hours and after that period of time all roads throughout the city are opened to vehicle traffic and all of the support tables are shut down.
Remaining racers can finish, but you have to run on the sidewalks and stop for all of the traffic signs.
If you have raced in a marathon within year of the Chicago Marathon you can provide proof of your finishing time in that race to be placed into a corral based on that estimated finishing time.
Otherwise, you give a good prediction of how long you think it should take you to finish the race at the time of registration. This will place you into the correct open corral for the start of the race.
The time prediction is important because it determines when you start the Marathon.
You must be 16 years-old on the day of the race and those under 18 will need written permission from a parent or guardian.
Groups are also allowed to participate and there are pace groups that you can join in order to stay with racers planning to finish within your predicted time.
Training for the Chicago Marathon
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The marathon is not something you start training for a couple months in advance. Most serious runners consider all of their years of running to be basic training for the race. They then start training seriously at least six months before the race.
Those with less long distance running experience may sign up for the race early and train for a solid year, just to make sure they can complete the Chicago Marathon within the six and half hour time limit.
Nike sponsors a training program that allows participants in the upcoming marathon to train along with others who may have more expertise. This program starts in June and coaches each participant right up to race day.
This is an excellent program if you are interested in racing with others and going on group runs with others planning to be at the race. You don’t have to live in Chicago to sign up for this program.
While training for any marathon you should follow a structured running program including longer runs and lots of interval training. Most runners will compete in shorter races throughout the year leading up to the marathon.
This gives them some exposure to the racing environment and helps them work on their pacing and timing so they are better prepared to pace themselves through the marathon.
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