Running the Chicago Marathon this year was an unforgettable experience—definitely one of the best-organised races I’ve participated in! With 41 marathons under my belt, including five Abbott World Marathon Majors, I was still blown away by how smooth everything was, from the expo to race day.

The energy of Chicago is contagious, and the race perfectly captures the spirit of the city. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or planning to run your first big race, here’s my race recap with valuable tips to help you conquer Chicago in the future!

Pre-Race Perks with Adventure Time Travel

At Adventure Time Travel, we pride ourselves on making the marathon experience stress-free for our clients. Our Chicago Marathon package included a personalised bus tour of the racecourse, so everyone knew exactly what to expect. Afterward, we dropped our runners off at the expo and waited to bring them back—no stress, no hassle.

We also stayed at a premium hotel just a short walk from the start line, which was a game-changer on race morning. My wave started at 8:30 a.m., and we had plenty of time to walk over at 6:45, feeling relaxed and prepared.

Getting Ready at the Start Line

Arriving at the start line 90 minutes before an 8:30 AM start proved to be the sweet spot. Security was smooth — quick and efficient — which left me plenty of time to navigate the pre-race routine. My first priority? Finding the portaloos. Even with what felt like hundreds of them, the line moved slower than expected, and the wait ended up taking about 30–45 minutes.

As I stood there, it dawned on me that a warm-up run wasn’t going to happen. Instead, I shifted focus to mentally preparing for the race. The buzz of excitement and nervous chatter from the runners around me was infectious, and I found myself soaking in the energy. It was a great reminder that marathons aren’t just about the kilometres ahead but also the camaraderie and shared anticipation leading up to the start. People from all over the world with the same purpose – is indescribable!

Race Day Highlights

The race itself? Absolutely electric. From the moment I crossed the start line, the energy of the crowd was palpable. The first few miles through downtown were awe-inspiring, though my GPS understandably struggled with all the tall buildings.

The course showcased the best of Chicago, from the towering skyline downtown to the serene beauty of Lincoln Park. Crowd support was phenomenal, with millions of spectators cheering, holding hilarious signs, and playing music along the route. Highlights included drag queens dancing at one aid station and “Eye of the Tiger” blasting at another—both of which gave me a much-needed boost!

The final stretch, with the roaring crowd and iconic Chicago backdrop, was truly unforgettable.

Chicago Marathon Tips

If you’re considering running this incredible race, here are some essential tips to make the most of your experience:

1. Train for the Flats

The Chicago Marathon is known for being flat, but don’t underestimate it! Running on flat terrain means you’ll use the same muscles throughout the race, which can lead to fatigue if you’re used to rolling hills. Incorporate long runs on flat routes into your training to prepare your body.

2. Stay Close to the Start

Staying near the start line eliminates the stress of navigating traffic or packed trains on race morning. While downtown hotels can be pricey, sharing a room with friends or fellow runners makes it more affordable. Plus, you’ll have access to your hotel bathroom right up until start time—a huge perk! If you travel with Adventure Time Travel in 2025 this is no problem as we will be literally across the road from the start line – a 1 minute walk!!

3. Know the Start Line Rules

Chicago does not allow hydration backpacks but does permit running belts and handheld bottles. Be prepared to empty liquids at security checkpoints unless they’re in a sealed, clear bottle. Hydrate smartly, and don’t let this rule deter you from staying on top of your hydration needs.

5. Race Strategy

Start Slow: GPS often fails in the first few miles due to tall buildings. Use mile markers to track your pace and avoid starting too fast.

Run the Tangents: Follow the blue line on the course for the shortest distance.

Be Mindful on Bridges: Look for carpeted areas to avoid the metal grates.

The Final Hill: There’s a slight incline near the finish, but if you’ve done any hill training, you’ll handle it just fine.

6. Prepare for Unpredictable Weather

Chicago’s weather in October can be a wild card. From cool and crisp mornings to humid starts, be ready to adapt your race plan. On hot days, prioritise hydration and electrolytes, and take advantage of water stations and sprinklers to stay cool.

Why You Should Run the Chicago Marathon

From its incredible organisation to the electric atmosphere, the Chicago Marathon is a bucket-list race for runners worldwide. At Adventure Time Travel, we strive to make these moments even more special by handling the logistics so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

Ready to add this race to your bucket list? Let us help you make it unforgettable!