While annual marathons have been held in Chicago since all the way back in 1905, the marathon event that the city’s famed for today was officially established in 1977. The first-ever race drew 4,200 participants (of which about half finished) – its popularity quickly skyrocketed, becoming the fastest-growing modern road race in the world, now attracting over 40,000 runners annually. The flat and fast course tempts many participants to go all out for a personal best or even break the odd record or two.
By the early 1980s, the Chicago Marathon was attracting world-class athletes to test their mettle on its track and had earned its place as one of six World Marathon Majors. The race is also considered to be the fourth largest in the world by the number of finishers. Whether you’re a seasoned runner with many marathons under your belt, or this will be your first race, and you’re currently in the process of figuring out a training schedule and the best running sunglasses to choose from, you’ll be warmly welcomed at the start line on the big day.
Thinking of Taking Part? Here’s What You Need to Know
The 2023 Chicago Marathon will be held on October 8th and will start and finish in Grant Park. Participants will run through twenty-nine neighborhoods and take in some of the city’s most spectacular sights as they test their endurance and athleticism.
There are aid stations available along the course, approximately one to two miles apart, where amenities, including medical tents, toilet facilities, and refreshments, will be available.
The Chicago Marathon does have a course time limit in place of six hours and thirty minutes, after which time the course will reopen to vehicular traffic. Participants who are still running after this cut-off point won’t be recorded as official finishers and may not have access to full support from road safety personnel and the aid stations. It’s also important to be aware that runners must maintain an approximate fifteen-minute-per-mile (or faster) pace and complete the full marathon course within the time limit to be an official finisher.
Wondering what the weather will be like in Chicago in October? At this point in the season, it’s likely to still be relatively warm, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures – so you’re likely to need sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for the race – whether you’ll be watching or spectating.
Preparing for the Chicago Marathon
Whether this will be your first marathon or your fiftieth, it’s a great idea to have a training schedule in place in the months leading up to the event. If you’re a marathon newbie, then it’s vital that you’ve already undertaken at least four weeks’ worth of easy running before taking things up a notch. And get clearance from your doctor or medical practitioner, too, just to be on the safe side.
If you wear corrective eyeglasses, now’s a good time to consider getting a pair of prescription sunglasses to enhance your comfort throughout your training and on race day itself. There are plenty of options on this score, even if you have a particularly high eye prescription.
When creating your training schedule, avoid having two days in a row of particularly long or intense workouts, and build in one day for complete rest – this is essential for your body to recover and avoid injuries.
For the rest of the schedule, have two days where you run at a moderate pace for gradually increasing distances and another two where you undertake a cross-training activity (such as swimming, biking, etc.) and strength training. Build in a day for a long, slow run – again, running for a distance that gradually increases over time. After this slow run day, have an active recovery day, where you undertake a short run at an easy pace to loosen up your muscles.
What Do I Need for the Chicago Marathon?
Wearing the right gear for the Chicago Marathon is essential! Good quality running shoes are crucial – while training, many seasoned runners recommend having more than one pair of running shoes and wearing them on rotation to help prevent injury. You’ll also need quality running socks and a hat to protect you from either sun or rain.
Sunglasses are also essential. Look for glasses that have great airflow to prevent misting and offer the highest level of UV protection, too. You may want to consider polarized lenses to cut out glare, and choosing lightweight frames with adjustable, non-slip nose pads for the highest comfort level possible is advisable.
Other important items to have on hand ready for race day are sunscreen and an anti-chafe stick: believe me, you’ll be grateful for the latter by the end of the course!
Chicago Marathon FAQs
Are there timing checkpoints on the course?
Runners will find a timing checkpoint at the start line, finish line, and halfway line, as well as at five km intervals along the course.
What type of water bottle can I race with?
Handheld water bottles and fuel belts are allowed. Hydration backpacks are not permitted.
Can I wear a costume to run?
Costumes that cover the face are prohibited – although, of course, sunglasses are fine.
What time can spectators access Grant Park?
Spectator access to Grant Park begins at 9.30 am on the day of the race.
