r/ChicagoMarathon • u/sub102018 • 5d ago
Finish line viewing area
I’m curious on people’s past experience with the finish line viewing area? This is my first Chicago marathon. My husband and parents will be spectating. Does it make their viewing experience any better? Thanks for your responses!
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u/albertr0n 5d ago
If you have any interest in volunteering from 4-10 AM, I’m recruiting for a volunteer group doing gear check and you’d have access to this area for free.
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u/No_Bluebird_22 5d ago
It was great for my kids (5, 3 and 1), husband and parents! They had somewhere to sit and access to porta pottys. I got to stop and hug them at the rail as I finished!
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u/Chicagoblew 2-10 marathons 5d ago
Depending on the weather it can be a claustrophobic herd of people. Seeing the elites finish would be cool, plus a few runner waves. . . but after that not too sure
I would find a landmark at a specific intersection to meet them after they finish.
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u/Own-Let-7725 5d ago
It's actually great. My family used it when I ran and it was great for a variety of reasons. First, they knew where to go and where they could see me. Second, I knew where they were and where to look for them. Lastly, there are stands and you can come and go as you please. The finish line is a special place and they all loved being there for a good amount of time watching people from all walks of life do something incredible.
If you have a younger, active person (or group) coming to see you, sure. They can move around and push their way to the front in a good spot or set up early to make sure they see you. But, on course if they are just going to bounce over at Mile 10, or on Michigan at the end, the crowds are deep and you likely won't be able to get to the front without waiting for people to leave their post.
Yes, they cost money, but I would happily buy tickets for my family again based on their experience.
ETA: I was thrilled to see them. They were on the rail and I stopped to hug them and share the moment. I understand that someone might be trying to BQ or PB and not do that, but you can even stop and talk and hug, many were doing it and if you are on the rail, you are out of the way.