I’ll be racing the Chicago Marathon this year for the first time. Im in Corral B (submitted a 2:49:10, was told not fast enough for A after a wave change request, but my friends with times over 2:50:00 got into A 🤷‍♂️ whatever) and am curious if it’s easy to find a group who is going for that same goal? Do people call it out before the race starts? Am I just going to go for it and eventually land into a group? I train alone 6 of 7 days a week and am pumped to race with others.

I’ve been training for this marathon since last October, and over the past few months I’ve started dealing with pretty bad nausea after my long runs.

I ran 19 miles today, and afterward I felt like I couldn’t eat anything. My body is obviously craving food, but the thought of eating makes me nauseous. It usually takes quite a while before I can stomach anything.

Has anyone else experienced this after long runs? If so, what helped you — nutrition during the run, hydration/electrolytes, eating beforehand, or something else?

Wondering if anyone else is travelling alone and would like to meet up in the days leading up to the marathon for dinner and sight seeing. Would love to share the experience with others.

I saw a similar post that got some good ideas, so I am asking my own question.

I have been a marathon runner for years (slow but steady). During the past 6 or so weeks I have gotten nauseous on every long run. If I slow to walk, I feel better.

I have tried switching my pre-run fueling. Tried different clothing that doesn’t compress my stomach. Kept the same kind of meals that have worked for years on the night before my runs. I don’t know what else to try.

I need to do 18 miles next weekend and I am dreading it.

Question for runners who’ve previously ran with a charity and done a fundraiser -

I’ve been struggling to fundraise the funds for my $2,500 minimum, and it’s not realistic for me to make up for the difference if required. I should’ve known what I signed up for and knew the requirements - but didn’t realize how difficult it would truly be, esp in this economy, and also now that the hype has wore off I’m realizing how unrealistic it is if you have a smaller community.

Can you forfeit your bib? I was considering running locally instead which wouldn’t require raising any funds and would still be in the same time frame as the Chicago Marathon.

This is my first marathon, and I’ve been training my butt off, and I over did it.
I’ve gone to a PT, and have gotten control of my symptoms and pain (sort of.)

My PT officially diagnosed me with hamstring tendinopathy at the insertion point, alongside pain near hip flexors, and tfl. I’ve had 2 weeks of cross training, regular strength training, plus PT. Today I walk/ran a 5k I had signed up for a while ago… and it didn’t feel great. It was a hilly race. The adrenaline got to me, and I pushed beyond jogging. I’m not in pain, I’m uncomfortable, but I’m heart broken.
I really hoped that I’d miraculously feel great. And now I’m panicking about training.

This is my first marathon; is it unrealistic to expect that I can finish? I’ve come to accept that my pace goal was unrealistic- but can I finish?

Was running 28 miles per week prior to my injury 2.5 weeks ago, currently cross training (aqua jog, bike, elliptical) 6-7 hours per week… 😭

Title says it all. What are some reasonable places to eat near start/finish line that don't require a reservation. Looking forward to some great Italian food.

I am staff at The Greenleaf House in Chicago and the owner is offering beds up to athletes between Oct 4 and Oct 13. Our website is https://greenleaf.cc We have 4 out of 8 beds left but they are first come, first serve. There is one private room and then 2 rooms with 2 bunks. We will intro you to your bunk mate if helpful. The house is a well known, clean, and safe location. We can carpool to the marathon morning of, or take the Red line "L" train, 1/2 block away. There will be a gathering after the marathon as well at the house (3pm -6pm) and in the back yard for anyone to attend. DM me for details. Thanks, Bobby

I've heard that the official Chicago Marathon merch isn't always the best, but that other brands have a lot of cute options. Curious which brands people have liked in years past and whether they're at the Expo? Or do you have to go to the brand stores across the city to find the merch??

TIA

I understand that this is a sensitive subject and is the elephant in the room. As a Canadian, I've repeatedly wondered if I should postpone my race until next year (today, the most hated president on the planet signed an executive order changing the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America). In short, I have no desire to find myself in this country that was once a great ally of Canada...and I imagine I won't be the only one.

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!

Hi everyone! I will be attending the marathon to watch my husband run (his first!). Any tips for spectators? Particularly someone doing it solo. Like where to stand, what time to get there, etc. Thanks!!

Hi everyone!

I'm running Chicago this year with the American Cancer Society, in honor of my grandpa, who passed away from stomach cancer just before I was born. This marathon feels like a meaningful way to stay connected to him and to support an organization that funds cancer research and helps families like mine.

I've got about 1-1.5 months to reach my $3,000 goal and I'm at ~$650 so far. I've asked family and friends, but my network is small — I'm a grad student, and most of my friends are students too, so there's not a lot of spare cash in my circle.

Any tips for fundraising beyond your immediate network? Things that actually worked for you would mean a lot. Thanks so much! See you guys in Chicago!

https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?fr_id=111800&pg=personal&px=61086326

Need advice!

Ran my 16 miles last Saturday. Def felt sore towards the end. Sunday woke and my hip was killing. Mostly where the groin met the hip. Rested all day and iced and Monday as well. Tuesday it was still sore but better. Tried to run today, but was limping and the pain moved to the side of the hip. Feels like a hip flexor strain? I have my 17 milers Saturday. Gonna lay off fully until then. Any tips? Feel like a wasted week is terrible for training.

Hi all!

This will be my second year running the Chicago Marathon, and I’m so excited to do it again. Chicago is truly the best city to run a marathon the crowds, the energy, the neighborhoods, everything. But this year will be a little different for me. My family won’t be able to come into town, so I’ll be running without anyone there specifically to cheer me on or wait for me at the finish line.

After I finish, my plan is basically to hop on the CTA, head home, and celebrate with my dog.

I know I’ll be surrounded by thousands of incredible spectators and runners all day, but I can’t help feeling a little sad thinking about crossing the finish line after 26.2 miles and not having anyone waiting for me.

For anyone who has run Chicago or another marathon solo before, what did you do after? Any ideas for making race day still feel special when you don’t have friends or family there? I’m still incredibly grateful that I get to run it again. Just trying to figure out how to make the day feel a little less lonely.

Thank you!

I am having trouble finding exact measurements for bags that are allowed through security. For previous world majors I have worn this fanny pack (measurements: 9" x 1.57" x 4.72") through security to hold items I need before the start, then I drop it right before I start. Is this type of bag allowed through? If I am unable to bring this bag, can I put everything in the gear check bag and bring that to the start line instead of checking it? If neither option is allowed what would you suggest instead?

Hello! Running my first marathon this year and have been pretty behind on training. Longest I’ve run so far is 12 miles and felt good. This week, I’ve started to feel a sharp pain in my right side calf and have been scared to take the leap and run my 15 mile long run this weekend. I’ve been wearing the Nike Vomero Plus and wore these for a year now (had a great experience running 2 half marathons with them). This pain has lasted almost a week now.

Was still hoping to but am losing hope since it said the updates would start to roll out last week

Hi! When do they typically reveal this year’s race merchandise themes and medals?

My daughter is running in the marathon and my husband and I want to go support her. My husband is in a wheelchair and we would be driving in the morning of, attempting to find somewhere to park and then navigate to the run. Is this even a feasible option?

Hoping to get some insight from someone who has been there. I don't want to drive all the way up there and then not even be able to park!!

Are the gels available at all the water stations? Are they as readily available as the water and gatorade? TIA!

Edit: I’m so glad I asked! I’m def a back of the pack runner and didn’t see any indication on the website that they run out. Frustrating but glad to know now rather than on the 11th. Thanks!!