Howdy, Stranger!
Categories
Options
Chicago
Just got my confirmation for chicago. Anyone else doing it?
The materials in this website are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor, qualified personal trainer, therapist, dietitian or nutritionist Runners's World, Part of the Hearst UK well-being network © Copyright 2017
Comments
Let me know if you want any details, war stories etc
Not been to Chicago before, but did New York last autumn and really enjoyed the atmosphere of the big marathon.
Yes, it was cold at the start, but as long as you have an old thick shirt or cheap disposable fleece to chuck after half a mile you'll be fine. The crowd support is not quite so loud as London or NY, but make no mistake - Chicago is one of the world's 'must dos'. A very flat, fast course.
The city is great. Once you're finished, get stuck into those pizzas, beers and blues bars.
The race starts at 8AM, possibly a bit early for the supporters.
Can anyone recommend a good place to stay? Possibly not too far away from start finish?
The Claridge Hotel,
1244 North Dearborn Parkway.
Phone 312/787-4980
Last year it cost $155 plus $23 tax per night.
It is about 4 or 5 metro stops from the starting line at Grant Park. About a three minute walk away from a metro station. The area round the corner is upmarket and full of clubs & bars.
I used it the first year and went back there again.
Another sort of cheap (on Expedia)Hotel is the Lannox Suites Hotel which is centrally located downtown. About two blocks from North Michigan Avenue. Stayed there at the begining of May.
*Ooops* Just had a look at Expedia regarding Congress Plaza. Says:"The worker's union of Chicago has been conducting a strike against the Congress Plaza Hotel since June 2003. Guests may encounter picketers when entering the hotel."
Just checked what kind of hotels tour operators use. Essex Inn, Holiday Inn, Hilton Homewood Suite, ... so much choice. Maybe I can find one with jacuzzi
Stephen's recommendation is probably an excellent hotel, but you might not want to have to get a metro on race morning, and nor do you have to. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of hotels along Madison or up in the Loop that are about 10-15 mins walk from the start/finish. A nice limber-up before the race. And to be honest, $178 per night for a hotel that's a tube ride away doesn't sound that appealing. Take a look at the usual hotel sites (laterooms.com, expedia etc), and you'll find something. We stayed at the Radisson I think. It was about $120 a night?
Chicago isn't like the London or NY marathons, where the hotels are miles away. One of the great things about Chicago is that the start and finish are at the same place, and right in the centre of the city.
If you can be bothered, you can always read my account of the Chicago experience at www.runningcommentary.co.uk.
Drop me a line if you need further info.
But a great race in a fantastic city. Chicago can change your life!
Good luck
Andy
Cheers Andy, will have a read!
Staying about 12mls outside Chicago, any idea how easy/hard it is to get to the start?
BTW you can vote for the t-shirt design. Think I voted for design #2.
Enjoy!!!
Also, make sure you go up the Hancock tower for cocktails afterwards (but get the lift from 'round the corner from Mag mile to avoid paying to go up!) What a view!
Like everyone else I thought that this was a great event. The start was cold but bearable as I stayed at the Essex which is only a couple of minutes away from the start and finish.
The pasta party on the eve of the race was the best I have been too - a proper sit-down affair for several thousand. There was a great party afterwards and one of my best memories was the reception that Paula got from everybody when she was presented on stage at the party - I even got her to autograph my number!
BTW I ran my best time for ages so the course is good too.
URR / Pseudo - after my disappointing Boston time this year I am looking to get a time to run again next year
I'd love to do Boston again, but think in 2005 I'm going to do Paris or Rotterdam instead.
Did you by chance take any pictures at the evening event?