With more than half a million runners crossing the finish line since the race started in 1977, this race is huge! According to marathoner Caolan MacMahon,
the course of the Chicago Marathon is fast, pancake-flat and scenic, too. “The course moves through 29 Chicago neighborhoods that add their own special flavor to the race,” she says.
If you’re bringing along friends to support you, Chicago’s excellent public transit system will take them to many spots along the route to cheer you on.
The Chicago Marathon is also one of the most diverse, with more than 120 countries represented and all 50 states.