I am going to run 4:30+ marathon at Chicago and I am in the open corral(20+ minutes to start line).
I also have access to a warm area prior to the start.
Can I just sit inside until 15 minutes after the gun goes off and then get in line to cross the timing mat or do they close off the entrance once the gun goes off?
I think they close access points 10-15 before the gun goes off… at that point you will enter at the end of the line and walk through the whole crowd. Keep in mind, the open corral is huge! That being said, I haven’t been in the open corral in a while so, not positive.
Most people wear some cheap sweatpants and/or sweatshirts. When the gun goes off, just take them off and toss them. They collect them and donate to shelters.
If it is gonna rain, a garbage bag with some holes for your head and arms works and it’s cheap. Wear it till warm and chuck it…
Study the map they give you in the booklet they send out. Are there entrances on BOTH sides of the open corral? Also, are you in the hospitality tent (the one you pay extra for) on the left side (as you are facing the start line) or are you in the general area on the right side?
If you are in the hospitality tent and the entrance to the corral is only on the right side, it means you have to cross the crowd. If this is the case, take my word on this: You need to get the heck out of that tent and across LONG before. I’m talking like at least half an hour before and preferrably even sooner. There is this huge crush of people trying to get across and you basically stand there, unable to move as the time ticks away to the moment they close the corrals. It sucks.
Second poster was right: Bring some throwaway clothes – cheapo sweats and a long sleeve shirt you don’t care about - and get into the corral early. If it might rain, they typically sell those tyvek throwaway pants and top at the expo.
Long range forecast says it should not be too cold on race day though. Low of 64, high of 74
I’ve done my share of marathons/ultras. Big and small. Let me give you some advice on chicago. I recommend trash bagging instead of pants. It’s alot easier to get off AND you can rip it off as things start moving so you are warmer longer. #2 wear a long sleeve that you don’t give rats about. Finally if it’s really cold pack a beanie you don’t want or pick up a few during the hunting season (they’re super cheap then). I literally have a section of my closet designated to throw away shirts and hats. (mostly used as back up painting clothes. Hell I was best dressed for one early spring mrathon in a button up from work. I utilize even the nice shirts. Nothign cooler then starting a marathon ripping off buttons like the hulk. That’s how a real man starts a race RAR!
Get there AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, or you will end up in the very back of the masses. If you want to run a fast clip, you will be stuck behind many slower runners who were dilligent enough to stake their spot early. The Chicago M course is run over relatively narrow roads (compared to NY that is) and it will be a waste of your energy to weave in and out of of everyone.
Finally, if you want to stake your spot early, make sure you piss before, or you will have to piss in the underpass wall in the first half mile.
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Wear some cheap sweats and toss them at the start. They must outfit the entire homeless population in Chi after this race with all the discarded warmups.
During the race day its a maze of shit. What seems 1 minute walk on map could turn into a half hour struggle. Get in there asap and wait with the rest of the people. remember there will be at least 150000 people there race morning and that area will be fenced.
Get there AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, or you will end up in the very back of the masses…
Temps don’t bother me, waiting at the start bothers me.
I don’t care how far back I am I just hate standing around. If I thought it was allowed I would leave the hotel 1 hour after the start and be alone in crossing the start timing map.
I realize I have to wade through a sea of humanity, but this is a throwaway race due to injury.
Agree on all the comments so far.
I always wear a garbage bag. Warm and dry, easy to take off and toss. I also wear cheap cotton gloves and a beanie that I can toss later. DO NOT overdress as it will get warmer during the run. Long running pants and long shirts are common, but I really don’t know how anyone makes it to the end safely.
Get as far front on the general corral as possible. I’ve run Chicago 6 times and the one time I was in the general corral I spent my first 13 miles zig zagging and passing slow people. It is freakin crowded.
They don’t close the back of the general corral. They do close the preferred and competitive corrals.
Don’t carry anything that you have to check in. Checking it in and getting your stuff later is a hassle. Hide your key outside your car or something. You don’t need a wallet, etc. Don’t drink anything at least 1-2 hours before the gun goes off as the lines at the porta potties are very long. Try to “go” at home or the hotel.
The Expo has a lot of great vendors. One of my favorite.