Chicago Marathon: What I Learned Running It Twice
The Chicago Marathon has a reputation for being flat, fast, and full of energy. All of that is true. But it's also crowded, overwhelming, weather variable, and packed with so many weekend events that you could easily exhaust yourself before the race even starts.
Having run it in 2021 and 2023, I've learned what's worth your energy and what's not. Here's my advice for making the most of Chicago Marathon weekend without burning out before mile 1. It was my first World Marathon Major and in 2025, I’m back again for my 3rd round of the course.
Know What You're Walking Into
Chicago Marathon weekend isn't just a race—it's a full-blown running festival, and they were like this before that became the norm for races. There are shakeout runs, brand pop-ups, panel discussions, after-parties, and more pasta than you thought possible.
My advice: Pick 1-2 events max and protect your energy for race day. You don't need to hit every pop-up or shakeout run to have a great experience. In fact, too much walking, standing, and socializing can leave you tired before you even start. I usually need to shut it down for the day by 4 pm.
The Expo
The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo at McCormick Place is massive. It's exciting, but it's also exhausting. Miles of walking on concrete, crowds of people, and endless temptations to buy things you.
What worked for me:
Go on Thursday or early Friday if possible to avoid the worst crowds
Wear comfortable shoes (save your race shoes for race day)
Have a plan: pick up your bib, grab your shirt, hit 1-2 booths you actually care about, and leave
Don't sample every energy gel or try on every shoe, you're not changing your race-day nutrition or footwear 48 hours out
What didn't work: Staying for hours, trying to see everything, and walking around until my legs were sore. Save your legs for the race.
My plan for 2025: Land, drop off luggage at the hotel, make it to the Expo by mid-Friday to grab the bib, see some friends, and immediately go back to the hotel. Eating carbs endlessly.
What’s on My List for 2025
Marathon weekend is packed with brand activations, and honestly, most of them are worth skipping. But a few are genuinely fun and worth building into your schedule—especially if you're traveling solo or want to connect with the running community.
New (to me) this year is this great resource with ALL the events, links, and locations. Thanks, Marathon Weekend!
Here are the ones on my radar:
Brooks Hyperion House (Oct 10-13)
Brooks goes all out for races. They host shakeout runs with Brooks athletes, panel discussions, a race-day viewing party, and a post-race celebration. If you're a Brooks runner or just want a home base during the weekend, this is it. The vibe is welcoming, the space is gorgeous, and it's one of the few places that feels less like a brand activation and more like a running community hub.
Bandit Pop-Up & Shakeout Run (Oct 9-13)
Bandit's "Chicago Simulation Research Center" is one of the more creative activations I’ve seen so far. I’m curious, and scared?, what this is going to look like.
Believe in the Run at Endorphins Fuel Bar (Oct 10-13)
If BITR is showing up, you know it’s a must. Expect carbs, maybe some giveaways, and a must stop.
Tracksmith Pop-Up at Chicago Athletic Association (Oct 9-13)
Before the race, I stop by to collect the latest patch for my Heirloom Hoodie. After, the free poster stamping with your time that makes for a beautiful run cave art piece (says the runner who has collected 6).
My take: Pick one shakeout run (if you want one at all), one pop-up to browse, and call it good. The rest of your time should be spent resting, eating, hydrating, and staying off your feet.
My plan for 2025: Saturday’s plan is shakeout early, early before all the big groups go out, swing by some pop-ups, 4 pm dinner, and then go to bed.
Kudos to the Chicago Marathon photographers for taking photos where we look like we’re actually enjoying the run.
Race Day Logistics
1. Walking to the start might be faster than you think
Here's something I learned the hard way: on race morning, the CTA is packed, Ubers are surging, and shuttles are slow. If you're staying within a mile or so of Grant Park, just walk. I typically have a 1+ mile walk to the start. It's a nice warm-up, you avoid the transportation stress, and you'll probably get there faster than people waiting for rides. If you're farther out, give yourself way more time than you think you need for any form of transportation.
2. Don't premix your handheld or bottles until after security
If you're bringing a handheld or bottles with a custom fuel or electrolyte mix, wait until you're through security to fill them. There's water everywhere once you're inside the start area, so you can mix your bottles there. Try to bring it already mixed and you'll have to dump it out at the security checkpoint. I learned that one the hard way in 2021.
3. The crowds are real (and so is the noise)
Chicago spectators are incredible. The energy is electric from mile 1 all the way through the finish. But it can also be disorienting if you're not prepared. The noise level in certain neighborhoods is stadium-loud. Lean into it, feed off it, but don't let it pull you into running faster than your pace in the early miles. However, I love the cheering for that last 10k, when you need it the most!
After the Race: Celebrate Strategically
Post-race, grab your medal, grab your gear, and do this:
EAT & DRINK (not that kind): Replenish if your body allows. Grab something from the finisher’s festival or one of the places on your walk back.
FIRST TO THE AFTER PARTY: Personally, I like to get any of the finisher’s things (Tracksmith poster, Bandit finisher portraits) on my way to the hotel to beat the lines. Plus, after the race is done, I don’t want to go back out, which leads me to:
ROT IN BED: There’s nothing I like better than a post race shower, followed by laying in bed for an hour after. Recharge for your dinner celebration, or if you’re like me, getting immediately on a flight (RIP to my legs).
Final Line Thoughts
Chicago Marathon weekend is incredible, but it's easy to get caught up in the hype and forget what you're actually there to do: run 26.2 miles as well as you can.
Protect your energy. Skip the FOMO. Rest more than you think you need to. And when you're standing in your corral on Sunday morning, take a breath and remind yourself: you've done the work. Now it's just time to run.
Running Chicago this year—or thinking about it? I'd love to hear about your experience or help you prepare. Drop a comment or reach out.