First-Time Chicago Marathon? What to Expect and How to Prepare

Running the Chicago Marathon is a bucket-list goal for many runners, and for good reason. As one of the seven World Marathon Majors, it offers an incredible experience with a fast, flat course and unmatched crowd support. If this is your first time tackling Chicago’s 26.2 miles, here’s everything you need to know to have a successful race day.

Getting to the Start Line

Registration and Timing

The Chicago Marathon typically sells out quickly after registration opens in the spring. There are several ways to secure your spot:

• General Registration: Opens in early spring and can sell out within hours
• Charity Program: Guaranteed entry by fundraising for official charities
• Legacy Program: For runners who have completed multiple Chicago Marathons
• Travel Packages: Some tour operators offer guaranteed entries with hotel packages

If you’re planning to run Chicago, register as soon as possible or consider the charity route if general registration fills up.

Training Timeline

Most first-time marathoners should plan for 16-20 weeks of structured training. Since Chicago takes place in mid-October, this means starting your training in late May or early June. Choose a training plan that matches your current fitness level and goals.

What Makes Chicago Unique

The Course

Chicago’s course is famous for being one of the fastest marathon courses in the world. With minimal elevation change (only about 50 feet of total gain), it’s an excellent choice for first-time marathoners or those chasing a PR.

The race starts and finishes in Grant Park and tours 29 Chicago neighborhoods including:

• Lincoln Park and Lakeview
• Wrigleyville
• Pilsen and Little Italy
• Chinatown
• Bronzeville

Each neighborhood brings its own character and enthusiastic spectators, making the entire 26.2 miles feel supported and alive.

Crowd Support

Over 1.7 million spectators line the course, creating an electric atmosphere from start to finish. Unlike some marathons where support thins out in the middle miles, Chicago maintains strong crowd presence throughout. This energy can be incredibly helpful when you hit the inevitable tough patches.

Weather Expectations

October in Chicago typically offers ideal marathon conditions, with temperatures ranging from 45-65°F at race time. However, be prepared for:

• Wind: Chicago’s nickname isn’t for nothing—headwinds can be challenging, especially along lakefront sections
• Temperature Swings: Early October can sometimes be warmer than ideal, while late October might be quite cool
• Rain: October weather can be unpredictable, so have a plan for wet conditions

Race Week Preparation

Travel and Logistics

If you’re traveling to Chicago, arrive at least two days before the race. This gives you time to:

• Adjust to the time zone if coming from far away
• Pick up your race bib and packet at the expo
• Scout out your race morning transportation
• Find pre-race and post-race meeting spots for family and friends

Book accommodations early—hotels near the start/finish in Grant Park fill up months in advance. Consider staying slightly farther from downtown for better rates and quieter surroundings for pre-race rest.

The Expo

The Chicago Marathon Expo is held at McCormick Place and is one of the largest running expos in the world. You must attend to pick up your race bib—no race day pickup is available. The expo features:

• Official race merchandise
• Hundreds of running gear vendors
• Nutrition and supplement companies
• Running clinics and speaker sessions

Important: Don’t buy new shoes or try new products at the expo. Stick with what you’ve trained in. Save the shopping for after the race.

Race Morning

Getting to the Start

The race starts at 7:30 AM in Grant Park. Plan to arrive by 6:00-6:30 AM to allow time for:

• Bag check (if using it)
• Final bathroom visits (expect long lines)
• Getting to your assigned corral
• Warm-up if desired

Chicago’s corral assignments are based on your estimated finish time. Make sure you know your corral number and where it’s located. Starting in the correct corral ensures you’re surrounded by runners at your pace.

What to Wear and Bring

Check the weather forecast closely and layer appropriately. Many runners use throwaway clothing for the start. Essentials to consider:

• Race outfit you’ve tested on long runs
• Running shoes with 30-50 miles on them (not brand new, not worn out)
• Throwaway layers for the corral
• Your race bib pinned securely to the front of your shirt
• Timing chip attached to your shoe
• Fuel and hydration you’ve practiced with
• Body Glide or anti-chafing product

During the Race

Start Conservative

The most common first-timer mistake is starting too fast. The flat course, downhill first mile, and exciting atmosphere make it easy to go out 20-30 seconds per mile faster than planned. Resist this urge. Every second too fast in the first half is doubled in the second half.

Aid Station Strategy

Chicago has aid stations every mile starting at Mile 2. They offer water and Gatorade, alternating on each side of the road. Tips for navigating them:

• Slow down slightly when approaching—don’t try to grab cups at full speed
• Grab from the first few volunteers for less congestion
• Walk while drinking if needed—the few seconds won’t impact your time much
• Dispose of cups in designated areas to avoid slipping on them later

Fueling Plan

Stick to the nutrition strategy you practiced in training. General guidelines for first-timers:

• Start fueling around Mile 7-8, not when you feel tired
• Take gel or chews every 45-60 minutes
• Always follow with water, not sports drink
• If your stomach feels off, don’t force it—better to slow down than risk stomach issues

The Mental Game

Break the marathon into manageable chunks:

• Miles 1-10: Stay relaxed, find your rhythm, don’t get caught up in the excitement
• Miles 10-20: Focus on consistency, maintain your pace and nutrition plan
• Miles 20-26.2: Mental toughness time—break it down to single miles, focus on reaching the next landmark

When it gets hard (and it will), remember why you’re out there and use the crowd energy to push through.

The Finish and Beyond

Crossing the Line

The finish in Grant Park is an emotional moment. Take it in, celebrate your achievement, and keep moving through the finish chute. You’ll receive:

• Your finisher medal
• Mylar blanket
• Water and snacks
• Finisher shirt (picked up in a separate area)

Immediate Post-Race

After finishing, your priorities are:

• Keep walking—don’t stop moving immediately
• Hydrate and eat something, even if you don’t feel hungry
• Pick up your checked bag if you used bag check
• Find your meeting spot for family and friends
• Change into warm, dry clothes as soon as possible

Recovery Week

Your first marathon takes a toll on your body. Plan for:

• Extra sleep and rest for 7-10 days
• Easy walking or light cross-training only
• No running for at least 3-5 days
• Gradual return to normal training over 2-3 weeks

Tracking Your Achievement

After completing your first Chicago Marathon, you’ll want to preserve the memory and details of your accomplishment. Official results typically become available within 24-48 hours and include:

• Your overall finish time (chip time and gun time)
• 5K split times showing your pacing throughout the race
• Your overall placement among all finishers
• Age group and gender rankings

Logging these details helps you remember the experience and provides valuable data if you decide to run another marathon. Many runners find that their first marathon is just the beginning of a longer journey in the sport.

Common First-Timer Questions

What if I need to stop during the race?

It’s completely fine to walk through aid stations or take brief walking breaks. Many first-time marathoners use a run-walk strategy. The important thing is finishing, not running every single step.

What if I’m not keeping my goal pace?

Adjust your expectations and focus on finishing strong. It’s better to slow down in the middle miles than to blow up and struggle to finish. There will be other races to chase time goals.

How do I deal with hitting the wall?

If you feel yourself hitting the wall (usually around Mile 20-22), slow down, take in some fuel, and break the remaining distance into small chunks. Walk if you need to. Remember, even a slow mile gets you closer to the finish.

Final Thoughts

Your first Chicago Marathon will be an experience you remember for the rest of your life. The training journey, race day nerves, the incredible support from the crowd, and crossing that finish line in Grant Park create memories that define you as a runner.

Prepare well, respect the distance, trust your training, and enjoy the experience. Chicago is a marathon that rewards smart racing and punishes overconfidence. Run your own race, not someone else’s, and you’ll have a day to be proud of.

After you finish, take time to log your results and reflect on what you’ve accomplished. Whether you crushed your goal time or simply survived the distance, completing the Chicago Marathon puts you in an elite group of people who have conquered one of running’s greatest challenges.

Ready to start your marathon journey? Keep track of all your training runs and races leading up to Chicago, and build a complete record of your path to 26.2 miles.