The Chicago Marathon took place a few weeks ago, and as promised, here’s my full recap of the race! While it’s been a while since the event, it’s worth reflecting on the experience, from the start to the finish line.

“It felt amazing to toe the line once again in 2024!”

My Marathon History with Chicago
I first ran the Chicago Marathon in 2017, followed by another run in 2018. I had planned to race in 2019, but chose to defer it, as I was already committed to running both the Berlin and New York City marathons that year. The plan was to return in 2020, but the pandemic turned everything virtual, and I chose to skip that year and the next. Finally, after taking a break, I ran again in 2022. In 2023, I opted for the Detroit Marathon instead, as it fell just a week apart from Chicago. But in 2024, I was finally back, and it felt amazing to toe the line once again!

“Investing in convenience was well worth it!”

Investing in Convenience: VIP Experience and Parking

This year, I decided to treat myself to a more convenient marathon experience. I splurged a little, but it was well worth it. First, I prepaid for parking at a lot close to the start line. Normally, I park a few streets away, but this time, the convenience of walking only a couple of blocks instead of several streets post-race was priceless!

I also opted for the VIP experience, which provided access to a tent with food, restrooms, and a place to change clothes both before and after the race. After trying something similar at the Boston Marathon, I knew it would be worth it. No long lines for port-o-potties, plenty of snacks, and even post-race massages. My friends LaShaun and Dee were with me, and we had a blast chatting and relaxing in the VIP tent before it was time to head to the start.

“The anxiety of getting to the corrals is real!”

The Start Line Experience: Crowds and Anxiety
Getting to the starting line of the Chicago Marathon is always an adventure. The crowds trying to squeeze into their corrals can feel overwhelming, and the anxiety is palpable for some runners. You don’t want to be late—if you miss the cut-off time, you’re stuck starting in a later corral, which is not ideal for fast runners. While I’m not in that category, I still wanted to make sure I was in my assigned corral on time.

While waiting in the corral, I struck up a conversation with an inspiring woman in my age group. She had undergone knee surgery about a year ago, and her doctors told her she’d never run again. But she defied the odds, gradually returning to running. This marathon was her first since the surgery, and I was in awe of her perseverance and spirit.

“We couldn’t have asked for better weather on race day!”

Perfect Weather and Race Day Energy

After some warm-ups, listening to the announcers, and getting pumped up by the music, we finally started the race. The weather was absolutely perfect: clear skies, no rain, and ideal temperatures. It was a dream day for both runners and spectators.

The early miles were just as I remembered: crowded and hard to get into a rhythm. It’s tough to gauge your pace with the signal interference between the tall buildings. So, like many runners, I focused on running by feel and tried to keep my pace in check to avoid starting too fast. As the race progressed, the signal improved, and I was able to settle into my groove.

“Running through Lincoln Park is always a breath of fresh air!”

Running Through Chicago: Familiar Sights and Inspiring Faces
Running through downtown Chicago is always exciting, but heading up to Lincoln Park is a breath of fresh air. The crowds start to thin out, and I’m able to find more space to run freely. It’s a highlight of the course!

As we looped back toward downtown around mile 13, I continued through the West Loop and near the University of Illinois-Chicago campus. It was amazing to see so many familiar faces along the route—runners, volunteers, and spectators alike. I even spotted my boss cheering me on, which gave me an extra boost!

“Mile 20… the dreaded wall… and the Black Chicago Runners to the rescue!”

Mile 20 and Hitting the “Wall”
Around mile 20, I came across the Black Chicago Runners’ aid station in Pilsen. I was in desperate need of salt, as mine had spilled in my fuel belt earlier in the race. I spent a bit too much time there chatting and taking a few photos, but it was a welcome pit stop.

Unfortunately, that’s also where I hit the “wall”—that dreaded point in the marathon when your body just wants to stop. I resorted to a “run/walk” strategy to push through. While I lost some time, it helped me keep going. By the time I reached Chinatown, I was feeling totally drained, but seeing familiar faces on the near South Side gave me a much-needed surge of energy to keep pushing forward.

“I may have been drained, but I wasn’t giving up!”

The Final Stretch: A Finish Line Sprint
As I approached the end of the race near Mount Roosevelt, I could see the finish line in sight. Mount Roosevelt is no actual mountain, but after 25 miles, it sure feels like one! But once I conquered that final overpass, I found the strength to sprint to the finish. I crossed the line with a time of 4:22:14, feeling proud and relieved.

“The wall was tough, but I finished strong—and that’s what matters!”

Reflections: Overcoming the Wall and Lessons Learned
While I didn’t achieve the time I had hoped for, I’m still happy with the result. The “wall” at mile 20 was tougher than expected, and I lost valuable time due to my run/walk strategy. In hindsight, I could have trained for it better, but I didn’t. It’s a good lesson in running smarter and fueling better throughout the race.

Despite that, I finished healthy, and that’s what matters most. I ran the marathon with Achilles tendinitis (which I taped before the race), but I didn’t feel any discomfort during the run. Post-race, I enjoyed some downtime in the VIP tent with LaShaun and Dee, and it didn’t take long to get to my car. Sure, there was some traffic leaving the garage, but it didn’t dampen the mood. We headed to grab pizza with friends and celebrated the day.

“Next stop: CIM in December, then Paris in April!”

What’s Next? Upcoming Marathons and More
After Chicago, I’m gearing up for the California International Marathon (CIM) in December. I’ll take a short break before tackling the Paris Marathon in April. I’ve also signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon in October, so Chicago will take a back seat next year. In between, I’ll sprinkle in a few smaller races to keep things interesting!

Until next time, happy running!