Sell us on your favorite local race. That’s the order from this week’s Tuesdays on the Run Linkup. Do you have a fave? A crown jewel race? Tell us what it is and why we should run it. Here in Chicago we’ve got no shortage of race options. Starting in spring and going all the way through Thanksgiving and beyond, there are a multitude of races along the lakefront and throughout the city.
However, I’m going to go with our crown jewel. If you come to Chicago why not just take the bull by the horns and take on the Chicago Marathon? Here’s why you should:
1. Go Big or Go Home: Chicago is one of the 6 World Marathon Majors. You don’t get any bigger than that. It attracts a deep field of elite runners with one of the largest prize purses around. With 45,000 runners, it’s one of the largest races and to be honest, it’s pretty darn cool to be a part of that. It’s a world-class race all the way.
2.The spectators are fantastic. Seriously the couple of times I ran this race, the fans made me so proud to be a native Chicagoan. They’re enthusiastic, they come out in force (1.7 million) and they’re ever so encouraging. No dead zones on the Chi course. Mo cowbell anyone?
3. It’s the best tour of the city you’ll ever take. The Chicago Marathon runs through 29 different neighborhoods and you get a close-up view of all the sights, sounds and cultures. From Greektown to Boys Town to Chinatown and everything in between, you will not be bored.
4. Chicago is a beautiful city with lots to see and do. October is typically a gorgeous time of year in the city. Visit Millennium Park, Willis Tower, shop the Magnificent Mile and do not forget to soak in our glorious lakefront. Oh and pizza. Hands down, we’ve got the best deep dish pie.
5. The blogger press box at mile 13. This has become a tradition. Erica, Wendy, me and any number of others will be at our command post in time to see the elites run through and we stay there for the duration, tracking and cowbelling. It’s a really fun day.
Your turn! What race in your area should I come and run?
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Some day I want to run this one. It’s such a hard time of year for me to get back to that area. Just need these pesky kids to grow up.
I definitely want to run the Chicago marathon some day! I’ve heard great things about it and I love October races.
Mohawk Hudson is our biggie, but I’ve never run it & never plan to. I train on the course all.the.time. Plus spectator support is rather sparse for most of the course. Except at the finish!
I’m rarely here for it, usually I’m off running a half in another state. 🙂
Chicago will always be one of my all time favorite races. You should run the Flying Pig in Cincinnati. It’s a great race and we can meet!
This is on my list and your post didn’t hurt!! How cool is it that theyou have a blogger press box?! Seems like such a fun race!
I had a fantastic Chicago Marathon. Seeing you guys half way was amazing, running through the city was amazing. I wish I hadn’t had the aftermath that I did, but I loved the race!
It’s why I ran it 3 times! Truly, my favorite race.
That race does look amazing! I would love to run any race in Chicago- such a great city! Just getting out and cheering runners on even looks like fun! You can see all the excitement in the pictures!
It’s on my bucket list! Gotta love those crazy chicks and their Bean jumping antics 😉
I soooo love Chicago! My first time in Chicago was last year to run the marathon and I BQ there so it is always going to have a special place in my heart! I wish I had more time while I was there to explore the great city!
I really want to run in Chicago sometime. Not the marathon but a race.
This would be an awesome way to see Chicago! I can’t imagine how awesome it would be to see the city.
your post just made me that more excited to run the Chicago Marathon in October 🙂 I’ve done the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chiacgo race twice and I just love the city, so I’m looking forward to seeing more of it during the race this Fall 🙂
Yay for #5! You pretty much nailed it! Best fans. Oh, and if you live somewhere will hills, you’ll crush this pancake!!
I think some of the best ways to see a city is on foot, and I love running in the fall. I’ll actually get a fall running season this year!
Chicago is on my bucket list, and when I am not feeling lazy I will run a marathon again. 🙂
I’d love to do a race in Chicago sometime! I’ve only been there once and it was years ago.
Chicago is on my list!
I’d love to run Chicago some time! We’ve moved too often to have a favorite in my current town… my favorite goes back to one of my first runs in college, the ten mile Broad Street run in Philly. Mostly flat and a run down memory lane for me from the various neighborhoods I lived/worked in when there!
If I ever did a marathon, I think it would be Chicago, but I think my body has other plans for me.
I’m running Chicago this year and one of the reasons was because of the crowd support! I wanted to make sure my first marathon would be loud, noisy and have all the support. I guess I hit the nail on the head with that one!
Oh, and I also hope its good weather. I’ll be doing most of my training in Florida, so I’m hoping by the time I get up your way it’s nice and cool on race morning. 😉
I want to run the Chicago Marathon for all these 5 awesome reasons!! I’ve been a fan ever since I watched Spirit of the Marathon!! Have a great week Marcia!!
I’ve always wanted to run Chicago!! It’s sorta not in my immediate area – I’m a little south but I’ve run it twice – but you should run the Marine Corps Marathon! Have you run that one? It’s fabulous! And, the best way to see DC and northern Virginia. The Marines seriously put on an amazing race. <3
Chicago is definitely on my bucket list! I’ve never even visited the city so I need to get there! Maybe I’ll try for 2018….
This is actually on my marathon bucket list! Would love to run it one day!!
Reason 6 – because you promised you would order up perfect weather.
I agree! Definitely a GREAT race! Even though it is 26.2 miles, I still love it.