Over 1,300 people gathered in Schamburg to run the Chicagoland Spring Marathon/Half Marathon organized by All Community Events early Sunday morning.
Packet pick up was available at Dick Pond Athletics in Hoffman Estates both on Thursday and Friday. They also offered convenient mail option at additional cost ($9.99). I chose this option and received the packet seven days before the event. They also offered race day pick up although this option wasn’t recommend by organizer.
The race was schedule to begin at 7:05 a.m. for both events, but Mother Nature had a different plan for us; down-pouring rain and lightening delayed the race by half an hour. Luckily, a nearby parking garage kept all runners, spectators and volunteers dry until the race began.
The race course was mainly flat and we ran both on streets and on a paved trail in the Busse Woods Forest Preserve. There were 14 aid stations on the marathon course, and six for the half, and were neatly organized by volunteers. For full marathoners, three gel (GU) station were available as well.
This race is perfect for runners whose families may be available to come and spectate the race. My husband was on the course as a spectator. He had an easy in-and-out parking spot at numerous areas in the forest preserve and was able to cheer at six different spots.
Swag for the race was a blue technical long sleeved quarter zip pullover. They only offered unisex sizing. Due to the weather, there was no band playing at finish line as it was advertised. After crossing the finish line, a medal was given as well as a bottle of water.
Recovery food selections were limited: grapes, granola bars, cookies, fruit cups and Wendy’s hamburgers. Water and sports drinks were provided but no congratulatory beer after the race. I am not much of a beer drinker but I would have loved to sip a bit after qualifying for Boston.
